Airports don't have to be stressful: Here’s how | Kempegowda International Airport T2

Could airports - and their landscapes - become destinations in their own right? That question drove design of Bengaluru, India’s Kempegowda International Airport, the subject our special edition FRAME Views Biophilic Transit.
SOM’s design of Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 utilizes local elements and biophilia to highlight Bengaluru’s rich history and culture, providing travellers with a distinct experience. Facilities like retail and entertainment spaces are augmented by a forested pick-up area and civic square covered by a canopy, which the gates are separate from. The terminal’s oasis-like ‘forest belt’ incorporates indigenous flora and two-story pavilions influenced by Indian cane weavings - biophilic design that’s paired with materials like brick, bamboo and glass. Plantings, skylights and bamboo-clad steel members give the interior, which incorporates sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and the use of renewable energy, an immersive quality. Pointing out the hectic nature of travel and airport spaces, Peter Lefkovits, design principal at SOM, says, ‘We felt combining this natural environment would help create a much more serene calming environment - almost the anti-airport experience.’
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[@kasunmahesh1862]

Incredible India! Love from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

[@dhruvilkumpavat6037]

Thanks brother 🙏

[@hvphvp9138]

Namo buddhay brother.

[@kasunmahesh1862]

@@dhruvilkumpavat6037 You're welcome brdh 🖤😌

[@kasunmahesh1862]

@@hvphvp9138 May Triple Gems Bless You!

[@user-gi4te2ux8w]

Namo budda ❤❤

[@rigor_21]

That airport still looks like a rendering design image. What a sustainable and beautiful design. Kempegowda International Airport looks amazing

[@SodiumSyndicate]

Anything Western in design is non-harmonious, non-symbiotic and thus INFERIOR and unsustainable. A forest is naturally sustainable, a garden is not. The plants in that stupid Western design have already started dying.

[@potencjalnypracownik2966]

where are the shots of real it?

[@swapnil7399]

​@@potencjalnypracownik2966those are the real shots

[@ryushev2000]

beautiful but not sustainable

[@willcookmakeup]

Yeah these def look rendered. There is definitely air conditioning there, not a single leaf is moving. But if built to spec it's going to he stunning

[@kenzodelapena7628]

As always India has one of the best airports. Been to Bangalore airport and Mumbai so far I love them both.😊

[@prashant5527]

Mumbai airport is not user friendly No proper signages for directions…i have seen many people asking for directions and firsthand experienced it also. In terms of clarnliness to…mumbai lacks

[@hydragaming4265]

@@prashant5527I think only you had that problem

[@AxtonXtreme]

​@@prashant5527You're comparing an airport that was opened more than 10 years ago to the one that was opened in 2023. Just wait till 2025, Navi Mumbai is getting a new ultramodern International Airport.

[@RAJ_GADHAVI]

​@@prashant5527 stop it bro. Mumbai Airport is much better than many airports around the world, even better than NYC AIRPORT. Also Bengaluru airport is new & it's made by our current government with **indian architecture** so it's obvious that it will look beautiful but mumbai airport is also good & much better than all other airports in india except Bengaluru airport. Mumbai Airport is based on western architecture & Bengaluru airport is based on indian architecture.

[@Alpha_gx]

​@@RAJ_GADHAVIyappity yappity no one cares

[@Metalrocks23]

Wow that’s a nice terminal. I wish Bengaluru had retained its reputation as a garden city.

[@mchauhan4]

Sooo beautiful and serene. Wish all public infrastructure could be like this.

[@jkskh]

Namoone aa jayenge bolte huye ki desh bech diya

[@GuruKhatri1]

Incredible 🇮🇳

[@namratasingh1723]

People can say a lot of thing about Modi but no one can deny that infrastructure developments done by Modi is unbeatable!

[@himanshusingh-st7xi]

Dhruv rathee supporters r new fascists🤡

[@dotalord6665]

No body says anything about Modi , he has transformed India , the problem is Indians have short term memory and the zen z never faced everyday bomb blasts like we did. Modi Transformed India

[@visheshsarbhai8379]

The part that will really blow people's mind is how cheap it was to build it , it cost $1.2 billion now compare that to $ 6 billion for the renovation of jfk terminal and $38 billion for the new dubai airport

[@goldfish3858]

they need this Engineer to remodel LAX

[@nazda2007]

love from indonesia ❤

[@dhruvilkumpavat6037]

Thanks 😊

[@kishanc9636]

thankyou dear

[@rygregory]

One of the most beautiful airports I ever ever seen in person. I also highly recommend going to the 080 International Lounge.

[@tetrateq4101]

Very great design. Before a decade , we wanted to built glossy glass and granite fitted infrastructures. Shift to this natural and serene experience is very much welcoming.

[@pranav4498]

Thank you from 🇮🇳

[@shashanks.k855]

Been to this airport recently, they did a great job!

[@rickfeng4466]

Oh goodness that design is so nice and natural! The new airports here in China are often very icy and cold, futuristic but lacking the human touch😢 make me want to visit Bengaluru just for the airport😅

[@swapnilsingh5067]

Are you from China? 😅

[@mitesh289]

You are always welcome 😊

[@shabarishbalaji1881]

BLR T2 is definitely the best airport after Singapore's Changi. Its amazing.

[@Kylelongwest]

Love it, bamboos and trees. i will someday visit this city and airport

[@thedn3164]

The city is have nothing to visit now. 10 year ago this city was a growing IT hub with 100s of garden and lakes. Now due to urbanization 90% of gardens and lakes are converted into apartment and offices. You will only see glass buildings. Instead there is nearby city called manglore which have art and culture

[@1986avinashs]

Bangalore still has the biggest parks of India such as Lalbagh and cubbon park. Visit Sankey Tank , Yelahanka Lake, Hebbal lake and many more lakes which are pretty well maintained. Visit Bannerghatta national park with Safari. Take a trip to Nandi hills for a beautiful cool breeze. You can also add para gliding . Bangalore Palace is also a major attraction.Along with this there are many ancient temples like Nandi bogeshwara, Someshwara etc which are worth a visit to see ancient architecture these are some natural or ancient sight seeing places of Bangalore. Now speaking to the latest ones there are hundreds of micro breweries with some of the best breweries in the world. Visit Brigade Road, Koramangala for the best night life if you are a party animal . Visit Malleshwaram, Jaynagar for authentic shopping. Have food at some of the classic restaurants like Vidyarti Bhavan, CTR, Brahmins cafe etc. Also there are thousands of multi cuisine restaurants everywhere to satisfy your taste buds . The presence of giant malls and multiplexes shouldn't disappoint you either ... Please visit Bengaluru and the beautiful Kempegowda Airport...

[@homeland2710]

two thumbs up! incredible India, such a beautiful airport 🎉

[@ShriNidhi-zu2im]

ಕೆಂಪೇಗೌಡ ಅಂತರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣ, ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು 💛❤️ Kempegowda international airport, Bengaluru 💛❤️

[@freedom3040]

Good Job INDIA.

[@masing1]

Surprised this just popped up on my recommended! The algorithm has been good today

[@karthikmattupalli5162]

these are the moments i feel proud of india😢

[@SpiritualSeeker-oq5pt]

mere bharat ka bacha bacha jai jai shri ram bholega

[@AbimaelLopez-hz3qq]

It was guy from another country that made it happen it was not Indians

[@AbimaelLopez-hz3qq]

@@SpiritualSeeker-oq5ptit was a white guy from another country that made it happen and Indians didn’t make it happen

[@SpiritualSeeker-oq5pt]

@@AbimaelLopez-hz3qq ok lopez from america who is a 2nd class citizen mexican

[@SpiritualSeeker-oq5pt]

@@AbimaelLopez-hz3qq Indians are running many white countries and western companies like Google, etc. So it is okay. That is what economic cooperation looks like. I've never heard of a mexican leading anything

[@Sana-ii3ke]

Amazing design... Salute to architecture and interior designer

[@ashugowda5284]

Best airport that I have seen till now.. Thanks for such an awesome design.. ❤❤🌻🌻

[@AgneeshBiju-fd9yi]

Bengaluru ❤❤❤🎉

[@MohitKumar-nj8ms]

beautiful, calming, mesmerizing experience...will visit for sure some day

[@chaole1000]

This is stunning. I'll have to fly through Bengaluru at some point

[@wisdomhighschool9975]

Look who did these Works,The Central Govt under Mr Modi,There are Dozens lf Such Airports under Construction in India

[@ikappan]

Centre, AAI has just 13% stake in BIAL. Rest is state and pvt players. Such a rush to claim credit 🤦

[@warishislxlr]

​@@ikappanadani

[@KiranPatil-tj8mq]

​@@ikappananother stupid comment. Both railways & airports comes directly under center when it comes to development and gov gives it to private players for operation. Even if u say state is responsible. It was BJP only who was in power in KA 1 year back. Anyway we all know BJP has no comparison with any other party when it comes to infra

[@yogeshkrsharma3054]

​@@ikappan Chomu centre govt hoti h 😂😂

[@yogeshkrsharma3054]

​@@ikappan airport national highways centre k under aate h 😂😂

[@audiovisualexcellence]

I'm just thinking about the shittiest airport of Miami i left behind.

[@cannibalronny7314]

But then its not shttt outside like Bengaluru,Miami is heaven outside the airport

[@portcybertryx222]

Orlando airport is very similar to this albeit not as modern but within similar indoor garden spaces.

[@AbimaelLopez-hz3qq]

There’s a fish pond at the Hawaii airport

[@sumitsarangi7333]

​@@cannibalronny7314 Jealousy is a bi**h. You can't even appreciate something nice?

[@Argylleagen]

@@cannibalronny7314 You have obviously never been to Miami. The last thing it feels like is heaven

[@rocker10039]

I don't understand how this and Mumbai Airport was ranked below Delhi Airport. Delhi has such a mid airport😭.

[@warishislxlr]

Navi Mumbai & Jewer Caming soon

[@Abhishekkumar-wd9fz]

When delhi airport opened it was pretty dope. Ofcourse then mumbai airport opened and it was mesmerising and now this. But i suppose delhi handles the most passengers every year hence it is number 1. But delhi and mumbai are both getting two new airports. Lets see how they are going to be.

[@mangopudding5979]

Jewer?​@@warishislxlr

[@mangopudding5979]

​@@Abhishekkumar-wd9fz actually Delhi airport is obviously older than Mumbai and Bangalore airport, that's why it looks the way it looks.

[@Abhishekkumar-wd9fz]

@@mangopudding5979 yeah, thats what i said. When it opened. It was the best looking airport

[@meghneelishaan]

OMG! I was there in November (2023). It wasn't like that then. This is great. Surely this is the most sophisticated airport I've ever visited. Though I haven't visited quite a lot. Nevertheless it was really a praiseworthy airport. ❤

[@GeneralDante108]

My nation 🇮🇳🕉️♥️

[@goldfish3858]

so proud and happy for y'all!!

[@karsan6018]

Remarkable...unique...ecofriendly...warm....with diverse fauna....truly represents Bharat.

[@stephenbachmann1171]

No, most people around the world associate India with poverty, deprivation, scams, pollution, and poor hygiene.

[@scienceaweek]

Hope they get this great team to make Bangalore Garden City or green City again, than than the shitty politician henchmen.

[@SodiumSyndicate]

Looks way too western and bland, there is none of the superior Indian architectural design super complex aesthetics and glory.

[@internetuser9279]

For real just imagine

[@SpikoDreams]

@@SodiumSyndicatebiased

[@msriram9884]

The airport is beautiful, but somehow the spirit of the people the locals is not there. It looks like a really nice western airport.

[@subhashish1647]

​@@msriram9884 shut up

[@Velayudan-gattimelii]

Proud of Indian heritage

[@SAM-1997]

Beautiful Airport... Green, Natural & comfy

[@magadh4762]

So thoughtful and inclusive of all.

[@Mishupafmaf]

This makes me so happy to see! A truly wonderful design. Would love to see more of these types of buildings instead of the hard and cold ones we see all over.

[@PRO..NATIONALIST007]

Modi hai toh mumkin hai…

[@rajavishnuvardhana6830]

Modi build Ahmadabad airport which looks like bus stand😂

[@KiranPatil-tj8mq]

​@@rajavishnuvardhana6830modi also built atal setu, Lucknow airport, dawrka expressway, mumbai delhi expressway. Reality is u cannot compare BJP with any other party in infra

[@rohitpoudel99999]

@@rajavishnuvardhana6830this comes under central government project kid.

[@ujarkk2]

​@rohitpoudel99999 thok ke chat liya tune 😂

[@RomitDholakia5]

We have a big muslim population and we are surrounded by radical Islamic 3rd world countries as well. So security is tight in important crowded places like airports, subways and railway stations.

[@thewhatorwhy]

The Hindu population is worse but thank God that he will be reducing it quick.

[@Utkarsh95066]

Yeah muslims are biggest threat no doubt

[@ikappan]

You need to bring in your toxic communalism here.

[@hydragaming4265]

@@ikappanbut it’s the truth isn’t it

[@Sasuke-04]

​@@hydragaming4265no it's just hate speech and generalization of a community

[@asifahmedtanmoy]

It looks so calm and peaceful. Wish to go there someday

[@aryanraina700]

They don't allow Muslims to enter due to safety reasons😢

[@swapnilsingh5067]

​@@aryanraina700😅😅

[@jadephoenix222]

you are welcome :)

[@mangopudding5979]

Kanglus aren't allowed

[@rpatel3935]

Beautiful Terminal 👌

[@lyshai.1720]

He's an awesome benevolent genius! An angel!

[@ronaldkable]

What a great building, accolades to the whole team that worked on it

[@annedeul]

beautiful!

[@Delllatitude7490]

Bengaluru airport is really one of the best in the world, the feel, the food, the facilities, seriously, even France Charles De Gaulle fails in comparision, the only airport that gave me similar vibes was Atlanta, GA, USA.

[@paolabueso]

The design is absolutely stunning! 💖🙌🙌🙌

[@Prem.palakkad]

Proud of India. 👍

[@malpalmer3269]

Stunning airport

[@akshaydube6215]

Peter you've done a fantastic job

[@mikaexploring2685]

It's wonderful to see Bengaluru getting addressed as the garden city again.. It's my home.. I'm currently not living there due to my studies..I so miss the city.. 🥺

[@sasmac1829]

Very beautiful indeed

[@phunk8607]

just gorgeous...

[@reginageorgetownuni]

Thank you for informing me about my own country! Idk when I'll go to Bengaluru, but I'm excited.

[@gojo380]

Oh im planning a trip to india! Will definitely visit Bengaluru now!

[@soap.mactavish.8]

Simply wow

[@highlightsonwheels]

Excellent indeed... A successful and unique design solution...

[@MrMusickey]

Stunning

[@mychan_dsi]

woww

[@_kartik_chauhan]

This is what we all strive to achieve This is what money can do Why can't we spend money on this infrastructure And the well-being of people, not wars

[@anubhav_ick]

I think we should build more like this but with different ideas and design and it should also sustainable

[@apachetamizha]

Extraordinary 😊🎉

[@Shalini-dt2gb]

Thankyou for your design ❤❤❤

[@sudhirsingh6843]

India has changed a lot in a few years: and we will continue at this pace.

[@brucewayne2851]

Beautiful design ❤

[@hmmer3471]

Literally carried trees from western ghats to blore. But when it comes to expanding roads or creating new roads they can't move it a few meters

[@vijayaccount17]

They do please dint share false knowledge

[@keshavdawra12]

Yea crybaby!

[@sunwukong2959]

The hanging plants are not really, those are fake plants. Only Bengalurian knows about tha traffic... shittiest road and traffic Bus stops located at the junction and traffic lights... wow! who was the genius designed it in such a way It takes 45min to 90mins to pass through Kodigehalli to Windsor Bridge via Ground Palace Same from Hebbal to Yeshwanthapura via Goreguntapalya Sub urban of Yelahanka still no landline or broadband connections or water supply. till to Chikkajala the same road leads to Int airport

[@sunwukong2959]

@@keshavdawra12 truth is bitter and it is hard to digest it... it hurts ..ouch!

[@keshavdawra12]

@@sunwukong2959 The fact is internal roads are state govt. Business while this international airport is central govt's so yes you can compare both scenarios but can't blame the centre for internal roads issue. Altough i am not from there..

[@nahilmannan2030]

He has outdone himself. 👏

[@michealrios2505]

India an enchanting country❤😊

[@mskareporting1]

Hey😊 welcome to India 🇮🇳

[@paytv80]

Amazing ❤🎉❤

[@shreya1919]

Namma Bengaluru❤

[@Abhishek-zq7ur]

😍

[@sps6]

Bangalore airport is a wow!

[@YourFuhrer1933]

It's a great airport ❤

[@2fast4uspartan]

The best airport in India

[@ranirani11798]

Beautiful India. Love from Pakistan ❤❤❤

[@LeYoKo0]

It’s like you seeing an Ai image

[@parmodseda3877]

Beautiful

[@galacticgamer9764]

Now we need train stations like these

[@MONSTERMIND156]

Beautiful airport

[@Yu-hx5jo]

now make this for railway stations

[@SachinJames89]

Not a Garden City without it lakes! SOM should do a collaboration, for restoration project of 100s of lakes in the city!!

[@travelchoice89]

✈😌 Say goodbye to travel worries and hello to relaxation with these insightful tips! 🧘‍♂👜 Transform your journey into a breeze of tranquility! #StressFreeTravel #KempegowdaT2 🌴🌞

[@arcticredpanda4598]

I love biophallic design

[@Saanjaay]

so beautifully captured

[@SakaRoemel]

The world most beautiful airport

[@khawarkhurshidahmedmalik9445]

The Sun Just Cooled To !8 degree (Centigrade!) The finest bit of artistic genius in the design of this airport was the creation of this 'faux-bamboo' network of beehives that forms roofing, which stands on 'bamboo' pillars and other structural details. We know from SMO now that its actually steel rods encased in a circumfoil of bamboo. The result is a delightful shower of sunlight falling in arrays as if being filtered thru the weave of tree branches in a dense, golden forest. The blazing sun of India shining bright as ever but feeling cool____ so wonderfully cool____ to the eyes and skin as it has never. Pure magic. I would have been a little surprised if artists of SMO had missed out on the addition of waterfall notes to their Sunshine In The Jungle symphony. They didn't. And added some Blue Lagoons too for good measure. I am disappointed, though, that they did not out do the (as yet) matchless Singapore Airport's 'Most Spectacular Of All Waterfall Spectacles' seen in a building anywhere. Most disappointing of all, the geniuses at the world famous Skidmore, Owings & Merrill failed to convince their clients about the need to treat the Sea-Off & Reception crowds at the airport with the same dignity and honour with which airline passengers are treated as valued customers. The disgraceful 'Shunting-Out To Third Class' of (literally) throngs of people coming to send off or receive their loved ones is a routine at virtually ALL airports of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal et al. The Gora Sahibs could have made an effort to convince their desi project bosses that all of beauty & comfort need not remain within the security detail. They didn't. It would be unjust if I don't sing the praises of SMO's local Landscaping partner of the project, an Indian company BIAL. I am proud to say they have, may be, just about matched the unmatchable Singapore, in at least Greenscaping. Just click the video handle I have placed below and you would be regaled in delightful detail about types & genuses 450,000 plants by BIAL's Mr Encyclopedia Botanycca, named Prasannamurthy. I didn't know Sir David Attenbrough had an Avatar in India. 😍🤩😘🥰😅🤣😂❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💐🌸💮🏵🌺🌻🌼🌷🪴🌲🌴🍁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lajRfmx7bM2taJY

[@sanatanotaku8194]

Great 💪

[@srajen1976]

excellent design

[@aono335]

To be fair, the serenity of the airport is almost a red herring since the actual city is the opposite of tranquility and thoughtful design 😂

[@harshachoudhary7847]

Awesome

avatar movie experience, Probably next airport must have flora and fauna too. 🙂 Fish in the pond, butterflies here and there.

[@delmonte4824]

Yes,next is the new manila-bulacan international airport.

[@trinitysolution3553]

great work

[@shadaabghani851]

Flying into terminal 2 is painful. The distance between getting off from the flight to collecting baggage is over 15 mins of brisk walking. Which is the longest I have seen across all the airports in India I have been too. (metro cities)

[@jadejadekeitung]

This is such an amazing design. I am wondering about the lifespan of bamboo as a construction material. Anyone know about it?

[@thedn3164]

Bamboo is used for housing in many parts of world. It's a sustainable and strong plant

[@ramakrishnamurthyyeleswara1292]

Kudos to the architects best design other airports look more like nuisance

[@arpitthakur2489]

What about the stress of reaching this airport so far away without any metro connection

[@Petrolhead11]

Beutiful

[@michaeldowson6988]

Vancouver Airport is one part conservatory and aquarium & one part art gallery. Voted best airport in its' size range for a dozen years.

[@thewhatorwhy]

Did anyone ask about Vancouver?

[@shaunjames4073]

where did ur Vancouver come here lol

[@michaeldowson6988]

@@shaunjames4073 You new to the internet?

[@shaunjames4073]

@@michaeldowson6988 nope but the video is not about ur country or city lol

[@johnxina650]

will there be street food?

[@atctvd9528]

If you feel the footage appears to be rendered, you can watch a 20-minute NatGeo India documentary - Superstructures. I hope you would find it exciting!