 |
||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||
“Many technical and philosophical questions regarding the look and feel of our concept were raised throughout the consultation process and it was this dialogue that was crucial to a successful outcome" Adrian Lambe, Senior Designer, Douglas Wallace We were responsible for the interior design and project management of the 4,000 sq ft Pier B retail offer in Dublin Airport working in close consultation with DAA Retail division. The new design is aimed at the ever increasing number of travellers using the airport. The brief was to take a fresh look at the retail principles within the terminal introducing a completely new presentation style. The new design had resulted in the creation of a dynamic retail experience, taking into account the existing and projected footfalls throughout the space. The design concept was to open the space visually from perimeter to perimeter allowing customers to look through glazed divisions into the Travel Value shop. It was important to provide a clearer and more accessible entrance into Pier B from the Airport’s primary retail area ‘The Street’. The entrance to Pier B is now more visible and enticing. We wanted to attract customers who would not necessarily be travelling from Pier B. By opening up the space and using bright materials, lighting and merchandising, Pier B is now an attractive retail destination for all passengers using Dublin Airport. One important feature is the merging of the ‘bypass corridor’ with the old retail space. Passengers making their way to Pier B are no longer separated from shoppers. The entire area is now integrated by means of floor and ceiling finishes. We introduced a ‘grand’ architectural element in order to tie the whole concept together. This manifests itself in the form of a ‘sweep’, a profiled curve raft which emerges from the floor wrapping its way up to the ceiling. The feature traverses the perimeter of the retail offer finally retreating back to the floor. Product is now highlighted by means of fixtures with curvatures and lighting. The increased scope of lighting, including natural light, within the space has been integral to the overall creation of a successful retail environment. The completed space has now opened up what was a more enclosed environment. A connection is now made with the airfield via the introduction of opaque glass dividers between the departures and arrivals corridor. The use of materials within the space invokes a modern and clean retail store with contextual references to the business of flying through the use of aeronautical motifs. These aeronautical references continue through the choice of colour schemes for the project. The pallet within the new Pier B retail space is predominantly white with hints of colour in some areas, designed to reflect the concept of airplanes and airplane interiors whilst also highlighting the wide variety of product on offer within the retail space. This a very refreshing approach to airport interior design. The integration of individual elements provide for a very effective and special shopping experience. We have challenged the typical airport-retailing route of pre-defined ‘rectangular’ boxes. The concept in this case was to create a store and not simply a series of merchandising opportunities. We were interested in carrying the theme of aeronautics through to the interior in a very understated way. We included subtle hints and suggestions within the interior architecture whilst still delivering a highly functional and flexible space. This complex project required the understanding of the vast array of specifics that present themselves within airport environments. The resulting retail space is one which will trade successfully as a very rewarding shopping experience. |
