Bengaluru airport wins award at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles

Source: The post is based on the article “Bengaluru airport wins award at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd December 2023

Why in the News?

Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been awarded the Special Prize for an Interior at the UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles Awards.

Note- Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is the only Indian airport to receive this award.

What is the Prix Versailles Awards?

1) The Prix Versailles awards were established in 2015. It is announced each year at UNESCO.

2) The award is given for outstanding achievements in architecture and design on a global scale.

3) The award focuses on intelligent sustainability as a cultural driver, acknowledging innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency and values of social interaction.

Why was Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) given this award?

1) T2 called a “Terminal in a Garden” was inaugurated in 2022. The terminal can accommodate 25 million passengers annually.

2) The terminal features a spacious indoor garden with waterfalls and hanging planted bells enhancing its aesthetics.

3) It had previously earned the prestigious IGBC platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council.
Note- Green building rating brings together a host of sustainable practices and solutions to reduce the environmental impacts.

4) It is also the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council (UGBC) even before commencing operations, reflecting its sustainable design.

UPSC Syllabus: Awards in News