Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Terminal 2

Set to accommodate additional 40 million passengers a year, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2 extends its area to 4.4 million square feet – operating 24 hours a day. Its prominent location amid a rapidly growing portion of the city further bestows its strong presence within the vicinity.

Further imposing its strong presence is its integration with the existing transportation fabric. This was done by increasing connectivity by simultaneously developing a new road network to service the airport. Apart from the logistic connection between road networks, the terminal also connects itself to Mumbai’s historic southern core with otherwise bourgeoning planes to its east and north.

Inside, the hugely colonnaded and colorful light-filled form of this four-story terminal is inspired by traditional Indian pavilions, topped with a grand “head house” or central processing podium atop the modular and highly-adaptable concourses below it. The constellation of colors resulting from small disks of colorful glass recessed from the canopy’s coffers signifies a peacock – the national bird of India as well as the symbol of the airport.

Aside from its prominent form, the terminal also responds to Mumbai’s culture, history, and local setting. For example, large curbside drop-off zones were specially designed for accommodating traditional Indian arrival and departure ceremonies which usually require large parties of accompanying well-wishers.

Instead of compartmentalizing the different functions of the terminal, its concourses embraced an open floor plan that extends to a central processing core that can be easily reconfigured to “swing” between serving both international and domestic flights.

To complete the locally-inspired form of the terminal, subtle touches of regional patterns and textures were integrated into its overall architecture and design. These designs emerge from the articulated coffered treatment of its head house columns and roofing systems to the intricate jali window screens that disperse both natural and artificial light into its radiating concourses.

Amid a locally-inspired skin that mirrors the rich and authentic traditions of traditional India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Terminal 2 embraces a high-tech, global, and modernized identity for the city of Mumbai.