flight kitchen - a flight catering hub

A conceptual design for a state-of-the-art flight kitchen, developed to streamline the high-volume, time-sensitive world of airline catering. Envisioned as a backend culinary hub located near the Mumbai international airport, the facility was designed to handle complex logistics, large-scale food production, and rapid turnaround—without compromising on quality or hygiene.

The layout was driven by efficiency and flow: from receiving raw ingredients, through preparation and assembly, to final loading onto high-lift catering trucks. Zoning was meticulously planned to separate clean and dirty operations, temperature-controlled environments, and staff movement patterns. The architecture expressed this clarity through linear massing, modular service blocks, and a rhythm of light-filled working corridors.

The building envelope was designed with function and sustainability in mind—using insulated panels, natural ventilation in secondary zones, and daylighting strategies to reduce energy consumption. Staff welfare zones, including dining and breakout areas, were strategically placed with green views and natural light, acknowledging the human side of an otherwise industrial process.

Though unrealized, it remains a thoughtful response to the often-unseen backbone of air travel—where design meets discipline, and nourishment begins long before takeoff.