THE EXPANSION OF THE AIRPORT IN INDIA WHICH IS AN OUTCOME OF THE BIOPHILIC DESIGN BY THE CREATIVITY OF ENTER PROJECTS ASIA, WHICH EMPLOYED RATTAN AS THE CORE MATERIAL
TEXT: KITA THAPANAPHANNITIKUL
PHOTO: HUFTON + CROW PHOTOGRAPHY EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
In the past few years, the trend of ‘biophilic design’ has increasingly become a pivotal element of architectural discourse. This approach advocates for harmony with nature through thoughtful design, evident in practices ranging from the integration of greenery across various settings to the innovative use of indigenous materials. Take, for example, Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2, where Enter Projects Asia has skillfully employed local rattan as the core material in the departure zone’s design. This choice does more than merely enhance the user experience; it broadens and deepens the imagination about the potential of local materials for more sustainable design practices than many might have previously considered.
Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 is a strategic expansion of the existing facility in Bangalore, India. This new addition was specifically designed to handle the increasing flow of over 25 million tourists visiting Bangalore each year. The architectural responsibilities were taken up by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), guided by the innovative concept of a ‘Terminal in Garden.’ This design not only mirrors but actively incorporates the lush natural setting of Bangalore, famously known as the ‘Garden City.’ The architecture cleverly integrates natural elements both functionally and aesthetically, employing materials like bamboo for ceilings and columns which help to visually soften and lighten the overall space. Additionally, the arrangement of plants at various levels—from hanging planters on the ceiling to eye-level gardens and a cascading indoor waterfall garden—introduces a layered green dimension. This thoughtful placement of greenery enriches both the horizontal and vertical dynamics of the terminal.
In a bid to harmonize with the broader architectural vision, the retail sector of the departure area at the airport—encompassing more than 12,000 square meters and crafted by Enter Projects Asia—also opts for rattan as its foundational material. Shifting away from the typical boxy confines of traditional retail spaces, the designers have reconceived these zones as enclosures that allow operational flexibility and cultivate an impression of sculptural artistry over rigid rectangular rooms. As a result, the retail environment is segmented into five separate enclosures distributed along the architectural grid of the building. These compartments, while connected, present a variety of organic shapes that differ in dimension and elevation, infusing the shopping experience with vitality and diversity. Certain areas extend over two levels; others are ingeniously linked, forming a cohesive yet distinctly characterized network. The invigorating design of these spaces synergizes with other elements—sustainable materials, the infusion of natural light through skylights, and verdant indoor landscapes—all enhancing the passenger experience by embedding proximity to nature as they await their journeys.
Airport Rendering | Image courtesy of Enter Projects Asia
An astonishing 9 kilometers of rattan have been reimagined into designs that invite one to rethink the role of local materials in contemporary design settings. These creations, with the longest piece stretching up to 63 meters, break away from conventional expectations with their intricate shapes forged by three-dimensional computer modeling, extending far beyond the customary scale of handwoven rattan works. Yet, despite their innovative form, these pieces are meticulously crafted using the age-old techniques and methods of local Thai artisans. Enter Projects Asia has further refined these traditional methods, modifying them to better suit functional needs. The adaptation is evident in the varying densities of the weave tailored to specific applications. For instance, in front of the shops, the rattan is loosely woven to strike a balance between privacy and transparency, allowing visibility into the interior ambiance. Conversely, in utilitarian spaces such as kitchens, the weave tightens, to ensure tidiness and functional efficiency.
Photo Session at Factory | Photo courtesy of Enter Projects Asia
Enter Projects Asia, an Australian-founded, Thailand-based design firm, invites us to reevaluate the wisdom of local artisans and the role of natural materials within the framework of modern sustainability. Their work on Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 vividly demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of architecture. This initiative transcends the traditional scope of materials and techniques, which are typically confined to smaller-scale projects or rural homes, elevating them to grand architectural scales. The project heralds ‘biophilic design’ as a seamless integration of design with the environment—ranging from the minutest details to extensive infrastructures like airports. This philosophy underscores that sustainability and a natural connection are not merely supplementary; they are essential to a broader, interdependent ecosystem that spans from the interactions among living entities to those between diverse design elements and creations themselves.
