Six designs that competed to become the new Burning Man airport

Each year around 50,000 people ascend on Black Rock Desert to partake in the Burning Man festival. Not all fly directly into the pop-up Black Rock airport, the busiest airport in Nevada during that time, but those that do have been underwhelmed by their first stop in the momentary community.

Bored of an airport that had didn’t match the rest of the festival’s energy and artistic influence, the organizers behind Burning Man approached architectural design firm EcoLogic Design Lab about running a contest to find an airport that radiated the feel of the festival while withstanding the tough desert climate.

Forty-five entries came in from around the world. The most beautiful entries wouldn’t have been able to survive the desert with weather fluctuations, rain, and sandstorms.

The first place entry; however, was a mix of intriguing design and realistic implementation. It will be built at this year’s Burning Man, which takes place August 26 to September 2. Click through the slideshow to see six of the final entries and here to see the complete list of finalists.