Take a seat (comfortably, new-look, in an airport!)
For decades, airport seating was utilitarian, minimalist and often black. But airports and their seat suppliers are getting increasingly creative, with diverse options installed at airports worldwide designed to improve the passenger experience and cater for growing passenger numbers and expectations.
Airports are moving from being purely a transportation hub to “a retail and hospitality experiential space”, according to Alexander Lotersztain, head designer at Australian furniture designer Derlot which recently expanded into the airport sector.
“With aviation travel rising to new heights, we can expect travel hubs to appear less industrial and more relatable to customers in terms of their own lifestyles of work and play for a truly seamless experience,” he says.
He points, for example, to comfortable spaces where passengers can digitally recharge, and recreational spaces.
Derlot offers airports a range of modular and flexible seating options, catering for different users and applications. These include the Twig, a long bench seat that organically branches out like a growing tree; Autobahn, a modular seating system all about flowing lines and open spaces; and Caterpillar, which features smoothed edges and fluid lines to create a relaxed tone. All these are “carefully designed communal seating that provides a sense of warm comfort during prolonged transit periods”.
Derlot has worked with several major airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and San Diego Airport in the US, while customers closer to home include the Cairns and Launceston airports.
“There is a general trend at airports to create a special level of passenger experience. This also has a direct effect on interior concepts and furniture,” says Ingmar Krupp, head of the airport division at German company Kusch+Co, whose seating is found at more than 260 airports worldwide.
Airport seating is becoming more “homey” than ever before, he says.
Kusch+Co’s products include V-Travel benches and lounge seating specifically designed for waiting areas, with a focus on comfort and the use of mobile devices; the V-Travel Soft Seating with standalone seat islands, which are perfect for the shopping areas, offering “a ‘home away from home’ feeling, enabling rest and relaxation”.
The Genaya series is suited for waiting areas, while the Creva Family provides “an ecosystem of places to sit”. Krupp explains: “The collection offers multiple possibilities for people to come together, to connect, to brainstorm, to meet one-on-one, while at the same time encompassing spaces perfect for deep concentration or relaxation.”
Diversity of airport seating is more important than ever, says Lynn Gordon, vice-president of business development at airport seating manufacturer Arconas.
“Diversity of seating options will be essential to accommodate the varied needs of travellers,” Gordon says.
“Universal and inclusive design principles will be increasingly adopted to ensure that all passengers, regardless of their abilities, can access and enjoy the seating areas.”
In addition, the integration of biophilic elements, including natural materials and greenery, will create a more relaxing and pleasant environment.
Arconas’ airport products include tandem seating, benches, lounge and casual seating, with products incorporating in-seat power/charging capabilities and cup holders.
“By integrating these diverse seating solutions, Arconas helps airports create a welcoming and efficient environment that caters to the needs of all passengers, whether they are looking for a home away from home, a space for work, or a place to rest and play,” Gordon says.
Its solutions can be found at airports worldwide, from regional airports to global hubs.
Seat colours are also changing, with a move away from black to colours that reflect the airport location, helping with “placemaking”.
Arconas seats installed at the Gold Coast Airport, for example, are in shades of blue and green, designed to represent the hinterland and coastal environment.
“By embracing these trends, airports can create welcoming, functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to the needs of every traveller,” Gordon says.
Camera Icon An Arconas Pullman. Credit: /The West Australian
Camera Icon Derlot Aviation seating. Credit: /The West AustralianCamera IconDerlot Aviation seating. Credit: /The West AustralianCamera IconDerlot Aviation seating. Credit: /The West AustralianCamera Icon Kusch+Co’s Genaya and Creva seating. Credit: /The West Australian
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