Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has recently received significant international acclaim. It has been awarded two prestigious recognitions in the UNESCO 2023 Prix Versailles awards. Acknowledged as one of the ‘World’s most beautiful airports’, it has also won the prized ‘World special prize for an interior 2023’. The Prix Versailles, a yearly event held by UNESCO since 2015, is known to reward outstanding feats in global architecture and design. This honour isn’t solely about aesthetics; it underscores the importance of mindful sustainability as a cultural catalyst. The award values innovation, creativity, incorporation of local heritage, environmental efficiency, and the facilitation of social interaction.
1. Achievements at the UNESCO 2023 Prix Versailles
The Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) was recognized on two fronts in the prestigious UNESCO Prix Versailles awards held in 2023. T2 was highlighted for its remarkable beauty, earning it the title ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airport’. Beyond its visual appeal, T2 proved its mettle in interior designing too, bringing home the treasured ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023’. These accolades are indicative of the exceptional design quality and stunning aesthetics that T2 embodies.
2. The Significance of the Prix Versailles Awards
Since 2015, UNESCO annually announces the winners of the Prix Versailles awards. These awards honor unparalleled achievements in the domains of global architecture and design, placing a premium on excellent style, uniqueness, and transformative power. Winning a Prix Versailles award signifies recognition from the global architectural community and underlines notable contributions made to the field.
3. Celebrating Sustainability: More Than Just Aesthetic Appeal
While the Prix Versailles awards acknowledge aesthetic accomplishments, they also focus significantly on sustainability. The awards stress the importance of thoughtful sustainability as a cultural catalyst. Pioneering designs are appreciated not only for their visual charm but also for their role in fostering sustainable practices. It is this dual focus on beauty and sustainability that sets the Prix Versailles apart from other design and architectural awards.
4. Aspect of Innovation and Creativity
Innovation and creativity are prominent factors in the award’s decision-making process. The Prix Versailles rewards those designs that push the boundaries of traditional architecture and showcase inventive use of space, resources, and design principles. The honours received by T2 demonstrate its innovative and creative approach to design.
5. Recognition of Local Heritage and Ecological Efficiency
Another crucial aspect evaluated by the Prix Versailles is how well a design reflects local heritage. The recognitions showered on T2 underscore its success in incorporating elements of local culture and heritage into its design. Moreover, the awards highlight the design’s ecological efficiency — an increasingly crucial factor in modern architectural design.
6. Promotion of Social Interaction
The Prix Versailles emphasizes the social role that architectural designs should play. Award-winning designs are expected to facilitate social interaction and create spaces where people can connect with each other. In this regard, T2’s design has been lauded for its thoughtfully designed spaces that foster social engagement.
