Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 shines worldwide! Earns UNESCO recognition as one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’

Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 shines worldwide! Earns UNESCO recognition as one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has achieved notable recognition at the 2023 Prix Versailles organised by UNESCO. The airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) was acknowledged as one of the ‘World’s most beautiful airports’ and received the esteemed ‘World special prize for an interior 2023.’

In the global evaluation conducted by the Prix Versailles 2023 judges panel, led by renowned fashion designer Elie Saab, Bengaluru airport emerged as the sole Indian airport to be honored, underscoring its dedication to exceptional design and architecture on an international level.

Terminal 2, recognised earlier with the prestigious IGBC platinum certification by the Indian Green Building Council, aligns with the IGBC Green New Building Rating system. In its first phase, T2 is designed to accommodate 25 million passengers per annum, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The terminal’s unique combination of art and technology aims to leave a lasting impression on global travelers, offering a glimpse of the cultural richness of the state and country.

Sustainable design

The sustainable design of T2, acknowledged as the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council even before operational commencement, reflects the airport’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The terminal has also received the coveted platinum certification under the IGBC green new building rating system, as outlined in an official statement.

Artistic theme

Earlier during the Art walkthrough of Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, Yamini Telkar, the head of the Art Programs, said “the theme of Naurasa is not only culturally pertinent but also highly fitting for an airport terminal. Recognising that every passenger carries their unique stories and emotions, the aim is to showcase this diversity through the chosen artistic theme.”

Airports act as a canvas reflecting a diverse range of human emotions, and the art pieces at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport vividly showcase this intricate tapestry. Revolving around two core themes – the rich heritage and culture of Karnataka, and the nine emotions encapsulated in Bharata Natyashastra’s Navarasa – the art installations are strategically positioned throughout the terminal.

Exceptional artworks

Every piece of artwork is accompanied by a unique narrative that resonates with the theme of Naurasa. Striking a harmonious balance between technology, art, and sustainability, Terminal 2 (T2) passengers at Kempegowda International Airport can immerse themselves in a diverse array of works by artists from around the world, strategically showcased throughout the terminal. The domestic zones in T2 feature distinct artworks, while the international zones showcase another set of captivating pieces. Each artwork represents a different facet of human emotions, acknowledging the varied emotional states of travelers—be it happiness, sadness, fatigue, anxiety, or stress. The overarching goal of this compelling compilation of artworks is to provide passengers with a seamless travel experience, recognizing and addressing the spectrum of emotions that accompany every traveler in the airport. The culmination of these initiatives aims to transform T2 into a “biodiversity hotspot.”