Nuru Karim: The Man Behind One of the World’s Most Beautiful Airports

When travelers arrive in a new place, the airport is often their first impression. For architect Nuru Karim, that first encounter should tell a story.The founder of Mumbai-based Nudes Architecture has spent more than two decades pushing the boundaries of architecture, art, and technology. Now, his project, the new Terminal 2 at Guwahati International Airport, has been placed among the seven most beautiful airports in the world. His vision for the Guwahati International Airport had also earned global recognition, winning the prestigious International Architecture Award 2025.Building His Own LegacyKarim’s journey has been anything but ordinary. After studying architecture at KRVIA, McGill University, and the Architectural Association in London, he joined the legendary Zaha Hadid Architects, where he worked on several institutional projects. He later founded Nudes, an interdisciplinary practice that merges architecture, art, urbanism and computational design.His work has received widespread acclaim, including an Aga Khan Award nomination, and he has become a sought-after speaker on architecture and design innovation.A ‘Living Forest’ Inspired by NatureFor Karim, airports are more than transport hubs. He believes they are cultural ambassadors and the first handshake visitors have with a region. That philosophy became the foundation for Guwahati Airport’s Terminal 2.Drawing inspiration from the natural and cultural richness of Assam and the Northeast, Karim and his team immersed themselves in research. They found beauty in the region’s orchids, home to nearly 67 percent of India's orchid species, and incorporated their forms into the design. Engineered bamboo, one of the most sustainable materials available, became a key element. The floodplains and landscapes of Kaziranga National Park also influenced the structure.The result is what many describe as a “living forest”, a space where nature guides architecture rather than the other way around.Designing with Mathematics and NatureKarim’s work sits at the intersection of public art, architecture and urbanism. He believes every project should begin with listening—to people, to culture and to nature itself. Sustainability, local context and passenger experience are central to his design philosophy.Much of his work is driven by computational design and patterns found in nature. Mathematics, organic forms and advanced technology combine to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. At Guwahati Airport, these principles have come together to create a memorable experience for passengers entering Northeast India.A New Chapter for Indian ArchitectureNuru Karim’s award-winning Guwahati Airport demonstrates how modern infrastructure can celebrate culture, embrace sustainability and create unforgettable experiences.As India continues to build for the future, architects like Karim are proving that concrete and steel need not come at the expense of identity and ecology. Sometimes, the most inspiring buildings are the ones that feel alive. And in Guwahati, one visionary architect has turned an airport into a forest—and a gateway into a work of art.