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Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Kolkata, India
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Other Projects by Sikka Associates Architects
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Kolkata, India
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2013
SIZE
1,000,000 +
BUDGET
Undisclosed
An airport is more than just a transit hub - it is the first and the last impression of a city, reflecting its identity, culture, and aspirations. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, Kolkata, reimagines this experience by blending architectural innovation with deep cultural roots. With its unique amalgamation of form, function and, heritage, the airport is an embodiment of Bengal’s artistic legacy, offering travelers an environment that is both visually striking and intuitively functional. Designed as a seamless integration of architecture, structure, landscape, and interiors, the terminal elevates Kolkata’s status as a global gateway, redefining what a modern airport can be.
The design objective was to build a new terminal that maintains a visual and functional relationship with the existing one. The masterplan strategically positions the domestic and international terminals at a 45-degree angle to each other, connected by a sweeping curved approach road that enhances the grandeur of the composition. The road’s alignment mirrors the terminal’s facade, creating a cohesive and unified airport experience across the domestic and international concourse entrances. At the heart of the masterplan lies the Airport Garden, a tranquil landscape that doubles as a green roof for the parking structure below. With landscape designs that are an abstract reference to the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, the literary icon and Nobel laureate from Bengal, this space is a response to the two groups of mature trees that existed on the site and have been retained as part of the masterplan.
Designed for efficiency and clarity, the terminal consists of a single, expansive volume punctuated by landscaped courtyards. Its striking long-span roof creates a unified, column-free space while maintaining a cohesive architectural form. Spatial planning prioritizes intuitive circulation, with carefully designed landscaped courtyards serving as natural release points that seamlessly integrate the new structure with its surroundings. These intimate green spaces soften the built environment, providing visual and sensory relief. VIP lounges and airline clubs open onto the courtyards, offering travelers a serene retreat within the terminal.
The longer facades of the terminal offer unobstructed views of the apron on the airside and the airport garden on the cityside, while the shorter facades provide defined, enclosed spaces. The design reflects a negotiated approach between easy and efficient circulation of passengers and the complex programming of an airport terminal.
The new terminal features two-tier operations for arrivals and departures, streamlining passenger movement from the entrance to boarding and vice-versa. All the passenger-related areas occupy the primary levels, while essential services such as the baggage handling system and the mechanical plant are strategically positioned on the lower ground floor, eliminating the cost of a basement. Since baggage handling systems require large amounts of space, the lower ground floor is the most appropriate location thus keeping it separate from all public movement. The departure level is above the arrival level, which provides comfort to both sets of passengers. The arriving passenger walks directly from the aircraft to the road without a single change in level whereas the departing passenger experiences only a single level change.
Multiple design iterations were studied through a complex system of analysis based on the intersection of passenger movement, comfort and well-being, user experience, complex programming, operational efficiency, investment viability and, sustainability. The result is a modular terminal design, allowing for future expansions with minimal disruption. The new terminal is spread over 2,510,000 sq ft and uses several innovative planning features to introduce a high degree of operational flexibility. Swing operations were incorporated into the terminal design, allowing international passenger handling capacity to increase by an additional two million when required. The airport is also equipped to handle a wide range of aircraft, right from an 800-passenger A380 for intercontinental flights to a 40-passenger ATR enabling access to remote airports in the north-eastern region of India.
The NSCBI Airport pays homage to Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity. The terminal’s roof design is inspired by Bengal’s traditional handloom weaving, with its intricate cross-weaving patterns reflected in the structural framework, a symbol of the region’s artistic legacy. Screen-printing has been used to adorn the ceilings with abstract reference to the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, paying tribute to Kolkata’s deep appreciation for art and literature. Further, the portrayal of folk-dance motifs across the terminal enhances the strong connection to the city’s artistic roots.
The terminal’s interior design evokes a sense of calm and spaciousness, offering passengers a retreat from travel-induced stress. The arrival concourse features an open tubeline ceiling adorned with calligraphy motifs, illuminated by concealed ambient lighting. The interplay of modern materials and cultural elements results in a space that is both technologically advanced and deeply rooted in Bengal’s artistic traditions.
The roof, though structurally robust, is visually delicate, with its edges tapering to create a shimmering effect reminiscent of woven silk. Thoughtfully placed skylights illuminate the terminal’s pathways, enhancing the passenger experience with natural light and spatial fluidity. Spanning 2,400 sq m, the roof’s concave profile is supported by a series of lens-shaped trusses, spaced 18 meters apart. These trusses range from 58 to 75 meters in length, supported by lattice towers and rear-leg supports embedded within the landscaped courtyards. Constructed from fire-resistant, corrosion-proof steel, the roof’s form is both expressive and structurally efficient.
Environmental sustainability was an integral design driver. The terminal itself functions as a large-scale water harvester, capturing 26,000 cbm of rainwater annually, which is stored and reused. A green roof atop the parking structure reduces heat absorption and lowers the overall energy footprint. Strategically located north-facing skylights flood the interiors with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The expansive façade of the terminal is designed to be shaded by the overhanging roof and features a ventilated double-wall system that dissipates heat, improving thermal efficiency. The design further incorporates on-site energy harvesting, the use of environmentally friendly materials, and passive strategies to reduce CO2 emissions. Climate-responsive architecture ensured adaptability to local conditions, while the use of locally sourced materials minimized the transport-related environmental impact as well.
The NSCBI Airport in Kolkata is more than just a transit hub; it is a landmark that harmonizes technology, culture and, sustainability. The architectural language seamlessly blends local identity with contemporary functionality, positioning the terminal as both a gateway and a cultural landmark.
The design objective was to build a new terminal that maintains a visual and functional relationship with the existing one. The masterplan strategically positions the domestic and international terminals at a 45-degree angle to each other, connected by a sweeping curved approach road that enhances the grandeur of the composition. The road’s alignment mirrors the terminal’s facade, creating a cohesive and unified airport experience across the domestic and international concourse entrances. At the heart of the masterplan lies the Airport Garden, a tranquil landscape that doubles as a green roof for the parking structure below. With landscape designs that are an abstract reference to the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, the literary icon and Nobel laureate from Bengal, this space is a response to the two groups of mature trees that existed on the site and have been retained as part of the masterplan.
Designed for efficiency and clarity, the terminal consists of a single, expansive volume punctuated by landscaped courtyards. Its striking long-span roof creates a unified, column-free space while maintaining a cohesive architectural form. Spatial planning prioritizes intuitive circulation, with carefully designed landscaped courtyards serving as natural release points that seamlessly integrate the new structure with its surroundings. These intimate green spaces soften the built environment, providing visual and sensory relief. VIP lounges and airline clubs open onto the courtyards, offering travelers a serene retreat within the terminal.
The longer facades of the terminal offer unobstructed views of the apron on the airside and the airport garden on the cityside, while the shorter facades provide defined, enclosed spaces. The design reflects a negotiated approach between easy and efficient circulation of passengers and the complex programming of an airport terminal.
The new terminal features two-tier operations for arrivals and departures, streamlining passenger movement from the entrance to boarding and vice-versa. All the passenger-related areas occupy the primary levels, while essential services such as the baggage handling system and the mechanical plant are strategically positioned on the lower ground floor, eliminating the cost of a basement. Since baggage handling systems require large amounts of space, the lower ground floor is the most appropriate location thus keeping it separate from all public movement. The departure level is above the arrival level, which provides comfort to both sets of passengers. The arriving passenger walks directly from the aircraft to the road without a single change in level whereas the departing passenger experiences only a single level change.
Multiple design iterations were studied through a complex system of analysis based on the intersection of passenger movement, comfort and well-being, user experience, complex programming, operational efficiency, investment viability and, sustainability. The result is a modular terminal design, allowing for future expansions with minimal disruption. The new terminal is spread over 2,510,000 sq ft and uses several innovative planning features to introduce a high degree of operational flexibility. Swing operations were incorporated into the terminal design, allowing international passenger handling capacity to increase by an additional two million when required. The airport is also equipped to handle a wide range of aircraft, right from an 800-passenger A380 for intercontinental flights to a 40-passenger ATR enabling access to remote airports in the north-eastern region of India.
The NSCBI Airport pays homage to Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity. The terminal’s roof design is inspired by Bengal’s traditional handloom weaving, with its intricate cross-weaving patterns reflected in the structural framework, a symbol of the region’s artistic legacy. Screen-printing has been used to adorn the ceilings with abstract reference to the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, paying tribute to Kolkata’s deep appreciation for art and literature. Further, the portrayal of folk-dance motifs across the terminal enhances the strong connection to the city’s artistic roots.
The terminal’s interior design evokes a sense of calm and spaciousness, offering passengers a retreat from travel-induced stress. The arrival concourse features an open tubeline ceiling adorned with calligraphy motifs, illuminated by concealed ambient lighting. The interplay of modern materials and cultural elements results in a space that is both technologically advanced and deeply rooted in Bengal’s artistic traditions.
The roof, though structurally robust, is visually delicate, with its edges tapering to create a shimmering effect reminiscent of woven silk. Thoughtfully placed skylights illuminate the terminal’s pathways, enhancing the passenger experience with natural light and spatial fluidity. Spanning 2,400 sq m, the roof’s concave profile is supported by a series of lens-shaped trusses, spaced 18 meters apart. These trusses range from 58 to 75 meters in length, supported by lattice towers and rear-leg supports embedded within the landscaped courtyards. Constructed from fire-resistant, corrosion-proof steel, the roof’s form is both expressive and structurally efficient.
Environmental sustainability was an integral design driver. The terminal itself functions as a large-scale water harvester, capturing 26,000 cbm of rainwater annually, which is stored and reused. A green roof atop the parking structure reduces heat absorption and lowers the overall energy footprint. Strategically located north-facing skylights flood the interiors with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The expansive façade of the terminal is designed to be shaded by the overhanging roof and features a ventilated double-wall system that dissipates heat, improving thermal efficiency. The design further incorporates on-site energy harvesting, the use of environmentally friendly materials, and passive strategies to reduce CO2 emissions. Climate-responsive architecture ensured adaptability to local conditions, while the use of locally sourced materials minimized the transport-related environmental impact as well.
The NSCBI Airport in Kolkata is more than just a transit hub; it is a landmark that harmonizes technology, culture and, sustainability. The architectural language seamlessly blends local identity with contemporary functionality, positioning the terminal as both a gateway and a cultural landmark.
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