Now, spot the tiger wings at KIA’s T2

Kempegowda International Airport unveils "tiger wings" vertical garden by botanist Patrick Blanc, enhancing travel experience sustainably.

The “terminal in a garden” at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru now boasts of “tiger wings”.

This is the name of a unique vertical garden designed in collaboration with Patrick Blanc, a globally recognised botanist affiliated with the French National Centre for Scientific Research, which was unveiled at Terminal 2 here on Thursday (November 7).

The 30-foot-high, 160-foot-wide installation has two walls, each of 80 feet, boasting over 15,000 plants across 153 species, many native to Karnataka and the Western Ghats.

“Utilising a soilless system with specialised felt imported from Germany, the garden’s intricate design captures the strength and elegance of India’s national animal, the tiger. Asparagus plants trace the silhouette of aeroplane wings, while vibrant red, orange, yellow, and white Ixora flowers represent the tiger’s signature pattern,” a BIAL release said.

This is touted as Mr. Blanc’s largest project in India. At the unveiling, he spoke about how he visited several forests in the Western Ghats, selecting rare plant species from these diverse ecosystems to ensure that the wall features species native to the region.

“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,” he said.

The concept of ‘tiger wings’ will come alive when the flowering begins, he said. “I call this tiger wings because of the airplane wings, while the tiger is a sacred animal in India,” he added.