For many, airline clubs and lounges satisfy both a practical need—a comfortable, modern, well-equipped place to pass the time between flights—as well as a more psychologically-oriented requirement — a place where amenities and aesthetics combine to provide a calming retreat from the airport’s stressful scene.
Recently, Mancini Duffy worked with American Airlines (AA) to bring first-class hospitality to its Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club at JFK’s Terminal 8, as part of the airline’s $200 million investment in a system-wide rebranding campaign. Going into the renovation project, the airline’s priorities were twofold: to be able to continue to operate the facilities during construction with minimal disruption to guests and employees, and to use the clubs as a high-visibility vehicle to implement the re-envisioned American Airlines brand.
We achieved the first goal by carefully planning and sequencing the construction process. By breaking the project into discrete, function-specific “modules” and coordinating demolition and construction phases, we ensured the continuous operation of every feature of the club. The crew from Holt Construction Corporation was able to manage these phases efficiently, maintain very tight turnover schedules, and keep the entire project on track and moving forward. Throughout the entire renovation, visitors to the lounge were never without any of American’s signature services.
Key to meeting the second challenge was remaining flexible throughout the development of the overall project. Since AA was in the middle of reimagining its brand identity, our designers had to make sure that the client’s vision was incorporated into the plan as it evolved. This required intense and frequent communication, coordination, and collaboration between Mancini Duffy, Holt, and the client. As American’s brand aesthetic gradually came into focus, our team and the contractor often had to make quick adjustments to make sure that the new image was effectively conveyed by the design.
From Old to New
At JFK, American Airlines’ existing facility had been divided into two components, an Admirals Club and a Flagship Lounge, and provided food service options, a small business center, and shared shower space. The interior and its furnishings no longer aligned with AA’s new identity, and more room was needed to accommodate the growing passenger demand for expanded services.
Through selective acquisition of adjoining spaces, our new design substantially increased the area of the club. We captured a 5,500-square-foot storage room, using it to bolster the capacity of the Flagship Lounge. A more unusual opportunity for expansion arose with a 35-foot by 100-foot walkway that spanned the main concourse, floating over the route passengers follow to reach the departure gates. Known as the “bridge”, we recognized that this previously unused area posed great design potential, and would allow us a chance to create a truly memorable experience for visitors.
The revamped and reorganized space offers a spectrum of experiences and services to passengers. When guests arrive at the reception area, they are greeted by attendants stationed at sleek, white, freestanding kiosks—reminiscent of a boutique hotel check-in. Qualified Flagship members are directed down a long corridor with an integrated illuminated mural of New York City, a nod to the location of the club. Upon entering the spacious, open-plan lounge, visitors can assess at a glance the variety of the seating configurations and amenities, and directly access the area and the ambiance that will best serve their needs.
The centerpiece of this room is a dramatic, multi-level platform anchored by a wine and Champagne table; above it, clusters of metallic globes add definition and sparkle to the space. It is surrounded by a mix of seating options, ranging from built-in banquettes to high-top tables and stools. The entire space is wrapped by a low wall that is clad in a textured stainless-steel mesh. Extending up from the top of this wall to the ceiling, a series of etched-glass fins generates a sense of enclosure while maintaining a visual connection to the surrounding space. The ceiling is made up of rows of custom fabricated wood fins that curve up into a light cove.
For travelers who are looking for a more private experience or a chance to rejuvenate between legs of a long-haul journey, we developed several special environments. At the perimeter of the club, we placed a quiet room, fitted with comfortable lounge chairs with multiple power-supply options. The business center comprises a row of individual cubbies, built against the wall for an additional measure of privacy. The club’s large shower suites are fully stocked with luxury brand toiletries, hair dryers, and mirrored vanities.
Several seating groups are positioned against the window that overlooks the airplane ramp. Moving around the space, visitors encounter a generous self-serve hot and cold food buffet and beverage station, complete with a make-your-own Bloody Mary station.
Around the corner from the buffet area is a private dining room, where qualified guests can enjoy a more leisurely meal, with sit-down table service for a healthy menu of chef-designed, regionally-inspired dishes, prepared from locally sourced ingredients. A full-service bar offers hand-crafted specialty cocktails, signature wines, and craft beers.
The most distinctive feature of the new facility is the bridge above the concourse level. During the early design stages, we explored a number of ways we could showcase what had been an under-utilized element of the space; it originally served as a connection from the AA operations area to the old club. Ultimately, we decided to turn it into one of the most prominent features in the lounge by giving it a park-like, outdoor feeling. A trellis system with integral planters and seating runs the length of the bridge. At the center of the span is a bar where guests can enjoy a full range of beverages. After dark, the glow from dangling lights suspended from the trellis brings the space to life in an elegant way.
The new Admirals Club is situated between the bridge and the Flagship Lounge. Its amenities include a separate children’s room, a shower suite, a business center, self-serve hot and cold buffet stations, and an entertainment room.
During the course of the design process for the JFK passenger lounges, we’ve been able to understand the values and priorities of American Airlines, and translate them into an architectural identity that creatively expresses the brand. We will be applying this knowledge next at the Philadelphia International Airport A West terminal, where in the fall Mancini Duffy will begin construction work on the Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club renovations.
Scott Harrell, LEED AP joined Mancini Duffy in 2004, becoming principal in 2013. With more than 20 years of project management expertise in all areas of interior architectural design, he places particular value on nurturing long-term client relationships. His current work in the aviation sector includes multiple projects with American Airlines, as well as interior projects for several major airlines, through LaGuardia Gateway Partners.
