Nuru Karim · CLIENT: Adani Airport Holdings Limited
Terminal 2 is an international airport terminal in Guwahati, Assam, India, planned to handle around thirteen million passengers each year. The architecture follows a Bamboo Orchid theme, with columns and suspended petals formed by bamboo poles coated with a flame retardant finish. Passive strategies such as solar optimization, high performance insulation and shading devices improve energy efficiency. Double height skylit interiors and an arrival forest bring daylight and greenery indoors. Self check in, fast baggage drop and electronic gates support a smooth passenger flow.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Guwahati city is a key hub for regional national and international aviation. Handling around thirteen million passengers annually the airport ensures seamless flow. Its architecture draws from Assam’s natural beauty using the Bamboo Orchids theme. Blending tradition with innovation it adopts eco friendly strategies to reduce carbon footprint and sets a benchmark for sustainable aviation infrastructure.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The Bamboo Orchid :
a. Orchid column stem: 100 mm diameter Bamboo wood poles forming the stem of Bamboo orchid with Aluminium cladding infill panels around the structural column in circular manner.
b. Orchid petals: 100 mm diameter Bamboo wood poles of varying heights suspended from main structure to form Orchid petals. Designated poles shall have sprinkler pipes and light fixtures integrated within the Bamboo poles.
c. Baffle Ceiling: 80mm diameter Bamboo pipes at 200 mm centre to centre suspended from main structure within the Orchid petals.
d. Finish: All the Bamboo wood poles shall be coated with Flame Retardant solvent. - Tags
- Gateway, Bamboo, Orchids, Biophilic, Orchid Inspired, Sustainable, Iconic, Adaptive, Harvested Not Built
- Production Technology
- Guwahati International Airport integrates climatic responsiveness, contextual design and cultural identity. Passive strategies of solar optimization, high performance insulation and shading devices enhance energy efficiency. Double height skylit interiors and the Arrival Forest ensure daylighting and biophilic experience. Inspired by Assamese villages, programmatic elements like pond, amphitheatre, food and retail zones promote social interaction and cultural engagement.
- Design Challenge
- Challenges included designing for Assam’s humid subtropical climate with high rainfall requiring robust drainage waterproofing and mold resistant materials. Seasonal weather variations affected construction sequencing and material curing. Compressed timelines demanded efficient planning, modular construction and phased execution to meet deadlines without compromising safety quality or sustainability.
- Project Duration
- The airport terminal is located in the city of Guwahati, state capital of Assam, India. The project started full swing construction in 2023 and is schedule for completion by 2025.
- Operation Flow
- Passengers begin their journey with easy self check in fast baggage drop and e gates that save time. After security they can unwind in spaces for shopping, dining and relaxation before boarding. Arrivals are welcomed by forest inspired spaces creating a calm transition as they collect bags and move out with ease. Behind the scenes every detail is managed with care ensuring a seamless and stress free experience.
- Research
- Research for Guwahati International Airport design involved site and climate analysis, stakeholder consultations, and benchmarking global and regional airports. Passenger profiling and flow simulations informed spatial planning. Cultural integration drew on Assamese motifs, bamboo craft, and orchids. Sustainability strategies included passive cooling, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy. Iterative design prototyping ensured compliance, safety, adaptability, and a strong regional identity.
- Inspiration
- The design concept of the Guwahati International Airport draws profound inspiration from the state of Assam. Bamboo, integral to daily life symbolises strength, sustainability, and resilience. The design combines these natural elements to create an architectural language that is organic, lightweight, and sustainable. Bamboo, integral to the daily life of North East India, symbolises strength, sustainability, and resilience.
- Image Credits
- NUDES
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