Completion Date: 9/29/2015
Square Footage: 21000
Building Use: International Airport Lounge
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Project Description:
The Auckland Airport has become a hub for international travel across the Asia-Pacific region. In response, Air New Zealand sought to create a new lounge space in the airport that would provide a haven for travellers during their journey. The client challenged the team to create a design that reflects a sense of place, be genuine and authentic, make use of natural textures, and be a showcase for “new” New Zealand. The goal was to reinforce a personalized hospitality experience on ground and in air, while maintaining an extremely robust environment that gets a very high use on a daily basis. The architectural concept came from Air New Zealand’s customers’ feedback and desire to have a unique space or ‘haven’ at the airport. The team introduced the idea of ‘zones’ throughout the space to offer travellers a customizable stay. Different seating types, ceiling heights and flooring transitions reinforce these zones. Through the use of ‘hero moments’, the team created visual destinations that guide the customer through their lounge experience.
Building at an Airport has its challenges. Unlike other locations, the Auckland Airport was required to be fully operational at the time of construction. Since the existing site was to be converted from airside to landside, the expansion had to happen delicately with respect to the security and ongoing operations of the airfield. The team collaborated with local architects to achieve a new vertical circulation space and base building façade that would reflect the design intent of Air New Zealand’s new interior space. The lounge also expanded over an existing exterior roof to become a covered outdoor terrace with operable louvres and increase the footprint, providing more area for passengers to enjoy.
With these challenges came immense opportunity. The new location in the Auckland airport provided 180 degree views to the nearby landscape, and a new base build gave the chance to control how these views would be framed. The team had the ability to build a shell that would allow the interior to function exactly as the client needed. The architectural build out strengthened the Air New Zealand brand and gave a cohesive tie from the outside in.
The brand was also enhanced with the use of local building materials. The sensitivity to not only the sustainability of the space, but also the budget, pushed the design team to use locally sourced Messmate wood, as well as local furniture and lighting designers. This reinforced a timeless design and kept the import costs to a minimum since access to materials in New Zealand are less abundant. Greenstar ratings (LEED in New Zealand) were achieved through the use of low flow plumbing fixtures and LED lighting. The green wall located on the outdoor terrace makes use of local Flora and Fauna to represent the nature of New Zealand, while supporting clean air. The partnership with the local architects allowed the team to create an airport lounge that reflected the global market the airline continues to grow, while reinforcing the New Zealand culture.
C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment
Submitted By: |
Gensler |
Design Architect: |
Gensler |
Associate Architect or Firm: |
Kay and Keys (Architect of Record) Jasmax (Base Build Architect) |
Landscape Architect: |
N/A |
Owner / Developer: |
Air New Zealand / Auckland International Airport |
Engineer: |
Norman Disney Young |
General Contractor: |
Hawkins Construction |
Consultant: |
N/A |
Photographer: |
Ashley Dowell Kieran Scott Ross Land |
Air New Zealand - Auckland International Lounge
Category
Featured Award Category
Description
The jury appreciated the consistency of the design and a good diversity of space throughout the project. The ambient environment and living wall offer a nice respite for weary travelers.
Congratulations Gensler.
Winner Status
- Citation Award