VIRGIN ATLANTIC CLUBHOUSE AT JFK
LOCATION / NEW YORK, NY
PROJECT TYPE / HOSPITALITY
PHOTOGRAPHER / ANTON STARK
Accolades & Publications
2015 Society of American Registered Architects National Design Award
2014 AIA New York Design Awards. Interiors
2014 AIA New York Archtober Building of the Day
2013 Leaf Interior Design Awards. Hospitality Building of the Year
2012 Interior Design Magazine Best of Year. Lounge/Bar
2012 MetalMag Architectural Awards. Interior
2012 London International Creative Competition. Interior Design
2012 International Hotel Motel Restaurant Show Gold Key Awards. Lounge/Bar
2012 FX International Design Awards. Leisure Entertainment Venue
2012 Nylon Magazine “Virgin Atlantic JFK Clubhouse”
The Clubhouse functions as a hybrid -private members club, boutique hotel lobby, restaurant and chic bar. Bounded on two sides by expansive views over the jet ways, aircraft and a direct view of the iconic TWA terminal, the lounge picks up on the glamour of the ‘60s air travel with an uptown vibe.
Distinct areas in this airport design cater to different passenger activities and interactions. The areas are organized by acoustical levels and temporal commitment. Acoustical zones: Quiet lounge, Talking lounge, cocktail lounge. Temporal zones: activities that require less time are closer to the entry, those that require more are furthest from the entry.
Cloud shaped in plan, the central cocktail lounge is enclosed by a diaphanous, curving screen of stainless steel rods and walnut fins. The rods and fins mediate views and create and internal skyline. 2,000 powder-coated golden cylinders hang from the ceiling creating a glowing, sculptural topography. is the heart of the lounge, Guests move through the cocktail lounge in a rhythmic syncopated flow to the many unique Clubhouse amenities and spaces defined by this central element.
Furnishings help define the character of each area. We designed the grey amorphous pebble sofas and a red ball sofa to create a seating landscape in the cocktail lounge. The talking lounge includes the restaurant and is furnished to encourage groups and interaction. The quiet lounge emphasizes individual seating. Aluminum walls perforated with a pixelated cloud pattern are cutout to create “floating” seating pods. Spa and hair salons complete the amenities.
Details reinforce the “Uptown” theme of the lounge. We designed two custom wallpapers composed of new york icons: the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building create one pattern, the other uses hot dog cart punctuated by red apples. In the bathrooms, white subway tiles and large-scaled black and white Sanborn maps of NYC complete the picture.
