Prix Versailles awards

Prix Versailles awards

News: Recently, Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been awarded the  Special Prize for an Interior at the UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles Awards.

About:
• The Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that shine a light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide. The awards were announced each year at UNESCO since 2015. 
• The Prix Versailles World Jury awards twenty-four World Titles from among the ninety-six projects named Selected Sites (in the categories of Airports, Campuses, Passenger Stations, and Sports) or Continental Laureates (in the categories of Shops & Stores, Shopping Malls, Hotels, and Restaurants)
• The Prix Versailles recognizes the \'World’s Most Beautiful” Achievements, highlighting the primary role of the Laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment. 

Why was T2 of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) given this award?
• T2 called a “Terminal in a Garden” was inaugurated in 2022. The terminal can accommodate 25 million passengers annually.
• The terminal features a spacious indoor garden with waterfalls and hanging planted bells enhancing its aesthetics.
• It had previously earned the prestigious IGBC platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council.
• It is also the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council (UGBC) even before commencing operations, reflecting its sustainable design.