More than a transitional space, Qantas’ new generation airport lounge invites its guests to linger a little longer…
May 28th, 2013
The Qantas airport lounge in Singapore has recently undergone a major transformation. A collaborative project involving Sumu Design, PDM International and Caon Studio, the new lounge is not only able to accommodate an increased passenger count, but also incorporates a variety of local design influences in a comfortable, sophisticated environment.
The first of its kind anywhere in the world for Qantas, the new lounge – originally the Qantas / BA business lounge – now combines all the different customer tiers in one space.
It has a reception area, a bar, TV lounge areas, retreat areas, a show cooking area, a communal dining space and a buffet, and all the different zones, says Felice Carlino, Director of Sumu Design, can be accessed via paved streets.
“The reception, bar and dining areas are what you would call the main street, the heart of the lounge, [filled with] vibrancy, action, movement and interaction between customers and staff,” says Carlino.
“From there you would move down the paved side streets to quieter areas where people who want a bit of down time can relax with a quiet drink or eat.”
Local design elements include the Peranakan floor tiles in the reception area, a nod to Singapore’s heritage, says Carlino, while greenery, timber finishes and bamboo flooring “reflect the nature and warmth” of the country.
Beyond the physical elements, the design team wanted to “encapsulate the atmosphere, lifestyle and everyday life of Singapore”, says Carlino.
Elements such as the communal tables and show cooking counter were designed to capture the atmosphere of Singapore’s hawker centre.
“The noise of people and the clanking of woks, the smells of spices in the air, the live action of chefs cooking food, and the variety of different choices of food [found in a hawker centre] have been captured here,” says Carlino.
Textural layering is expressed through the variety of finishes used, from herringbone veneered oak wall panels, through to polished concrete floors and surfaces, paver tiled streets, quilted fabric and leather seats, and exposed ceilings.
Universal power and USB charging outlets, as well as full WiFi connectivity also allow customers to use their smart phones and personal iPads and tablets anywhere in the lounge.
Transcending the typical idea of an airport lounge as a mere transitional space, this new generation Qantas lounge can now be added as a memorable part of the travel experience.
PDM International
Sumu Design
sumudesign.com
Caon Design
caonstudio.com
Images © www.owenraggett.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The American Hardwood Export Council promotes the works of next-gen designers through Discovered Singapore exhibition happening from 16 to 22 May at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Calder Consultants, founded by James Calder, has branched into Japan with the opening of a new bureau to be headed up by Rentaro Oku. A launch party celebrates the opening of Calder Japan.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Register now for your free ticket
We spoke to Ketil Årdal, CEO of Danish green-tech design brand, Mater, as they unveiled the Alder collection at Milan Design Week.
Welcome to the year of the Design Effect. This year’s theme aims to showcase the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. Join in shaping this narrative by contributing your perspective before May 3, 2024, and become a part of the Design Effect movement.