T2: Tribute to the Garden City of Bengaluru, India

Built as a terminal in a garden, the swanky Terminal 2 (T2) of Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) in Karnataka, India, reflects everything that Bengaluru stands for—green, modern, innovative, sustainable, and culturally rich. By Susheela Nair

Rooted in four guiding principles —Terminal in a Garden, Sustainability, Technology, and Art & Culture—T2 holds a special place as a terminal that is both cutting-edge and deeply connected to its cultural roots. With green vertical walls, hanging gardens, thoughtfully curated art installations, stunning décor, and eye-catching structures, T2 offers travellers a memorable destination experience. The terminal is lush with greenery, creating a unique sensation of being outdoors while indoors.

From the moment one enters the Airport campus via the Main Access Road (MAR), the experience is immersive. Vertical green walls, hanging gardens cascading from the roof, and sculptural bells and veils suspended from the ceiling welcome passengers. This verdant design continues throughout the terminal—right from entry to boarding—offering a visual journey of soothing greens. Green lagoons and an extensive forest belt between the terminal and boarding piers further amplify this atmosphere.

Designed by New York-based architectural firm SOM, the 255,661-square-meter T2 is a tribute to Bengaluru’s identity as the “Garden City.” It is the first-of-its-kind “Terminal in a Garden,” perfectly aligning with the city’s green ethos.

“What makes T2 more special is not just its scale and size, but also the fact that it’s inspired by Bengaluru city. Bengaluru has always been known as the Garden City of India, and our goal was to provide our city’s residents and visitors with an experience that feels like a stroll in a park. This is how the idea of ‘Terminal in a Garden’ became one of the four design principles of Terminal 2,” says Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL.

“Today the airport not only boasts one of the widest varieties of plant life in a single location, but also helps conserve many rare, endangered, and threatened species,” he adds.

Terminal in a Garden

T2 is a botanical treasure trove. Visitors can spend hours admiring vibrant orchids, anthuriums, lilies, and lotus species. The terminal features 7,700 transplanted trees, 100 varieties of lilies, 96 lotus species, and 180 rare, endangered, and threatened species sourced from diverse ecological zones. These plants are selected based on their water requirements and are sustained through a smart auto-irrigation system. The hanging plants thrive in soilless media, and sensors monitor the health of the green walls.

A noticeable drop in temperature can be felt in the gardens surrounding the terminal. Skylight filtered through delicate bamboo lattices and indoor waterfalls inspired by Karnataka’s waterways enhance the sensorial experience. Inspired by local temples and homes, the bells and veils suspended throughout the terminal are adorned with foliage.

Materiality Dipped in Sustainable Features

As travellers stroll through T2, they encounter interiors clad in engineered bamboo, inspired by traditional Indian cane weaving. This material is not only fire-retardant and durable but also lends a contemporary yet classic aesthetic.

Bell-shaped lighting fixtures made from banana fiber paper and embellished with Kasuti-inspired motifs enhance the design narrative. Ingeniously designed bamboo-covered skylights allow natural light to flood the space, reducing energy consumption.

The terminal’s forest cover and gardens act as natural air purifiers. Solar panels, daylight harvesting systems, rainwater harvesting, and six rain-fed ponds all contribute to a holistic sustainability strategy. Multipurpose lagoons treat pollutants naturally, further supporting T2’s green vision.

Additional sustainable features include the use of natural materials like local granite, exposed brickwork, and advanced indoor air quality systems. Treated reverse osmosis (RO) water is used for HVAC systems, and cross-contamination prevention measures are in place.

“The design and construction of T2 reflect a strong commitment to sustainability across several key environmental categories, including Sustainable Architecture, Site Selection and Planning, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Building Materials, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation & Development. By integrating these green concepts and techniques, T2 addresses national priorities such as conserving natural resources, enhancing energy and water efficiency, utilising renewable energy, and optimising occupant health and comfort,” says Sridhar L, Head – Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), BIAL.

T2 has been recognised as the largest terminal in the world to achieve LEED Platinum Pre-Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) prior to commencing operations.

Art through Navarasas

T2’s art and décor elements have been carefully curated to reflect Karnataka’s cultural richness and the emotive philosophy of the Natya Shastra’s Navarasa (nine emotions). Sixty artworks by 43 artists from Karnataka and across India are exhibited at strategic locations throughout the terminal, encouraging travellers to pause, reflect, and enjoy.

“The concept of Navarasa, representing the nine emotions in Indian classical arts, is intricately woven into the design and experience of BLR Airport’s Terminal 2. Each rasa—such as Shringara (Love/Beauty), Hasya (Joy), Karuna (Compassion), and Raudra (Anger)—is subtly reflected throughout the terminal, creating a multi-sensory journey for travelers,” says Yamini Telkar, Head of Art Programme, BIAL.

“By embracing the Navarasa, T2 offers more than just a transit space—it provides an immersive cultural and emotional experience that deeply resonates with travelers on multiple levels.”

The Spirit of Travel: 080 Lounge

The 080 Lounge captures the essence of Bengaluru, offering a blend of comfort, culture, and innovation. Beyond luxury, it introduces guests to curated retail and dining experiences.

“The Kodagu Café, featuring Hatti Kappi, immerses visitors in Bengaluru’s café culture, while the Music Tree, crafted from lantana wood by Nilgiri tribal artisans, celebrates regional art,” explains Kenneth Guldbjerg, Chief Commercial Officer, BIAL.

“High-profile travellers can access The Courtyard Club, while entrepreneurs can work in a co-working space complete with outlets and hot desks. Snug offers a cozy reading nook, and the Sanctuary Trail leads to the tranquil Oasis Lounge. The Radio House retro bar pays tribute to the city’s pub culture, while the Garden Dining area provides a serene, green setting for meals.”

Tiger Wings: A Living Sculpture

T2’s latest marvel is Tiger Wings, a stunning vertical garden curated by Patrick Blanc, a world-renowned botanist and inventor of vertical gardens. This installation uses a soilless, felt-layer system to support plant growth and water distribution through an efficient hydroponic setup.

“The green wall features over 15,000 plants across 153 species, many unique to Karnataka and the Western Ghats. Inspired by India’s national animal, the design emulates the wings of an airplane and the stripes of a tiger using colorful Ixora flowers,” explains Blanc.

“This living sculpture not only enhances the terminal’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to air purification and ambient cooling.”