Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport T2 has transformed the airport journey, earning the prestigious UNESCO Prix Versailles award for its outstanding interiors and unwavering dedication to sustainability. It holds the distinction of being the only Indian airport to receive such prestigious recognition, being recognized among the 'world's most beautiful airports' for its awe-inspiring interior design and unwavering commitment to sustainability efforts.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) during an extensive four-year period, T2 Bengaluru sprawls across an impressive 255,000 square meters, equivalent to 47 football fields. The design concept revolves around creating a "terminal in a garden."
Some notable architectural features of the airport include:
- The front of T2 features a 123,000-square-meter multimodal transit hub, serving as a central point for public transportation throughout the entire airport.
- This T-shaped, two-level outdoor plaza space is designed to streamline access to public transit, creating a fully walkable terminal area.
- Throughout T2, hanging gardens, terraced gardens, and open-air bridges seamlessly bring nature indoors in a stunning manner.
- T2 incorporates local materials rarely found in airports, such as ivory, brown granite, umber red bricks, and traditionally woven rattan.
- The ceiling, constructed with layers of cross-laid engineered bamboo, filters light in a manner reminiscent of a garden pavilion. It's noteworthy that the utilization of engineered bamboo was a first experience for the team.
- In the shopping area of the terminal, beautiful indoor waterfalls mirror the stunning natural features of Karnataka's rocks and waterways.
- One standout area is the forest strip, a wide stretch of beautifully planted greenery, 90 meters across. Passengers walk across covered, open-air bridges to get to the gates, offering a sensory experience immersed in nature.
- Furthermore, T2 boasts 60 captivating artworks centered around two themes: Karnataka's rich heritage and Natyashastra's Navarasa, representing the nine emotions.
- From Krishnaraj Chonat's copper sculpture to MA Rauf's Bidri art installation and Anupama Hoskere's wood puppets, these artworks contribute to an unforgettable experience.
T2 pays a genuine tribute to Karnataka by offering an engaging and sensory experience with its distinctive art and richly planted surroundings.