Fri Nov 08 01:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Bengaluru Airport Unveils ‘Tiger Wings’ Vertical Garden, Patrick Blanc’s Largest Project in India
**Bengaluru, India (November 8, 2024)** – Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has unveiled a stunning new vertical garden, dubbed “Tiger Wings,” designed by renowned botanist Patrick Blanc. This unique installation, located at Terminal 2, is the largest project Blanc has undertaken in India.
The 30-foot-high, 160-foot-wide garden features two walls, each showcasing over 15,000 plants from 153 species, many native to Karnataka and the Western Ghats. The design, inspired by India’s national animal, incorporates asparagus plants tracing the silhouette of airplane wings, while vibrant red, orange, yellow, and white Ixora flowers evoke the tiger’s signature pattern.
Blanc, collaborating with the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), curated the garden using a soilless system with specialized felt imported from Germany. He personally visited forests in the Western Ghats, handpicking rare plant species to ensure the wall reflects the region’s diverse ecosystems.
“Tiger Wings is a dream come true, where nature and architecture coexist seamlessly,” said Blanc at the unveiling. “This project goes beyond simply enhancing the airport’s visual landscape; it transforms the travel experience, rejuvenates the environment, and preserves the natural world around us.”
The garden employs a water-efficient irrigation system, mimicking how plants thrive in natural cliff faces and rock walls with minimal water and nutrients. Blanc’s hydroponic approach allows for a diverse array of species in a compact space, creating a thriving ecosystem that improves air quality and provides a cooler, more pleasant environment.
“We wanted to bring a fresh perspective to our vision of sustainability, artistry, and technological advancement,” stated Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of BIAL. “Patrick’s innovative approach to designing living walls perfectly embodies our vision for this space.”
The “Tiger Wings” vertical garden, costing ₹20,000 per sq.m., is expected to come alive with vibrant colors when its diverse flowering plants bloom. This unique installation serves as a testament to KIA’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, showcasing the beauty of nature while enhancing the travel experience for millions of passengers.
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