Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Case study 2 (Virgin Atlantic Lounge)

Virgin Atlantic Lounge at Heathrow Airport (London)

The lounge is somehow similar to my vision of the recreational facility. It merges between both style and function and it also offers the travelers an array of facilities to relax before heading off to their destination.

The lounge is divided into different areas: for relaxation, for playing, for working/reading, for eating/drinking, and for wellness/ treatment purposes.



The following areas that I’ll be describing in details are the ones that are related to my project.


The relaxation area includes the following spaces: a pool side lounge, The Lodge, Sky Lounge, Observation Deck, The Gallery, The concierge, and The garden.

The Poolside lounge is a seating area next to a water pool. It’s very inviting and cozy. The area could seat 18 people and has 6 little seating areas and a TV within the same space. What I liked about the poolside lounge was the fact that it’s an open space but still inviting and somehow private for friends to socialize and spend time together.

The furniture at the Pool Side Lounge are the following: 2 three seater sofas, 10 armchairs, and 2 bubble chairs.

The colors: gradients of white, beige, silver, and blue.








The Lodge is another seating area; it has a different atmosphere than the Pool Side Lounge. The seating area is separated into 2 areas facing each other. The steps, the wooden flooring, and the plants in the center separate the 2 areas from one another. The area has built in seats and coffee tables distributed around. An electronic fireplace is also located next to the seating area, which gives a sense of coziness to the space.

Furniture: 6 small coffee tables, 4 built-in side tables, and 2 extended built-in seats.

Colors: beige, brown, and white.





The sky Lounge could be described as a hide away. It is located at the mezzanine level within the lounge. The staircase leading to the sky lounge is made from white marble. I personally visited the lounge in August 2008; and what grabbed my attention the most was the coffee table at the sky lounge. The coffee table is made out of clear glass and is integrated into the floor; so while lounging at the mezzanine level you could look at the people playing pool at the ground level through the coffee table. The people sitting there could have a private place to sit in while still have the opportunity to be around people.

The furniture at the Sky lounge is the following: an extended built-in seat, 2 armchairs, a big glass coffee table, small coffee tables, and a chaise lounge.

Colors: white, blue, beige, and yellow.

While distributing the survey I found out that a number of people like to have their own personal space while still being around people so I think that the sky lounge is a good example of such a space.








The Observation Deck is another area that has a view to the airport’s runway. The area is located away from the center of the Lounge to give its users a sense of privacy specifically next to the quiet areas such as the library and working space. It’s a perfect place to read and relax. In addition, the Observation deck was designed to give its users the view of the airport’s runways and the sunset.

Furniture: 2 recliners, 5 armchairs, 8 chairs, 4 coffee tables, and 3 light stands.

Colors: Green, white, brown, and beige.




The Gallery has 6 different seating areas. The space is separated from the rest of the lounge through the use of clear glass panels. The glass separates the area and provides a quiet space without secluding the visitors from the rest of the lounge.

Furniture: 10 3 seater sofas, 11 chairs, 11 coffee tables, and 3 bubble chairs.
Colors: white, beige, and green.





The office and library area is located at the far corner of the lounge and are separated by glass panels. It’s designed in a way that provides a calming atmosphere to work, study, or read.

Furniture: 4 office chairs, 4 working desks, bookshelves, 2 arm chairs, a huge log style table with 2 extended seats.

Colors: brown, beige, and white.





The play area includes, a multiscreen, The Den ( video games-pool), and a kid’s playing room.

Multiscreen section’s furniture: 12 chaise lounges, 2 three-seater sofas and 4 armchairs.

Video game section: 2 three seater armchairs and a coffee table.

Pool area: pool table, 2
Built in seating areas with built in tables.

Colors: brown and green.





The food and drinks area includes: The Deli, The Brasserie, and the Cocktail bar. The Deli is more related to what I want to create for the snack and juice bar. It offers a variety of light snacks and drinks. I liked the way the bar table was designed. It’s very simple and sleek with herbs planted in the middle which gives a natural feel to the space.

Furniture: 2 tables, 2 chairs, a bar table, 8 bar stools, and a food counter.

Colors: white, brown, and green.





The Cowshed is another area. It offers treatments such as massages, manicures, pedicures, and wet shave for men. The space includes 4 different divisions each with its equipments..

Furniture: 4 spa chairs, 4 counters, 4 shelves within each room, and 4 lavatories

Colors: grey, black, beige, and brown.





pictures and observations were taken from:
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/flash/clubhouse_phase2.html

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