Airport related design is one of their
main resources for ALS. With work in over ten international airports, their scope
of services has covered a full spectrum of designs that are important for
airport architecture. At one end of the
spectrum, we have helped in the graphic design of proposals which include the
binder, stationary, and architectural presentation. In turn, we have had the
opportunity to see our initial renderings and ideas turned into the reality of
built designs in several airports. ALS has a network of relations with airport
personnel from coast to coast. An example of one of ASL’s airport projects is
the Unique Retreat at San Francisco Airport Hotel.
Unique Retreat
ASL worked together with a London design firm to create the
design for the Unique Retreat concept at the San Francisco Airport Hotel. The
idea for the space in the airport is to have your own space you control, that
you can relax in or get some work done in peace while you wait for a connecting
flight or if your flight gets delayed. Curvilinear lines dominate the space to
make the room feel relaxed with lights that you can control by remote to suit
any individual’s needs. Its modern style relates to ALS’s innovative ideas and
gives the impression of a professional, luxurious place to work or rest. The
storefront is made up of stone for the fleshy interior hallways composed of
warm, natural wood. The luxurious rooms include a bed, tv, desk and chair. This
project is aiming for a LEED certification.
I find the idea of the Unique Retreat very interesting. It makes
a lot of sense to have a space close by, at the airport, to go that is multi
functional. Traveling isn’t the most exciting or relaxing thing to do but for a
lot of people who travel for business, this makes the experience as comfortable
as possible. When I have traveled, I myself have been to the private lounges at
the airports for people who mostly travel for business, and it is a nice
relaxing, quite place to go wait or work before your flight or in between
flights. However, it’s still a communal space, so the idea of a space to
yourself, that provides the same kind of relaxing atmosphere, I think is
awesome. By making traveling more
comfortable for business people, not only does it make traveling a more
pleasurable experience, but once the person lands in the destination, they’ll
be more productive and energized. This project definitely relates to the client’s
needs and shoes ASL’s innovative style.
Duty Free Americas
Generation 1
ASL has done a considerable amount of design work for Duty
Free Americas. The early work involved the development of “generation 1” stores
into multiple airports like DTW, JFK, IAD, DFW, and ORD. These airport retail
stores are characterized by coloured light bands wrapping the ceiling, light
wood cabinetry, and certain features that relate the store to the city it’s in.
For example, in Detroit, gears accent the storefront, and a large tire-like ceiling
feature defines the sales counter. In Washington D.C. a flag-like ceiling form
guides the customers into the store.
Generation 2
Continuing their relationship with Duty Free Americas, they
produce a second generation of stores. The second generation stores are located
in MIA, DTW, and BOS. The current stores have a cleaner, modern look to them. The
white, brightly lit interiors are used to backdrop the store and make the
high-end products more apparent. In important areas, darker, natural materials
are used to emphasize the area, using contrast to draw your eye to either the
register area or the more expensive products.
Northern Border Store
As a way to revamp the image of the Duty Free Americas
northern borders store, ASL was asked to develop a concept store that would be apply
for multiple locations from Washington to New York. ASL worked back and forth
with the client to create these various schemes. Since these stores would be located
and constructed in several states, the concept emphasized the use of regional
wood as an accent, along with a great hall supported by a tectonic structure.
Schiphol in CLE
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport approached ASL to develop and
architectural proposal for how the Cleveland Hopkins Airport could be renovated
if they won a bid to operate and own the Cleveland Airport. ASL’s main
objective was to brighten the currently dark corridors, provide clear
navigational aids throughout, and open up the spaces right after security in
order to decrease crowding.
