A two-story structure, the Ayodhya Airport is embellished with elevational elements that portray the rich history of the sacred city. The ground floor welcomes passengers with extensive amenities, while airport operations are conducted from the first floor. The airport facilitates improved connectivity throughout India and is specifically crafted to elevate the experience for visitors and devotees, all the while showcasing the rich heritage of Ayodhya. In an exclusive interview with the chief architect of the Ayodhya airport, Harsh Varshney, Principal Architect and Director of Sthapati Associates (the firm which designed Ayodhya airport in collaboration with AAI) talks about the art and architecture of the airport. Excerpt

How is Ayodhya airport different from other airports? What is the unique factor?

Unlike other airports, Ayodhya airport has been built keeping in mind the eternal aspect. Every corner of the airportshould reflect the values on which Ayodhya is famous. Other airports are clear rectangular glass boxes butMaryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport gives a glimpse of Ayodhya’s cultural part before heading for the city.

What are the different artworks used in the airport?

The terminal building serves as a canvas conveying deep messages. The mural featuring the Bow and Arrow signifies the bravery to confront falsehood, while hexagonal light particles represent the everlasting victory of truth over hierarchy. Throughout the arrivals area to the skylights, intricate artworks tell the timeless story of Lord Ram from the Ramayana, providing passengers with an immersive and sensory-rich experience that transcends conventional airport designs. Carefully positioned skylights act as guiding beacons, not only enhancing wayfinding but also offering passengers a sensory journey.

How far has the airport been built while taking care of sustainability?

The design takes a bold step towards carbon neutrality by adopting environmentally friendly Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) materials, pioneering sustainable practices in aviation. The intricate ornamental work, crafted with precision and extensive research using GRC, serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional stone facades. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability, leading to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.