QANTAS/BRITISH AIRWAYS FIRST CLASS LOUNGE, SINGAPORE​

We won this sought-after project as a result of competing against a British design firm who had represented British Airways on a previous lounge space in Singapore. Changi airport authority allocated the space where we were to design a new joint lounge that would take the lead in international airport lounges. 

Airlines can be very specific in their brief as to seating numbers, amenities, toilets, showers, kitchens and offices, so our challenge was to conceptualise how the space should feel, and create experiences of exclusivity and comfort for customers that would stimulate loyalty to both Brands. 

Our design featured a flowing river, central to the lounge, with silent waterfalls and the soothing trickle of water flowing over rocks – a return to the calm of nature.

Curated artworks by Artwise added to the quiet elegance of the lounge, with furniture selected from top Italian manufacturers. 

Our concept for the shower amenities was motivated by the fact that, for example: travelling to Sydney from London begins with a 12 hour flight to Singapore, with 1.5 hours in transit before a further 10 hour flight to Sydney. Anticipating the need for first class passengers to refresh, shower, relax and stretch, inspired us to create a Roman spa experience, with a series of shower rooms set around a Zen-like stone fountain. A shower attendant would direct a guest to a numbered shower room, freshly cleaned and prepared. Each private shower room featured a four-shower head and body massage shower. Following their shower experience customers could select a healthy drink and snack from the health bar, or sample a delicious canapé at the food display, before finding a private space in the lounge to relax, or escaping to the sleeper room for a quiet rest. 

When the lounge opened to the public, customer traffic was increased significantly by impressed international CEO’s spreading the word, telling their friends to visit Singapore’s ground breaking new lounge. 

The Skytrax survey of customers voted the Qantas/British Airways First Class lounge best lounge in the world.