The Chennai International Airport, designed by Creative Group LLP, stands as a testament to modern architectural innovation and sustainable design. This airport, which caters to over 14 million passengers annually, is expected to handle up to 40 million passengers in the near future.
Project Name: Chennai Airport
Studio Name: Creative Group
Location: Chennai, Tamil nadu
Site Area: 1200 Acre
Built Up Area: 2,03,200 Sq. Mi.
Image Credits: Creative Group LLP
The design of the airport is inspired by the winged form of a bird, symbolizing freedom and movement, and features twin-curved roofs interspersed with skylights and exposed ceilings with hot-bended circular sections, a first in India1.
Oneof the most remarkable aspects of the Chennai Airport project is its status as a Brownfield project. This means that new domestic and international terminals were added while retaining the existing terminals, a challenging feat that required meticulous planning and execution. The new terminals are designed to be highly sustainable, incorporating passive energy conservation strategies, restoration of native landscapes, and onsite water treatment facilities1.
The master planning of the airport by Creative Group introduced India’s first inter-modal hub, seamlessly connecting the domestic and international terminals with the metro station, railway station, and bus stand. This integration ensures hassle-free and comfortable departures and arrivals for passengers1.
The airport spans a total site area of 100 acres, with the new domestic terminal building covering 67,700 square meters and the international terminal building covering 59,300 square meters. The terminal buildings are designed in an H-shape, which minimizes the travel distance for passengers and incorporates a green spine with vertical gardens. These gardens not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also allow natural light to permeate the terminal, creating a unique dialogue between interior and exterior spaces2.
The structural design of the airport is both innovative and functional. The use of steel as a primary building material provides unrivaled sustainability performance. The steel structure rises from a curved roof to form a naturally lit, column-free terminal with highly insulative transparent glass curtain walls. Skylights follow the geometry of the trusses, further opening the structural framework to allow natural light to flood the terminal2.
Oneof the standout features of the airport is the 800-meter-long elliptical bridge, or arrival tube, which connects the airside with the city side. This bridge, along with a 1.2-kilometer flyover, exemplifies the efficient use of space and innovative engineering. The flyover, made using steam-cured hollow box beams, is a visual delight and saves significant space2.
Sustainability is at the core of the airport’s design. The project employs a series of active and passive strategies to achieve maximum efficiency with minimal wastage. The use of double skin glazing, retention of stormwater, and rainwater harvesting are just a few examples of the sustainable practices implemented. The terminal building complies with the Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC), achieving a 43% reduction in water consumption2.
In conclusion, the Chennai International Airport by Creative Group LLP is a marvel of modern architecture and sustainable design. Its innovative structural elements, integration of green spaces, and commitment to sustainability set a new benchmark for airport design in India and beyond.
