The most distinct feature of the terminal building is its roofline, making a reference to the recognizable form of kites associated with an international annual festival held in the city. The facility features kite-shaped skylights, which will flood the interiors with abundant natural light, along with sheer glass and louvered facades. The surrounding surface area is a membrane of ceiling finish from below and roofing above. With trapezoidal-shaped frames, the three dimensional compositions will taper to a single node at the middle of the roof.
To alleviate energy efficiency in the city’s extreme climate, air conditioning is concentrated only in the first 3m to 4m of space. The terminal features a 500m underground travelator, which links the domestic and international terminals.
The $64 million terminal was unveiled on July 4, 2010. The building is designed to handle 2,200 passengers per hour, including departure and arrival.
The Kite Festival is celebrated every year on January 14 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to observe the end of winter season and give a warm welcome to the summer season.
