Qantas has unveiled the design of the new First Lounge they’re building at Singapore’s Changi Airport – not just through still images as you might expect – but using virtual reality.
Industrial designer David Caon and his team have created an immersive virtual reality representation of the new lounge which is set to open at the end of 2019.
Qantas said this innovative approach provided a better way for them to preview and fine tune lounges while a similar approach is being used for the upgrade of their A380 cabins.
The new First Lounge will welcome 240 customers offering a luxurious design and premium dining inspired by Singapore’s vibrant culture.
The new lounge is being designed to suit transit travellers with shower facilities, a la carte dining including an open kitchen, a cocktail bar and plenty of device charging stations.
Qantas International CEO Alison Webster said VR gave the airline a completely new way to make sure a lounge meets customer needs well before the build begins.
“While we already use VR technology to promote destinations, this is the first time we have used it to better understand a lounge design,” she said.
“Being able to immerse ourselves in a virtual lounge gives us a more accurate sense of space and an understanding of how it will look to scale”.
Qantas International CEO Alison Webster
Designer David Caon said the lounge would be fitted with a neutral colour palette, luxurious materials and leafy green highlights that will make customers feel relaxed as soon as they enter the lounge.
“The interiors achieve a synergy with other Qantas First Lounges on the network, using key materials like marble and oak from the Sydney flagship lounge, combined with finishes reflecting the lively culture of Singapore,” he said.
David Caon said using Virtual Reality has revolutionised the design process between designer and client.
“Virtual reality brings the 2D drawings and photos to life, and for this project in particular, it has sped up the consultation process between our design team and Qantas.”
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What do you think of the design?