Primeclass Pacífico by Pininfarina VIP Lounges at Santiago International Airport: Creating the Ultimate Passenger Experience with Biophilic and Sensory Design

The Primeclass Pacífico VIP Lounges, located in the T2 terminal of Santiago’s International Airport Arturo Merino Benítez, represent a sophisticated integration of biophilic and sensory design principles. Designed by Grupo Arquitectos, Jorge Hasbun, and Catalina Valdés in collaboration with the Italian design house Pininfarina, this 3,900 square meter project offers a transformative airport experience. These Primeclass Pacífico VIP Lounges are more than just waiting areas; they immerse passengers in an environment that celebrates the natural beauty of Chile while enhancing their well-being.

This design focuses on creating a holistic passenger experience, combining nature-inspired materials with subtle sensory elements that calm and refresh. By connecting travelers with nature and strategically using lighting to support circadian rhythms, the lounges go beyond comfort—they offer a sensory journey that improves passengers’ physical and emotional state.

A Holistic Passenger Experience

Grupo Arquitectos’ extensive expertise in airport design, with over 450 completed projects, is reflected in the thoughtful approach taken for the Primeclass Pacífico VIP lounges. Every detail, from material selection to how natural light interacts with the space, has been carefully considered to ensure passengers feel at ease from the moment they enter.

A key enhancement is the introduction of a pre-hall wash area, allowing travelers to freshen up without needing to enter the full washroom. After a long journey, passengers often want to relax, eat, or drink, but first need to wash their hands. This segment provides a convenient solution without requiring access to the full restroom. Using Stern’s Tubular Trio, which combines soap, water, and air at a single washbasin, the design promotes hygiene, reduces water consumption, and seamlessly fits the lounge’s aesthetic.

Sensory Design: Engaging All the Senses

The sensory design of the VIP lounges transforms these spaces into immersive environments that engage multiple senses. Grupo Arquitectos has paid close attention to how materials, textures, and lighting conditions interact to create a sensory response that is both stimulating and calming.

Materials such as aluminum ceilings, porcelain stoneware, and slotted plates offer visual and tactile contrasts that are both intriguing and comforting. Sound-absorbing properties ensure the lounges remain quiet and serene, enhancing the overall experience. This sensory design allows passengers to engage with the space beyond just the visual, making it dynamic and responsive.

Lighting plays a significant role in this design. Grupo Arquitectos has developed a system that mimics natural circadian rhythms, enabling passengers to benefit from natural light during the day and soft, calming artificial light in the evening. This alignment with passengers’ internal clocks helps reduce jet lag and promotes relaxation, making it easier for travelers to rest and recover during their time in the lounge.

Natural Light and the Circadian Rhythm

The use of natural light to support the body’s circadian rhythms is crucial in this design. Large windows and skylights maximize sunlight, enhancing the visual appeal and helping passengers regulate their internal clocks. This is especially important for travelers crossing time zones.

The design helps passengers reconnect with the passage of time, offering views of the outside world and letting natural light flood the space. In an airport, where artificial lighting and a lack of windows can cause disorientation, this connection to natural cycles is invaluable. Natural light, combined with carefully designed artificial lighting, reduces stress and promotes a sense of well-being.

The thoughtful orchestration of lighting throughout the day ensures passengers feel more attuned to their surroundings, contributing to a calm and rejuvenating experience as they continue their journey.

Green Design for a Better Journey: How Sustainability Enhances the VIP Passenger Experience

While the lounges focus on the passenger experience, they also integrate sustainability and advanced technology in subtle, effective ways. The design prioritizes environmental responsibility without compromising aesthetics or functionality.

Sustainability plays a key role, with materials that reflect natural elements while supporting the project’s long-term environmental goals. Touchless fixtures like Stern’s SWAR, behind-the-mirror wash cabinets, maintain a sleek look while reducing water waste. These fixtures are part of the broader effort to seamlessly blend functionality and beauty, enhancing the passenger experience while remaining eco-friendly.

Designing with Nature: Biophilic Principles in Modern Architecture

Biophilic design is central to the conceptualization of the VIP lounges. This approach, which seeks to connect people with nature, is especially suited to high-stress airport environments, where passengers need comfort and respite.

Inspired by Chile’s diverse landscapes, each lounge reflects the natural characteristics of a specific region—from the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert to the lush greenery of Patagonia. Natural materials like terrazzo floors, flexible stone, and high-performance acrylic resin bring organic textures and earthy tones into the built environment. These materials contribute not only to the aesthetic but also to a sense of calm and relaxation, helping travelers feel more connected to nature.

The design concept, “Chile is Nature,” is visible throughout the lounges, with large windows bringing in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscapes. This combination of natural materials and light creates a harmonious environment that soothes and uplifts passengers, offering them a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport environment.

Each of the five lounges provides a unique representation of Chile’s diverse natural beauty, but they all share a common design philosophy: to create spaces that connect passengers with nature, engage their senses, and offer a tranquil haven within the fast-paced environment of the airport. This approach transforms the time spent in the airport into a restful and rejuvenating part of the journey.

Conclusion

The Primeclass Pacífico VIP lounges set a new benchmark in modern airport design, blending biophilic, light, and sensory design principles to create an immersive experience for passengers. Grupo Arquitectos and Pininfarina have successfully crafted spaces that not only meet travelers’ practical needs but also provide environments that are calming, beautiful, and sustainable. Stern Engineering is proud to have been part of this iconic project, these lounges offer more than just comfort—they provide a deeper connection to nature, enriching the passenger journey.