'A TERMINAL IN A GARDEN' PUTTING NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY AT THE HEART OF THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE

The design of Terminal 2 (T2) at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is an attempt to provide a sensory and biophilic experience for passengers.

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The new terminal at Kempegowda International Airport is conceptualized as a ‘Terminal in a Garden’ paying homage to Bengaluru’s ‘garden city’ heritage. The vision radically reimagines the terminal experience by placing nature at the heart of the design process and challenging the stereotypes of a typical airport environment characterized by overwhelming, chaotic, and often disconnected nature. The landscape consultant, in collaboration with the architecture team has tried to create a unique environment with a strong focus on biophilic design throughout the terminal offering a unique passenger experience. The airport’s expansion, executed in two phases, encompasses a staggering 25.5 ha, poised to accommodate up to 25 million passengers annually.

The Brief

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) the operator of Kempegowda International Airport had envisioned the landscape of Terminal 2 to be an iconic garden experience championing environmental and ecological stewardship while showcasing the rich heritage and culture of State of Karnataka. In the main design concept, nature takes center stage in the intentional reinvention of the Terminal experience from the outset, with priority given to biodiversity and nature in crafting a distinctive experience for the passengers.

Potential and Challenges