We were in charge of the interior design and execution of two lounges for frequent flyers and business travellers at Schiphol airport. The shared space of global airline alliance Star Alliance and airport ground service provider Swissport Aspire is located on the third floor near terminal 1 with a view of the Panorama terrace, which is great for plane spotting. It has a capacity of 350 travellers, including services like a food and beverages buffet, charging stations for electronic devices, bathroom facilities and a wine bar. Each lounge has a separate reception desk and a unique layout with its own atmosphere, but the two spaces share kitchen facilities.

On the Swissport Aspire side, our designers drew inspiration from the geometric shapes Dutch landscapes with roads, dykes, pastures, and farm fields. These patches and lines are incorporated in the floor and ceiling design. In the Star Alliance lounge, the décor is inspired by the interior of a grand café or hotel lounge with dark oak wood floors and an interesting mix of traditional and Dutch Design furniture pieces. The two lounges each have their own personality, but smart design prevents the two spaces from clashing. Travellers transition from one world to the next through the more neutral space in the middle while the lowered copper ceiling extends to both sides of the lounge to create unity in the space. These lounges are like the travellers in it: different, but the same.