Bengaluru: There's a ‘tiger' in Kempegowda International Airport! On Thursday, the airport unveiled ‘Tiger Wings', a 30-foot-tall, 160-foot-wide vertical garden, at Terminal 2.
The installation, spread over 4,000 square feet across two walls, utilises a soil-less design, featuring a specialised felt imported from Germany. This advanced technology enables plants to grow without soil and mimics their natural environment, where they often thrive in rocky crevices. The vertical garden is crafted to symbolise India's national animal, the tiger, with asparagus plants tracing the outline of airplane wings and red, orange, yellow and white Ixora flowers capturing the vibrant hues of the tiger's fur.
Created in collaboration with noted French botanist Patrick Blanc, affiliated with French National Centre for Scientific Research, this living wall is said to be his largest project in India.
Blanc, known as a pioneer in the art of vertical gardening, brought to life the lush wall incorporating over 15,000 plants and 153 species, many of which are native to Karnataka and surrounding regions. Inspired by both nature and sustainability, Blanc visited the forests of Western Ghats to select rare species, ensuring the installation represents the region's rich biodiversity.
Hari Marar, managing director & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), the KIA operator, said, "We wanted to bring in a fresh perspective to our vision of sustainability, artistry and technological advancement in a way that resonates with Bengaluru's essence."
"Blanc's innovative approach to designing living walls — allowing plants to grow as they would in nature with minimal intervention — was precisely what we envisioned for this space. Terminal 2 was anchored by four guiding principles — terminal in a garden, technology, art and sustainability — and this wall embodies all of them. Moreover, the installation reflects our vision to harmonise nature with infrastructure, showcasing the true spirit of Bengaluru," Marar added.
The irrigation system, custom-designed to deliver only necessary water, mimics the way plants grow on natural rock walls, providing minimal but sufficient moisture to sustain the plants. This approach, Blanc noted, reduces water usage and aligns with the project's commitment to sustainability.
Blanc said, "Tiger Wings is the realisation of a dream where nature and architecture coexist seamlessly. By employing specialised felt layers, we create an environment where plants thrive, just as they would in nature's crevices. This project transcends merely enhancing the visual landscape of the airport; it transforms the travel experience, rejuvenates the environment, and preserves the rich tapestry of the natural world that surrounds us."
In addition to enhancing the airport's visual appeal, the vertical garden contributes to better air quality and a cooler atmosphere within T2, offering travellers a refreshing experience.