HAWAIIAN AIRLINES PREMIER LOUNGE

Honolulu, Hawaii
2002 Honolulu AIA Award

 

Because the previous lounge for Hawaiian Airlines was a simple holding room with dated furnishings not in keeping with its level of updated service, Ferraro Choi was asked to design a new non-traditional lounge for its Premier Club members. The design challenge was to work within a modest budget to create architectural features that encouraged a sense of individualized areas, but still allowed for the space to be open and interactive. The reception and business area needed to accommodate Hawaiian Airline’s many business-club members and services they require, such as a Cafe and private workstations with data and communication ports. As with many renovations, construction phasing would be necessary to allow 100% ongoing operations during the renovation. The new lounge needed to be suitable for the sophisticated business traveler, yet comfortable and casual enough for the vacation traveler. It also needed to reflect the unique image Hawaiian Airlines brings to the industry: modern and progressive, yet sensitive and mindful of its Island connection and history.

 

Taking the design challenge to heart, Ferraro Choi created a space that bespeaks the image and roots of Hawaiian Airlines. Subtly defining the refreshment and work areas, an angled wall is made of lined translucent Plexiglas screens that flow gently through vertical aluminum supports. The large undulating and intersecting curves of the screens are remindful of the ancient Hawaiian art of basket weaving, while the subtle score lines of the screens lends a feeling of ocean waves, sky, clouds, and flight. Durable low-maintenance floors of sparkling black granite imply the earth as seen in Hawaii, the a’a or lava flows common to the Big Island of Hawaii. Aluminum accents throughout remind us of the airline connection. The space is finished with framed bird-feather leis and other artwork that is unique to Hawaii.

 

For more information on Hawaiian Airlines, please visit their website:
Hawaiian Airlines