Qantas today unveiled the visual concept of its upcoming First Class Lounge in Singapore, designed by acclaimed industrial designer David Caon in collaboration with Akin Atelier.
The new First Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport can accommodate 240 customers, offering a luxurious design and premium dining inspired by Singapore’s vibrant culture. The new lounge is designed to cater transit travellers conveniences such as shower facilities, a la carte restaurant-style dining with an open kitchen, a cocktail bar, and plenty of device charging stations.
Qantas is using virtual reality (VR) in the development of its newest First Lounge, which is set to open at the end of 2019. David Caon and his team have created an immersive virtual reality representation of the design concept, providing a better way for Qantas to preview and fine-tune lounges. A similar approach is being used for the airline’s upgrade of its A380 cabins.
Qantas International CEO Alison Webster said VR gives the airline a completely new way to make sure a lounge meets customer needs well before the build begins.
“While we already use VR technology to promote destinations, this is the first time we have used it to better understand a lounge design. Being able to immerse ourselves in a virtual lounge gives us a more accurate sense of space and an understanding of how it will look to scale,” said Ms Webster.
Unveiling detail of the interiors today, designer David Caon said a neutral colour palette, luxurious materials and leafy green highlights will make customers feel relaxed as soon as they enter the lounge.
“The interiors achieve a synergy with other Qantas First Lounges on the network, using key materials like marble and oak from the Sydney flagship lounge, combined with finishes reflecting the lively culture of Singapore.
“Virtual reality brings the 2D drawings and photos to life, and for this project, in particular, it has sped up the consultation process between our design team and Qantas.”
The Qantas First Lounge in Singapore is expected to open in late 2019, while the existing Business Lounge will be expanded and is due to open mid-year. The overall lounge capacity in Singapore will increase by 60 per cent and combined, the First and Business Lounges will offer to seat for more than 800 customers.
In addition to Qantas’ investment in Singapore, the airline recently announced it will upgrade its lounges in Tokyo, Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart.
