Platinum Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026

Terminal BTG Pactual

Architecture

Airport, Train Station & Terminal Design

Completed / Built / Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

Architecture: Fernando Vidal; Interiors: Sarkis Sermedjian

Studio:

Perkins&Will and Pascali Sermedjian Arquitetos

Design Team:

Architecture team: 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.

Interiors team: Sarkis Semerdjian, Domingos Pascali, Isis Gomes, João Paulo Machado,
Breno Pinheiro, Luiza Leite.

Copyright:

Fran Parente

Country:

Brazil

BTG Pactual opens the first exclusive airport terminal in Latin America, celebrating lightness, precision and a deep connection with nature through architecture conceived as an experience. Inspired by the freedom of flight and the comfort of nests, the new terminal at Guarulhos International Airport, São Paulo, translates the symbolism of open wings into expressive inverted roofs, balancing sculptural beauty with operational efficiency.

The project carries a dual design approach. The architectural structure features fluid lines, contemporary materials and a clear spatial logic that rests in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The interior architecture and furniture design reinforce this concept, offering travellers a welcoming and inspiring environment that elevates the act of travelling.

Conceived from the desire for exclusivity, the terminal positions itself as a counterpoint to conventional air travel. Comfort, privacy and high-level meeting facilities guided its development. Architecturally, the building is composed of a solid base carved by a central garden that establishes a direct dialogue with nature. Beyond its biophilic benefits, the garden organises circulation flows, clearly separating check-in, boarding and arrival areas while maintaining visual continuity.

The landscape design reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and local identity. Native Brazilian species such as sibipiruna, white ipê and brazilwood were carefully selected, promoting biodiversity and complying with airport safety regulations that restrict vegetation capable of attracting birds. Nature is not ornamental here; it is structural to the spatial experience.

Above this grounded base, the inverted roof rests lightly on a double-height structure framed by generous glass panels. The refined combination of metal, wood and glass ensures abundant natural light and uninterrupted views of the sky. The arrival and departure drop-off zones welcome passengers with clarity, dignity and calm.

From hand-drawn sketches emerged fifteen distinct yet cohesive environments. Warm tones, natural materials and tactile surfaces foster a homelike atmosphere within a fully equipped terminal that integrates operational, security, circulation and hospitality functions seamlessly.

Interior scale is carefully calibrated. While the double-height spaces impress, half-height wooden panels humanise proportions in strategic areas. Wood plays a central role, lending warmth and sophistication, complemented by expressive stone elements that add character and permanence.

Lighting design further emphasises the architectural concept, highlighting the roof as it appears to float above the solid base and ensuring safety in accordance with technical standards. Fluid forms, landscape integration and refined detailing define this complex project, which reflects BTG Pactual’s identity.

Perkins&Will and Pascali Sermedjian Arquitetos

About Perkins&Will
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.

About Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos
Created in 2010, the office, which has signed 100 projects throughout its existence and 13
collaborators, is the result of the collaboration between two professionals who, in addition to their passion for architecture, share above all the same worldview: an affinity that predates architecture itself and goes back to the family origins of both (Domingos Pascali and Sarkis Semerdjian).