Bengaluru, 8th November – Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) announces the unveiling of ‘Tiger Wings’, a pioneering vertical garden designed in collaboration with Patrick Blanc, a globally recognised botanist affiliated with the French National Centre for Scientific Research.
Located at Terminal 2 (T2), this transformative 30-feet-high, 160-feet-wide (2 walls each of 80 feet) installation represents Blanc’s largest project in India and exemplifies T2’s foundational philosophy of seamlessly blending nature with infrastructure.
‘Tiger Wings’ is home to over 15,000 plants across 153 species, many native to Karnataka and the Western Ghats. To ensure that the wall features species native to the region, Patrick Blanc visited several forests in the Western Ghats, carefully selecting rare plant species from these diverse ecosystems.
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 airplane wings, while vibrant red, orange, yellow, and white Ixora flowers represent the tiger’s signature pattern.
Key Highlights of Tiger Wings:
- Patric Blanc’s largest installation in India
- Covers 4000 square feet
- Holds 15000 plants
- Features 150+ plant species
- Uses soilless technology
Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), shared his thoughts on the project, “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. Patrick’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.”
Patrick Blanc, renowned Botanist added, “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.”
The vertical garden is highly water-efficient, using a carefully designed irrigation system that delivers just the right amount of water to the plants through the felt layers. This method is more sustainable and replicates how plants grow on natural cliff faces or rock walls, where water and nutrients are minimal, but plants thrive in crevices. Blanc’s hydroponic approach allows for a diverse array of plant species to coexist in a compact vertical space, creating a thriving ecosystem that enhances air quality and contributes to a cooler, more pleasant environment.
This botanical masterpiece not only celebrates India’s wildlife heritage but also embodies BLR Airport’s vision for a modern, eco-friendly space, bringing the richness of Karnataka’s biodiversity to the heart of Bengaluru’s premier travel hub.
