Company Name:
MSC Miami Cruise Terminal
Industry:
Transportation / Hospitality / Public Infrastructure
Location:
PortMiami, Miami, Florida, USA
Size:
11,000 sqft of Gauzy smart glass (covering ~75% of façade)
About the client:
MSC Cruises, one of the world’s largest cruise operators, is known for its innovative ships and premium travel experiences. The new MSC Miami Terminal at PortMiami, the largest cruise ship terminal in the world, was designed as both a tech-forward hub for passengers and a bold architectural landmark. Positioned on Biscayne Bay, the terminal is a showcase of Miami’s modern skyline and a gateway to the Caribbean and beyond.
Challenge:
The design team sought a solution that could merge aesthetic impact with functionality. During the day, the terminal needed to maintain transparency, natural light, and stunning views of Biscayne Bay. At night, the challenge was to transform the building into an immersive digital canvas—without compromising sustainability, durability, or passenger experience.
Solution:
Gauzy partnered with MSC to deliver one of the largest smart glass projection façades in the world. Spanning 11,000 sqft and covering 75% of the exterior, the installation functions as both clear glass and a dynamic media display.
Key Highlights:
- Dual-function façade: transparent glass by day, projection-ready by night
- Integration of smart glass into a high-traffic, large-scale public terminal
- Supports sustainability goals by maximizing daylighting and reducing reliance on external shading
- Creates a unique architectural landmark visible from land and sea
- Enhances brand identity through digital art and immersive storytelling
Customization:
The façade glass was engineered to meet large-scale structural and safety requirements of public infrastructure, while incorporating Gauzy’s projection-optimized smart film for superior clarity and display performance.
Execution & Implementation:
- Coordinated with architects, contractors, and city officials for compliance and integration
- Delivered pre-laminated glass units with embedded smart film
- Installed and tested projection systems for seamless nighttime activation
- Provided technical documentation, controls, and ongoing support for long-term operation
Results & Impact:
- By day: natural light and unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay
- By night: a digital art showcase visible across Miami’s skyline
- Reinforced MSC’s positioning as an innovator in travel and hospitality
- Set a global benchmark for smart glass applications in public architecture
- Fulfilled the “art as public works” ordinance in Miami-Dade is known as Art in Public Places (APP)
Qualitative Benefits:
- Created a memorable first and last impression for millions of travelers annually
- Elevated Miami’s urban landscape with a new architectural landmark
- Provided a sustainable, multifunctional solution blending design, art, and technology
Why Gauzy?
Gauzy’s smart glass solutions unlock the full potential of glass in modern architecture—merging transparency, sustainability, and immersive digital experiences. With proven expertise in large-scale projects, Gauzy enables clients like MSC to transform façades into living canvases that inspire and engage.
