Airports are transient spaces, but Indian airports are stiff, simple, straightforward, and boring and act as a mere conduit between the destination and the traveler. In a post-pandemic world where people travel more than ever, Indian airports are transforming into portals of adventure and exploration. Suddenly, they have transformed into fascinating places that act as portals to the unknown and are brimming with opportunities for new experiences.
Tucked down in the center of India’s Silicon Valley, Kempegowda Airport Terminal 2 is evidence of the city’s explosive expansion and development. In addition to being an extension, Terminal 2 makes a strong architectural and environmental design statement.
Designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill, the new air travel hub has been reimagined as a landscaped, serene transportation experience. This terminal was designed over 4 years and is spread across over 255,000 square meters and is designed as a “terminal in a garden”. Peter Lefkovits states that the terminal honors Bengaluru Garden City’s heritage.
Design Concept
The construction of the terminal began in 2019 and it is located on the northeastern side of Terminal 1, Terminal 2 was inaugurated in November 2022, while the operations started on January 2023. With 90 counters, the airport terminal aims to ensure faster check-ins with new self-check-in booths and the security check areas become easy to navigate. The retail and lounge areas of both domestic and international parts of the airport have two levels and are structured in a way that provides scenic views of both the exterior and the greenery within the airport. (Walsh, 2019)
Bengaluru’s reputation as “Garden City” has inspired the design concept of this airport which pays homage to expansive parks and plantings that have recently declined due to urbanization. The design is an opportunity to revive the sense of belongingness and imageability which helps in establishing a future vision for sustainable growth. The terminal is divided into four floors. The built-up area of the first phase is 255,661 m2. The green walls after passing the security check gate also provide a sense of anticipation and curiosity, it offers a distinctive experience as people move through the airport. There are more than 10,000 m2 of green walls, hanging and outdoor gardens.
The users are provided with a unique experience as they pass through a three-storeyed first belt between the boarding gate and the main terminal structure. It has good connectivity with the shopping area as well and has a really good view from all the main indoor spaces. (Thatipalli, 2023)
The design vision for the T2 was shaped by a unique and powerful concept – a “Terminal in a Garden”. The goal was to seamlessly integrate nature into the passenger experience, from arrival to departure. This vision materialized into an array of landscaped vistas in both the interior and the exterior of the terminal, crafting a serene yet delightful ambiance. The architectural approach, led by design principal Peter Lefkovits of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), embraced subtlety and tranquillity, aiming to enhance and frame these landscaped experiences.
Materials and Construction
The selection of materials and finishes was crucial in complementing the landscape. The design team focused on using natural stone, rattan, brick, and particularly engineered bamboo – an unconventional choice for airport construction. Engineered bamboo stood out for its sustainability, versatility in indoor and outdoor applications, structural strength, and aesthetic alignment with the garden concept. The interplay of natural materials and the strategic use of bamboo not only enhanced the terminal’s aesthetics but also played a key role in filtering daylight, echoing the experience of walking through a garden.
The terminal’s design draws heavily from the region’s landscape to offer a distinct passenger experience. Elements like bespoke bamboo installations, hanging gardens, and exotic Mediterranean flora are combined with earth-formed structures, creating a remarkable voyage across the airport for the visitors. Extensive use of glass and pathways over lush gardens are designed to deliver a complete sensory experience – immersive and soothing. (Thatipalli, 2023)
To realize this ambitious garden concept, the design team, including landscape architects Grant Associates and lighting experts Brandston Partnership Inc (BPI), meticulously planned the integration of landscaping. They ensured that the flora would not only thrive in the designed environments but also accommodate future terminal expansions. A significant focus was placed on balancing the daylight requirements for plant growth with the building’s energy demands. Skylights were fine-tuned to provide optimal filtered natural light to the interior spaces, a critical aspect of the project’s sustainability strategy.
Sustainability
There are 180 rare, endangered, and vulnerable species, 10 ecological areas, 620 unique plants, 150 palm species, over 3,600 plant species, 7,700 transplanted trees, 96 lotus species, and 100 types of lilies make up the verdant scenery that surrounds the terminal. The temperature in the outside garden is kept two to three degrees cooler than the surrounding air. (Anon., 2023)
Clean air is ensured by the gardens and forest cover, even if solar panels and daylight harvesting are predicted to help the terminal achieve a 24.9% energy reduction. The terminal’s environmental effect is reduced via rainwater collecting and six large rainfall-fed ponds that can contain 413 million liters of water to fulfill airport requirements. HVAC systems employ reverse osmosis water that has been treated. (Anon., 2023)
The US Green Building Council awarded the T2 a Platinum LEED certification. By turning biodegradable trash into fuel and manure, the proposed integrated solid waste management plant is anticipated to support the airport’s goal of sending zero waste to landfills. (Anon., 2023)
Kempegowda Airport T2 stands as a benchmark of sustainable and innovative airport design for future development and upcoming Airports in India. The design and architecture paint a beautiful picture of the roots of Bengaluru’s identity as Garden City, harmonizes with nature, whereas the construction technology showcases the integration of engineered bamboo along with eco-friendly features like extensive green cover, energy-efficient systems and water conservation measures, which increases the sustainability ethos and helps in reduction of carbon footprint. This terminal is more than a transportation hub; it’s a symbol of India’s progressive vision and a testament to the harmonious coexistence of urban development and environmental responsibility.
References:
Anon., 2023. Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2, Bengaluru. [Online]
Available at: https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/kempegowda-international-airport-terminal-2/
[Accessed 27 March 2023].
Stathaki, E., 2023. Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 is a celebration of its ‘garden city’, Bengaluru. [Online]
Available at: https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/lesley-lokko-2024-royal-gold-medal-for-architecture
[Accessed 23 August 2023].
Thatipalli, M., 2023. Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport T2 is a ‘terminal in a garden’. [Online]
Available at: https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/bengalurus-kempegowda-international-airport-t2-is-a-terminal-in-a-garden/
[Accessed 9 September 2023].
Walsh, N. P., 2019. SOM Designs Garden Terminal for India’s Kempegowda International Airport. [Online]
Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/914396/som-designs-garden-terminal-for-indias-kempegowda-international-airport
[Accessed 4 April 2019].
Image 1 Kempegowda International Airport T2 @ SOM/ATCHAIN 1
Image 2 Ver Galeria @ MOSO Mastering Bamboo 2
Image 3 Hanging Gardens @ Ar. Ekansh Goel © Studio Recall 3
Image 4 T2 Departure Road @ Ar. Ekansh Goel © Studio Recall 4
