SJD AIRPORT T1

DESIGN CONCEPT

The architectural concept for SJD Airport T1 is conceived as a fluid coastal landscape, translating the motion of sea waves and desert dunes into an iconic terminal façade. The envelope acts as a continuous ribbon that rises, folds, and descends, framing the main entrance and creating a memorable urban gateway for Los Cabos. This gesture synthesizes infrastructure performance with a strong territorial image, positioning the terminal as both transportation hub and regional landmark.

The building’s geometry is based on sweeping, parametric curves that generate a lightweight, transparent shell. This shell mediates between the intense exterior climate and the controlled interior environment, while allowing travelers to experience the sky, light, and vegetation that characterize the Baja California peninsula. The result is a contemporary, expressive architecture that remains rooted in its natural and cultural context.

FORM, FACADE AND STRUCTURE

The main volume is defined by an undulating steel space frame that spans large distances with minimal vertical supports, ensuring uncluttered circulation zones beneath. This structural grid supports a mixed envelope of high-performance glazing and opaque insulated panels, organized in ribbons that reinforce the sense of horizontal movement along the terminal front.

The glazed surfaces form a continuous skylight vault over the forecourt, transforming the drop-off area into a semi-interior plaza. The curvature of the shell is carefully calibrated to channel wind loads and optimize solar exposure, while its double curvature expresses structural efficiency and dynamism. The primary arches frame the access portal and create a monumental canopy that is legible from the approach road and the airfield.

EXTERIOR EXPERIENCE AND LANDSCAPE

The landside approach is designed as a gradual transition from desert landscape to shaded oasis. Native rocks, low-water groundcovers, and sculptural cacti anchor the arrival sequence, while palm trees punctuate the perspective and dialogue with the vertical rhythm of the structure. Planting is arranged in layered bands that echo the façade’s flowing lines.

At the terminal entrance, a protected garden court is integrated beneath the largest structural loop. This microclimate, combining dense vegetation and water-efficient planting, creates a visual focal point and immediate sense of place for passengers. At night, integrated linear lighting amplifies the façade’s curvature, turning the structure into a luminous wave that orients visitors and enhances security.

INTERIOR AMBIENCE AND PASSENGER FLOW

Although the images focus on the exterior, the envelope is conceived to define a bright, legible interior. The large glazed vault filters daylight deep into the check-in and arrivals halls, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and supporting intuitive wayfinding. The main circulation axes run parallel to the façade, benefiting from long visual corridors that connect landside, security filters, and gates.

Interior finishes are envisioned as a restrained palette of light-toned surfaces, polished concrete or stone flooring, and warm accents in wood or textured panels, all reflecting natural light and emphasizing clarity. The structural rhythm and façade ribs are expressed internally as guiding lines, orienting movement while integrating signage, lighting, and mechanical systems in a coherent architectural language.

CLIMATE RESPONSE AND SUSTAINABILITY

The project addresses Los Cabos’ intense sun and heat through a combination of passive and active strategies. The curved canopy creates extensive shaded zones over the forecourt and primary façades, significantly reducing solar gains on transparent areas. High-performance glazing with selective coatings, combined with external overhangs and frit patterns, ensures ample daylight with controlled glare and optimized thermal comfort.

The landscape strategy prioritizes native and adaptive species, minimizing irrigation needs and promoting biodiversity. Permeable surfaces and planted swales are integrated along the access roads to manage stormwater on site. The structural shell is conceived to support photovoltaic panels on selected opaque segments, enabling on-site renewable energy generation and offsetting a portion of the terminal’s electrical demand. Together, these measures transform the terminal from a purely functional infrastructure into a responsible, climate-conscious landmark.