Mumbai appoints Design Solution and Pragma for new terminal

Gavin Lipsith

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The two companies will plan the commercial areas of Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport’s new terminal, due to open in 2012

The Design Solution and Pragma Consulting have been appointed by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) to plan the commercial areas of Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport’s new terminal, scheduled to open in 2012.

The 40m-passenger terminal will initially be linked to the existing terminal two, also being refurbished with a new retail offer, after which the existing terminal will be demolished in phases to make way for the new facility. The majority of the commercial space will be in the terminal’s central area, with additional space along the piers. The international departures lounge will cover 10,000sq m (107,600sq ft) and the domestic commercial area will measure 9,000sq m (96,840sq ft).

The Design Solution will carry out the retail planning work for the new terminal, while Pragma will develop its full commercial business plan. Both will work alongside Architects SOM, which is responsible for the overall terminal design.

With restrictions on non-passengers entering the terminal, the retail space has been planned with a greater than usual focus on airside space, said Design Solution director Robbie Gill. “The design for the terminal delivers a fantastic opportunity, with the international departures lounge being located directly above the domestic departures lounge. Both channel passengers from security and immigration into dramatic spaces that have retail stores surrounded by a beautiful area with seating, niche food offers and passenger facilities, all integrated into a fully cohesive space.”

Gill added: “It is rare in a terminal of this scale that we can achieve the ideal goal of having all passengers passing or having direct visibility to nearly all of the commercial space. The international departures lounge is especially dramatic with a mezzanine predominantly used for food and beverage and airline lounges in a horseshoe overlooking the main central space but with views onto the apron and runways.”

The team has integrated walk-through duty-free stores in departures and arrivals, promising it will “set new standards” when it opens.