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BTG Pactual Terminal in São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport: Latin America's first VIP airport terminal

Perkins&Will

Transport  /  Completed
Perkins&Will

Inspired by the freedom of flight and the comfort of nests, the new terminal at Guarulhos
International Airport in São Paulo evokes the symbolism of open wings with inverted roofs,
in a balance between beauty and functionality.

The building was born from the desire for exclusivity, as a counterpoint to the conventional
travel experience. Comfort, privacy and meeting facilities were the initial demands that
guided the development of the new terminal. In terms of design, the building is composed of a solid base pierced by the central garden that promotes connection with nature. In
addition to the biophilic advantage, the garden also acts as a flow divider in the terminal,
which is organized into a check-in lounge and boarding and disembarking areas.

Community Wish List Special Prize

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Wish
Terminal VIP BTG Pactual

The garden design reflects a commitment to sustainability and the appreciation of local
flora. It is composed of native Brazilian trees, such as sibipiruna, white ipê and brazilwood,
highlighting a contemporary approach to respecting the environment, promoting local
biodiversity and complying with airport security regulations – which restrict the use of tree
species that may attract birds.

The inverted roof rests on the double-height structure with wide window frames, in an
elegant composition of metal, wood and glass – the latter especially important for providing abundant natural light and an unobstructed view of the sky. Returning to the solid foundation that guided the development of the new terminal, the drop-off areas that
welcome passengers when boarding and disembarking stand out.

External View

The garden design reflects a commitment to sustainability and the appreciation of local
flora. It is composed of native Brazilian trees, such as sibipiruna, white ipê and brazilwood,
highlighting a contemporary approach to respecting the environment, promoting local
biodiversity and complying with airport security regulations – which restrict the use of tree
species that may attract birds.

Roofing Detail

The project has a double signature: developed by Perkins&Will São Paulo, the structure with fluid lines and contemporary materials rests in harmony with the surrounding landscape, offering a unique and inspiring experience to travelers, who also enjoy the welcoming interiors and furniture design signed by the Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos office.

The inverted roof rests on the double-height structure with wide window frames, in an
elegant composition of metal, wood and glass – the latter especially important for providing abundant natural light and an unobstructed view of the sky. Returning to the solid foundation that guided the development of the new terminal, the drop-off areas that welcome passengers when boarding and disembarking stand out.

Warm tones, natural materials and welcoming textures enhance the homely experience in a fully-equipped terminal, with large processing, operations, security, circulation and even hospitality areas. The partnership between Perkins&Will and Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos resulted in a distinctive location that breaks the stereotypes of conventional air terminals and VIP lounges, providing a sense of welcome and tranquility to travelers, without neglecting the various operational and security needs required for this type of structure.

Lighting also plays a prominent role in the building, highlighting the roof that “floats” over the solid base, welcoming travelers and ensuring everyone’s safety.

Night View
Fluidity of forms, integration into the landscape and sophistication sum up this complex project, developed to meet the needs of visitors, reflects the identity of BTG Pactual and transmits a sense of belonging and freedom to those who observe and experience the space.

Credits

 Guarulhos
 Brasile
 BTG Pactual
 Airport terminal
 12/2024
 2400 m2
 Confidential
 Perkins&Will
 Fernando Vidal, Douglas Tolaine, Lara Kaiser, Adriana Barbosa, Cassia Moral, Gabriel Freitas, Gabriela Viotti, Rodrigo Gianoni, Gustavo Teixeira, Guilherme Meneses, Fabio Jungstedt, Fernando Holanda, Priscila Pasquarelli, Alice Uemoto.
 BTG Pactual
 Interior Design: P|S Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos; Construction: Saeng Engenharia
 Sto, Vescon, Sonex, Portobello, Colormix e Pro-tecnica, Marcenaria Stand-By, Antiquário Cristiano Ross, Etel Interiores, Micasa, +55 Design, Mula Preta, Clatt Tapetes, PSDS Design, Ovo Design, Galeria Simões de Assis, Boobam.
 Fran Parente

Bio

Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. The firm is committed to creating a better, beautiful, more equitable world through Living Design, an approach that integrates environmental, social, and design considerations to advance ecological health and well-being. Interior Design named Perkins&Will a “Sustainability Giant” in 2024; Architizer named it the world’s “Best Sustainable Firm” in 2023; and Metropolis named it “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry leadership in advancing climate action and social justice. Fast Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture three times, and in 2021, it added the firm to its list of Brands That Matter—making Perkins&Will the first architecture practice in the world to earn the distinction.

https://perkinswill.com/


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