The interior design project for the VIP Terminal at São Paulo International Airport, an initiative by BTG Pactual Bank and designed by Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos, stands out for creating an environment that breaks away from the stereotypes of national air terminals and conventional VIP lounges. Typically impersonal and hectic spaces, the architects’ proposal was to design an environment that evokes the intimacy and comfort of a residence, offering travelers a sense of warmth and tranquility.
The double-height ceiling of the VIP Terminal was softened through the expressive use of mid-height wooden panels, aiming to balance the building’s scale with a more welcoming, human-centered dimension. Wood was chosen for its ability to bring warmth and refinement to the space. While it tempers the vastness of the environment, it also establishes a connection with the idea of a refined retreat. To highlight specific areas, selected natural stones were incorporated as focal elements, adding character and identity to the project.
One of the key highlights of this project is the furniture, largely developed by the office itself. Each piece was custom-designed through a process akin to “haute couture” in design. The bar, sink, shelving, VIP lounge, international arrivals area, as well as loose furniture such as armchairs, chaise lounges, coffee tables, and lighting fixtures, are examples of elements exclusively designed and tailored to integrate harmoniously, functionally, and impactfully into the space.
The careful selection of materials and the color palette applied throughout the VIP Terminal create a balanced atmosphere, combining refinement and comfort without becoming monotonous. Each space was designed not only to meet visitors’ needs but also to reflect the Bank’s identity, offering a distinctive experience.
This project reflects the DNA of Pascali Semerdjian Arquitetos, where interior design is defined by harmony, exclusivity, and attention to detail—transforming the experience of passing through the VIP Terminal into more than a simple transit point, but rather into an experience of well-being and refinement.