Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, is getting a brilliant new biophilic airport terminal courtesy of CallisonRTKL.

The 1.2-million-square-foot Terminal 2 expansion project promises a stress-relieving, traveler-friendly design and is also aiming to become one of the only net-zero airport terminals anywhere in the world.

Featuring elements that pay homage to various local inspirations, the new terminal includes hotel-quality amenities like an in-house spa, art gallery, and gym. A sanctuary space will be open as well in addition to added greenery which makes for a more fluid and enjoyable user experience, according to the architect.

“There is pressure to be more responsible towards the environment, which has increased over the last couple of years,” CallisonRTKL’s Sustainability team lead Pablo La Roche said in a June interview to Lampoon. “The airlines themselves as well as the airplane manufacturers are trying to make their aircrafts more fuel-efficient, and research is being done about alternative types of fuels or even solar vehicles, which is at some point going to happen.” 

The new terminal hopes to reduce the airport’s overall energy use by 60% and will incorporate local building materials taken from within 500 miles of the site exclusively.

Solar-responsive shade control and high-performance glass provide the transparent structure with a more sustainable means of cooling itself in the subtropic Jaliscan heat. A perforated wooden roof also helps the scheme match its stated sustainability goals. 

CallisonRTKL is also developing its own sustainability rating system at the behest of one of Mexico’s largest airline carriers. Lampoon has more details on the T2 expansion project here.