Design team chosen for Delhi’s new international airport

India’s planned new Delhi Noida International Airport will boast a passenger terminal designed by architects Grimshaw, Nordic – Office of Architecture, Haptic and Indian practice STUP.

The team was selected from a shortlist of three by Zurich Airport International for “demonstrating a proficiency in balancing passenger comfort with sustainability, and timeless design with flexibility for future needs”.

The winning design responded to the brief, merging Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality to create a modern and seamless passenger experience, setting new benchmarks in sustainability for airport terminal buildings in India.

It is claimed that the concept creates a future airport city by envisaging green spaces inside and around the building and flexible expansion options with capacity to serve 30 million passengers per year.

Andrew Thomas, a partner at Grimshaw, said: “This new visionary airport is vital to the rapid and continued economic development of the Delhi region and we look forward to working with Nordic and Haptic again drawing on our past experience from Istanbul Airport to create a truly sustainable and innovative new terminal.

“Our design will provide the best possible experience for passenger and staff while focussing on the key issues in aviation today such as passenger flow, digital services and rigorous carbon minimisation targets”.

Once complete, Delhi Noida International Airport will serve the fast-developing industrial region between Delhi and Agra, and its investment will support the Indian government and Uttar Pradesh through infrastructure development and job creation.

Grimshaw adds: “In a country that is already pushing the boundaries for sustainable aviation infrastructure, the project aspires to achieve LEED Gold standard and to operate at Carbon Net Zero.

“Design proposals include an internal landscaped courtyard deep within the terminal plan delivering ventilation, daylight, and an enhanced passenger experience.

“Externally, a new landscaped forecourt will create a regional destination for the public, staff and passengers with an unforgettable sense of place.