The Taj Bangalore, designed by Morphogenesis, redefines transit hospitality within Kempegowda International Airport. A collaboration between Taj and Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the project expands the existing hotel to meet the growing demand for premium accommodation.
The new extension features 220 rooms, including standard and premium suites, positioned for privacy and panoramic runway views, ensuring design continuity with the original while enhancing functionality.
Architectural language and spatial planning
The architectural layout adopts a C-shaped form, allowing for panoramic views and ample natural light. Drawing inspiration from the traditional courtyard typology of southern India, the design creates a spatial experience that is both contextual and modern.
The two phases of the hotel are linked through a ground-level corridor that integrates their lobbies for operational efficiency and guest ease. A bridge at the third level connects the structures visually and functionally, offering views across the airport landscape and adding a distinct architectural feature to the façade.
Atrium as a symbolic and spatial core
At the centre of the design lies a five-level atrium, flooded with daylight from its skylit roof. A sculptural installation inspired by the banyan tree anchors the space, referencing Bengaluru’s identity as the “Garden City.” Around this atrium, landscaped sunken courts and the lobby-level dining areas create zones of calm and openness. The fifth-floor semi-open restaurant, inspired by traditional pavilions, extends this dialogue between interior and exterior spaces, offering diners views over the runways.
Materiality and interior expression
The material palette uses Serpeggiante marble, wood, and locally sourced Sadarhalli granite, establishing a tactile connection to the regional context. Accents in green and blue draw from the city’s natural features—its lakes, hills, and vegetation. The interiors feature custom furnishings and carpets inspired by local craftsmanship, with curated artworks by regional artisans reinforcing a sense of place.
Environmental response and performance
The building’s façade employs a rhythmic arrangement of vertical planes, combining granite-clad masses with glass surfaces. The choice of local materials helps reduce embodied energy, while the orientation and form encourage natural ventilation and self-shading in common areas. These passive design strategies contribute to improved thermal comfort and reduced energy consumption without compromising aesthetics.
Integrating travel, culture, and sustainability
Taj Bangalore exemplifies how design can merge operational efficiency with cultural resonance in a high-mobility setting. The project integrates hospitality, architecture, and sustainability to create a cohesive environment that reflects both the technological character of Bengaluru and its cultural roots. Through its thoughtful spatial planning and sensitivity to context, the project establishes a precedent for airport-oriented developments that prioritise user experience, environmental performance, and regional identity.
