Airport terminal design influenced by southern architecture

TRICHY: The design of the new integrated terminal building of Trichy airport is drawn from the architectural concept of monuments in and around Trichy as well as festivals like Pongal and rangoli. Airport authorities say the iconic form was inspired by the ornamental roof of the ‘gopurams’ of south Indian architecture. The Rs 1,000-crore terminal will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 2.

A big temple tower-like structure, resembling Srirangam Ranganathar temple gopuram, welcomes passengers at the airport. The new terminal has a capacity to handle 4.5 million passengers annually, which is three times that of the existing terminal. The two-level air-conditioned modular building has a floor area of 75,000 square metre. There is an arrival lounge on the ground floor and departure on the next level. It will be able to handle a peak hour passenger traffic of 3,900 including domestic traffic, officials said.


The majestic roof form of the structure which looms over the departure concourse is derived from traditional south Indian architecture. The terminal roof, flooring patterns, column cladding, feature walls and the signage design are inspired by local arts, culture and traditions. Officials said the new terminal being modular can be expanded or altered without affecting the existing structure and design.

The building has been constructed according to ‘GRIHA’ (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) standards and its four-star rated sustainable design maximises the use of natural light within the building and incorporates renewable energy measures. Pascall + Watson, an international architectural firm, has designed the building.

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