Project Data:

Completion Date:     1/21/2021

Square Footage:      9225

Building Use:           Airport Lounge

Project Description:

The new premium flagship “Elevation” lounge for WestJet at the Calgary International Airport is more than a lounge, it is a destination for travelers. Designed with your journey in mind and inspired by modern mountain living, the dramatic curves draw guests in and give the feeling of traveling by canoe down the beautiful landscapes of Canada.

The design embraced the existing space's unique dimensions, formed by the low mezzanine structure above and the constraints of the airport infrastructure below, to create inviting contours that sweep guests into an immersive experience. The program reflected the overall concept of the natural wonder of the “in between”, placing the less active or “slow” touch points on the perimeter of the space, and the “fast” or active zones central to the space.

With views of the runway and locally sourced, curated products, the lounge features a healthy market as well as display cooking. The space invites travelers to work, relax, rejuvenate, and collaborate. Augmented reality art, developed by a local Calgary artist, stimulates travelers to interact with the art and hear inspiration from the artist.

The variety of amenity spaces caters to diverse travel preferences, including private work areas, a family zone with interactive video games and cozy hangout nooks, as well as a full-service feature bar.

The incorporation of technology further enhances the premiere lounge experience. The self-scanning entry not only eliminates wait times but also provides a seamless transition from the hectic airport into the comforting lounge experience. The artfully crafted beverages and beautifully plated cuisine can be ordered effortlessly from personal devices, elevating the level of service that adds to the allure of the lounge.

Opening amidst the pandemic, the lounge showcased its capacity to adapt according to WestJet's evolving requirements. The food theater seamlessly transitioned into a full-service dining experience, with the convenience of ordering through your smartphone while the self-scan entry ensured a safe and contactless passage into the lounge.

The design and construction team also showcased their adaptability. Due to the travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic, they performed all Construction Administration virtually. Leveraging tools like Matterport and Holobuilder scans, the team coordinated regularly with the contractor to successfully realize the design. The space is unique in its Canadian storytelling, being successfully built, opened and marketing during a pandemic.

As the airline's inaugural lounge, the design defines how WestJet extends their inflight comfort and brand into the airport experience. The lounge not only elevates passengers travel experience at this location, but also establishes the benchmark for all future WestJet lounges.

Framework for Design Excellence

DESIGN FOR ECOSYSTEMS

The lounge accommodates the diverse range of traveler preferences and purposes, catering to their different needs by creating spaces for social interaction and individual work. The layout includes communal zones where people easily connect and interact, creating a sense of community during their journey. Simultaneously, it provides independent and quiet areas that support focused work, acknowledging the guests looking for privacy and productivity. A separate area for families gives children a place to play without impacting the other visitors. The design encourages movement between the various zones, fostering connections between different traveler communities.

DESIGN FOR WELL-BEING

Adding a lounge service to an airline that had not previously offered this amenity, enhances the well-being of travelers by providing a dedicated space for relaxation amidst the often hectic and stressful travel experience.
The conveniences, showers, crafted food and cocktails, all contribute to travelers’ comfort and well-being during their journey. For the nervous traveler, the lounge offers a calm and comfortable environment to relax and reduce stress or to meet and make connections; a welcome distraction that allows for a more positive travel experience.

For business traveler, the availability of quiet work areas with reliable internet, fosters productivity and reduces the stress of working while on the go.

For the weary traveler, the comfortable seating and chaise lounges offer a place to rest and recharge. All while the social engagement enhances the sense of community between these various guests.

DESIGN FOR CHANGE

By introducing a lounge service to the airline's offerings, WestJet has demonstrated their commitment to enrich the travel experience and prioritize the well-being of their passengers. The lounge also allows the airline to extend their inflight comfort and brand into the airport experience, providing additional opportunities to positively interact with their guests leaving a lasting impression. Offering this exclusive service travelers feel recognized, improving their overall perception of the airline and increasing customer loyalty.

Firm Name:              Gensler

Completion Date:     1/21/2021

Square Footage:      9225

Building Use:           Airport Lounge

Location:                 Calgary International Airport, Calgary, Canada

Design Architect:
Gensler

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:

Owner / Developer:
WestJet

Engineer:
Smith + Anderson (MEP)
Entuitive (Structural)

General Contractor:
Govan Brown & Associates Limited

Consultant:
CINI LITTLE (Food Service)

Photographer:
Gensler / Ryan Gobuty