Adani, an Indian firm at the heart of the Sh260 billion Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA redevelopment, has revealed its architectural design concept.
The design is inspired by Kenya’s butterflies, symbolizing transformation and freedom.
This came weeks after the Kenyan government explained that it had not reached any official agreement with Adani’s local subsidiary.
However, the deal has been strongly opposed by airport workers who have protested to disrupt operations at Kenya’s busiest airport.
The project has also been halted by a temporary court order following a lawsuit filed by KHRC and the LSK.
The organizations argue that JKIA is a strategic national asset, adding that the deal compromises principles of good governance, transparency, and responsible use of public funds.
Indeed, the designed entity has given a resemblance to a butterfly with undulating, curvature, and flow onto the roof and façade.
The design does not include rigid structures so as to ensure dynamism and smooth experience for travellers. In fact, the design has captured Kenya’s biodiversity, and some of the specific species like the African monarch butterfly have been artistically integrated into the designs across the terminal.
Adani’s design amply focuses on aspects of sustainability. Large expanses of glass facades and skylights bring volumes of natural light into the terminal, while biophilic elements like butterfly gardens and indigenous flora add further ecological richness to the ambience of the space.
In natural materials used in the design, one finds wood and stone along with energy-efficient technologies like solar panels and rainwater collection.
“Travelers can participate in the interactive Butterfly Art and learn different ecosystems of Kenya,” Adani Spokesperson quoted.
The design is said to also include educative notices about Kenya’s varied biodiversity.
Last week, the National Assembly ordered a forensic audit into the proposed deal between the Kenya Airports Authority and Adani Holdings, adding further scrutiny into the project.
