Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) is aiming to create the best airport in Mexico at its home base in Guadalajara and plans to invest $504m before 2026 in Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport.
The plan includes an additional runway and new terminal building as well as a radical $302m redesign of the commercial space in the existing building.
London-based retail architecture and design practice The Design Solution has been appointed to deliver the redesign, working alongside the project’s commercial consultants, Pragma Consulting. The new space is due to open on a phased basis over the next two years and will open fully in 2023.
Graeme Johns, Director of The Design Solution, said: “Mexico is so rich in history, culture, craft and unique landscapes, so finding a special feature to tie the designs together was not difficult. Guadalajara is the heart of tequila and we were inspired by the shape of the harvested agave plant used in the production of this iconic spirit, which is also one of the fastest-growing categories in travel retail. Its unique form is evident throughout the decoration of the terminal, such as the decorative lighting grilles featured in the main walkways and in the food and beverage area.”
He added: “These new designs will create a world class facility and passenger experience fitting for GAP’s ambitions to transform Guadalajara International Airport and to maximise its commercial potential.”
Raul Revuelta, Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, said: “In the core airside commercial area, we currently have 5,700sq m and that will increase to 7,250sq m. The pandemic inevitably means the implementation of our ambitious plans will likely take longer than originally hoped, but we look forward to a phased approach to achieving this vision.”
A signature feature of the terminal will be a flat roof canopy with an external garden terrace, surrounding an agave-inspired architectural shade pod, offering casual seating, planting and a distinctive eating and drinking destination. The ambience of this garden has also inspired the character of the indoor food and beverage zone and is further reflected in the outside feel that is brought inside to the gate seating areas. Trees will complement the minimalistic concrete benches with low-level under-lighting, combining to create a light, contemporary and natural landscape look and feel. The exterior aesthetic is enhanced with the application of resin-bound aggregate floor finishes and warm natural materials.
A large rotunda space after the walk-through duty-free store will enable passengers to pause and orientate themselves. A large aura formation of pendant lights, made from Peltra, a Mexican porcelain enamel, designed by local contemporary design agency Bandido Studio in Puebla, is suspended within the space, creating a striking statement with a strong sense of place.
Beside agave cultivation, tequila and mezcal production, Guadalajara is home to Mexico’s thriving software industry, known as Mexico’s Silicon Valley. The airport is the country’s third-largest airport, handling almost 15m passengers in 2019. The new development will boost annual capacity to 30m passengers. Pre-pandemic passenger growth was double-digit.
