Terminal 2 Luchthaventerminal by Nuru Karim is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Zilver in Architectuur, Gebouwen en Constructieontwerp Competition Category.
ZilverArchitectuur· 2026
Terminal 2 Luchthaventerminal
by Nuru Karim
Client: Adani Airport Holdings Limited
A' Design Award in Zilver Winner in Architectuur Category
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- Verified Award Winner
- Verify Award Status for #175835
The Design
About Terminal 2 Luchthaventerminal
Terminal 2 is een internationale luchthaventerminal in Guwahati, Assam, India, ontworpen om jaarlijks ongeveer dertien miljoen passagiers te verwerken. De architectuur volgt een thema van de bamboe-orchidee, met kolommen en hangende bloembladen gevormd door bamboestokken met een brandvertragende afwerking. Passieve strategieën zoals zonne-optimalisatie, hoogwaardige isolatie en zonweringselementen verbeteren de energie-efficiëntie. Interieurs met dubbele hoogte en daglichtkoepels en een aankomstbos brengen daglicht en groen naar binnen. Zelf inchecken, snelle bagageafgifte en elektronische gates ondersteunen een soepele passagiersstroom.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award in Zilver
Terminal 2 Luchthaventerminal is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Zilver, een buitengewoon prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan topontwerpen die prachtig en indrukwekkend zijn. Winnaars in Zilver zijn enorm briljante en uiterst creatieve werken die de uitmuntende expertise, het talent en de scherpzinnigheid van hun ontwerpers illustreren. Terminal 2 Luchthaventerminal wordt verwacht een prachtig paradepaardje te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en diepgaand innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Zilver heeft gewonnen, is een hoogst opmerkelijke, bewonderde uitvinding die baat en de grenzen van kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie verlegt. Terminal 2 Luchthaventerminal is een zeer benijde creatie die verlangens oproept, positieve gevoelens brengt en verbazing en verwondering doet ontvlammen.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Team Members
- Founder & Principal: Nuru Karim
Technical Director: Mahesh Khanapurkar
Design Associate: Vishesh Khetawat
Senior Architect: Vatsal Kapadia
Senior Architect: Tanvi Savla
Senior Architect: Nandan Tike
Senior Architect: Pradyna Patil
Senior Architect: Atul Hanchnale
Senior Architect: Nirmal Kumar
Architect: Apurva Thakur
Architect: Prerna Kanabar
Architect: Keerthana V - Image Credits
- NUDES
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