perkins&will and pascali semerdjian design terminal btg pactual

Terminal BTG Pactual by Perkins&Will and Pascali Semerdjian

The Terminal BTG Pactual at Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo is the first exclusive airport terminal in Latin America. Developed by Perkins&Will São Paulo with interiors by Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos, the project combines architectural and interior strategies that balance efficiency, comfort, and environmental integration. The building is defined by inverted roofs that evoke the geometry of open wings, symbolizing flight while providing practical structural and environmental benefits. These roofs rest on a double-height framework of metal, wood, and glass, balancing transparency with solidity. Large window surfaces bring in natural light and maintain continuous visual connections to the sky, while a solid base grounds the structure and incorporates the main circulation, drop-off, and operational areas.

A central garden organizes the terminal’s interior and functions as both a circulation divider and a biophilic feature. It links the check-in lounge with boarding and arrival areas, while introducing native Brazilian species such as sibipiruna, white ipê, and brazilwood. These choices emphasize ecological value, respect biodiversity, and comply with aviation safety standards by avoiding species that attract birds. This strategy allows the building to operate as a functional terminal while simultaneously reinforcing its connection with the local environment.

all images by Fran Parente

Custom Interiors and Furniture decorate Terminal BTG Pactual

For the interior, studio Perkins&Will São Paulo collaborates with practice Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos, creating a strategy that emphasizes scale, materiality, and continuity. While the double-height volumes express openness, half-height wooden panels introduce a more intimate scale in lounges and waiting areas. This balance ensures that large operational spaces retain a welcoming quality. Materials are central to the atmosphere. Wood surfaces are used extensively for warmth and consistency, while stone details add contrast and identity. The combination creates a sequence of spaces that are both operationally efficient and visually distinctive.

All furniture was custom-designed specifically for the terminal through artisanal processes. Carpentry techniques were employed to produce elements such as bars, shelving, sinks, private room fittings, armchairs, chaises, coffee tables, and lighting fixtures. These pieces establish a coherent dialogue with the architecture, reinforcing the integration between structure, interior, and furniture. Lighting plays both a technical and expressive role. Fixtures are positioned to emphasize the floating quality of the roof while meeting airport safety and operational standards. By day, natural light dominates through expansive glazing, while at night, controlled artificial illumination highlights the building’s architectural rhythm and creates a sense of continuity with its surroundings.

the BTG Pactual Terminal is the first exclusive airport terminal in Latin America

Airport Hub Aligns Architecture and Environment in São Paulo

The terminal accommodates a full range of processing, circulation, security, and hospitality functions, distributed across a continuous plan. Spaces include lounges, meeting rooms, and suites, which are designed to support both privacy and efficiency. The layout organizes these programs with circulation flows, ensuring clarity and comfort for travelers.

Through the collaboration of Perkins&Will and Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos, the Terminal BTG Pactual reinterprets the conventional air travel environment. By combining symbolic form, biophilic strategies, tailored interiors, and operational precision, the project establishes a landmark in Latin American aviation design, aligning functionality with architectural and environmental intent.

the building’s form is shaped by inverted, wing-like roofs