Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

View of the interiors of the lounge

Project Details

• Project Name: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
• Client: Virgin Atlantic Airways
• Location: JFK International Airport, Terminal 4, New York City, U.S.A
• Architects: SHoP Architects
• Principal Designers: Christopher R. Sharples, William W. Sharples, Coren D. Sharples, Kimberly J. Holden, Gregg A. Pasquarelli
• Project Team: Jennifer Conway, Yongmoo Heo, Catherine Jones, Ben Krone, Keisuke Toyoda
• Structural Engineer: Buro Happold
• MEP Engineer: Buro Happold
• General Contractor: Lehr Construction Corporation
• Date of commencement of project:November 2003
• Date of completion of project: February 2004
• Site Area: 7000 sq ft
• Built-up Area: 7000 sq ft
• Cost of Construction: 3.4 Million USD

The play of light and water in the lounge

The Clubhouse

Virgin Atlantic's new upper class lounge at JFK celebrates both the dynamism of New York City and the excellence of its own airlines. An urban oasis with sweeping views of the terminal and its runway, the lounge sets stage for the unfolding of each passenger's journey.

A glittering waterfall bound by a 90-foot long pool provides for a dynamic point of entry into the lounge. The dining is accommodated along the interior banks of this pool.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse - Floor Plan [opens in a popup window - 97 KB image]

The simple yet highly varied material palette gives the design its edge

Inspired by shimmering images of New York across its waters, pearlescent screens rise in undulating towers, forming the bar and more intimate seating areas. These create zones of high comfort and privacy, which are afforded with breathtaking views of the airport. These impressive structures, designed and fabricated using the latest in cutting-edge digital technology in fire rated MDF, are illuminated with soft light that subtly shifts color.

View of the bathroom

The flooring is conceived in deep colored Brazilian Walnut while the Panelite Polymer Series is used for business area dividers. Bisazza tiles are extensively used in the bathrooms that merge innovative design with capturing views onto the runway to create a unique experience for the traveler.

The lounge at the JFK airport

The lounge provides for all the needs of the traveler, from food and drink, power and digital ports to a soothing pause before the journey thereon.

Credits

• Text: Courtesy, the architect
• Photographs by Seong Kwon, courtesy of SHoP Architects
• Compiled and edited by Varun M. Ajani