Architect: HOK, Los Angeles
Photographer: Benny Chan, Fotoworks
Awards:
Interior Design Award, IIDA Caliber Design Award 2009
When Star Alliance made the move to open their first North American lounge for First and Business class passengers, they engaged the talents of HOK, an international design firm and the lighting talent of e² lighting design.
The Star Alliance First and Business Class lounge in Zurich is a prototype for the lounge located in the Bradley Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. This deluxe common facility is for First and Business class passengers traveling on any of the six Star Alliance partner airlines.
The extensive use of natural stone, birch and walnut wood, as well as woven metal screens combine to create an impression of a rural garden escape from the urbaneness of the busy airport.
The architectural elements bring a modern European flavor to this facility that services travelers on the go. It is a place where they can attend to the business of their lives or relax before a long flight.
The goal of high light levels through out the space, adjusted where appropriate for a more residential feel utilizing floor lamps and the more public spaces use a combination of recessed lighting and wall washing.
The lighting goal in the reception/entry area is make the Star Alliance signage the focal point. This is achieved with a concealed fluorescent wall washer. Challenges were present when taking a European design and executing it within US wiring regulations and fixture availability. This was overcome by staying focused on achieving a European feel when evaluating the lighting choices. In addition to the wall washer, MR-16 mono-point stem lights along with mono-point recessed down lights were combined to create a deliberate scallop and accent the adjacent wood walls.
The main area, referred to as the Garden area required higher light levels then the adjacent spaces. This was achieved with compact/fluorescent down lights.
The bar area for eating and relaxing, contains a number of built in niches. The display niches where food and drink are displayed were integrated into the architecture. The contents are highlighted with T2 fluorescent lighting to subtly showcase the architectural detail and contents of the display.
Floor lamps strategically placed throughout the lounge are added to soften the light and add a residential feel. Bathrooms, which all weary travelers appreciate are made to feel like home with integrated sconces recessed into the wall mirrors, these dimmable fluorescent fixtures are flush with the mirror.
For those VIP travelers with Star Alliance, there are 2 private lounges, with a lighting goal to make the space feel like a residential living room. The incandescent fixtures are dimmable and the space closes for complete privacy.
The architecture and lighting work together making a space where Star Alliance moves their VIP passengers “under one roof” bringing resources together to create a sanctuary for the weary travelers.