News: Traveller-focused design for Lounge 1

We are currently busy working on the redesign of Lounge 1. It goes without saying that we are not just renovating at random – a lot of thought has gone into what the redeveloped lounge should look like.

Published on: 28 July 2023

Over the past 5 years, we have been working together with ZENBER Architecten, IAA Architecten, Benthem Crouwel NACO, RHDHV, Halmos and a group of advisors on the new interior of Lounge 1. Our starting point was the ultimate passenger experience – the Customer Journey – in which the needs and wants of the traveller take centre stage. We are dividing the lounge into three areas, each with its own look and feel thanks to the use of different colours and materials. This means that travellers can recognise the different areas, and it helps them to feel at ease and find their way around the lounge.

Welcome/Goodbye Zone

The Welcome/Goodbye Zone is located landside and it’s where we welcome arriving travellers as well as say farewell to departing ones. All travellers go past a wooden strip with a warm earthy feel and walls that have been finished with bamboo. Located at the end of this strip are several food and drink outlets and the Cockpitplein seating area which, due to its warm terracotta and rust colours, also has an earthy character.

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ZENBER Architecten/Benthem Crouwel NACO

The Cloud

In the centre of the lounge lies The Cloud. It is inspired by the Dutch sky, but also refers to the moment you go through the clouds when flying. Thanks to its location between landside and airside, The Cloud is the lounge’s iconic focal point. The area can accommodate shops and a flagship store, as well as a seating area at the back. In the façade, which consists of white material and curved sections, we depict clouds using a grid pattern of dots. We also incorporate lighting that changes colour and intensity throughout the day.

lounge1a
ZENBER Architecten/Benthem Crouwel NACO

Relax Zone

We are creating a Relax Zone airside. It’s a fresh, transparent and green area with a contemporary feel. It’s a place to rest and feel calm, and there are clear sightlines. Here, travellers can enjoy a cup of coffee and sandwich while watching the aircraft. There’s also a diverse range of food and drink establishments, services including Lost & Found and a seating area.

Sustainable and circular

Schiphol’s ambition is to be the world's most sustainable airport and we have been keeping this goal in mind throughout the redevelopment of Lounge 1. The ceiling is made out of recyclable aluminium and the floor tiles are made of waste marble, quartz and granite. We are upholstering the furniture with waste leather and the wooden walls are made out of sustainable bamboo.