UNESCO: Bengaluru T2 is the World’s Most Beautiful Airport
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) wins UNESCO's 2023 Prix Versailles for its innovative "Terminal in a Garden" design.
Terminal 2 (T2) of Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has been recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful airports and awarded the world special prize for interiors at the UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles. UNESCO’s Prix Versailles was established in 2015 and is a series of architectural competitions & awards given to the finest contemporary architectural projects around the world. It focuses on architectural aspects such as sustainability, culture, innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and social interaction. Famous fashion designer Elie Saab was the head of the judges panel for the Prix Versailles 2023. She announced the results of all “the world’s best” title categories. Bengaluru’s T2 is also called the‘Terminal in a Garden’. It was inaugurated on 11th November 2022. It is spread across more than 2,50,000 square meters and designed on 4 design concepts which are technological leadership, terminal in a garden, environmental and ecological stewardship, and a celebration of Karnataka’s rich heritage and culture. The interior of the terminal is engineered using Bamboos and offers a contemporary yet classic ambiance. The terminal features spacious indoor gardens with rammed-earth walls and waterfalls along with hanging planted bells, all making the terminal’s aesthetics unique. The Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), Mr. Hari Marar said “The nomination of T2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride, and we are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves. T2, with its unique blend of art and technology, serves as a distinctive gateway, leaving a lasting impression on global travelers, and offering a glimpse of the rich offerings of our State and country.” According to BIAL, Kempegowda International Airport’s T2 is designed to accommodate 25 million (2.5 crore) passengers per year. The terminal promises a journey through the terminal as an unforgettable experience for passengers making them awe-inspiring. The KIA T2’s sustainability factor is reflected by the fact that it is the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a Platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council before operational commencement. It also has the prestigious Platinum certification under the IGBC Green New Building rating system.
