Gustavson Wylie Architects was engaged to create a new Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge, located in the international terminal, expanding the existing facility both by an increase of the main level floor plate (through an expansion by the airport authority) and by taking over a lounge space directly above and connecting the two levels with an internal elevator and feature staircase.
David Hanson led the design team to create a concept that brings together elements that are familiar to Air Canada premium customers with a west coast feel. The new lounge is completely redesigned with a layout that flows through zones from the entry welcome experience to the social zones such as the bar and TV areas. An greatly enhanced food experience includes a chef station for 'made to order' offerings and extensive self-serve options. Further into the lounge there is a quiet rest zone and a VIP room while upstairs offers more intimate spaces for relaxation. Spa inspired shower rooms round out the customer experience.
The new lounge is 1,250 square meters with seating capacity for 258 customers offers an elegant space on two levels that showcases contemporary Canadian design and artwork including:
David Hanson led the design team to create a concept that brings together elements that are familiar to Air Canada premium customers with a west coast feel. The new lounge is completely redesigned with a layout that flows through zones from the entry welcome experience to the social zones such as the bar and TV areas. An greatly enhanced food experience includes a chef station for 'made to order' offerings and extensive self-serve options. Further into the lounge there is a quiet rest zone and a VIP room while upstairs offers more intimate spaces for relaxation. Spa inspired shower rooms round out the customer experience.
The new lounge is 1,250 square meters with seating capacity for 258 customers offers an elegant space on two levels that showcases contemporary Canadian design and artwork including:
- Artwork by Canadian artists Kendall Kendrick (Vancouver) whose creation celebrates westcoast nature, Nicolas Ruel (Montreal) showcasing overseas travel, and Danielle Roy (Montreal) from her collection titled "A flower – a human being" creating a powerful imagery of urban portraits by uniting people from all walks of life with beautiful flowers.
- Furnishings by Canadian designers Brent Comber (North Vancouver), Birchwood Furniture (Calgary), Nienkamper (Toronto) and Mobilier Modern (Montreal).
- A business zone featuring a custom crafted work table, by Live Edge Design of Duncan, BC created with wood salvaged from a maple tree in the Cowichan Valley which had come to the end of its natural life. The wood slabs have gone through an extensive kiln drying process, followed by hand finishing, ensuring this tree will continue to live on in a new incarnation for several decades.
- Hot and cold dining options, including a feature salad by celebrated Vancouver Chef David Hawksworth, a chef's station for individually prepared dishes, along with wines from Canada and from around the world.
- The business zone is equipped with flat screen desktop computers for customers' use, and RICOH colour printing and scanning. Complementary wi-fi and conveniently located power sources are available throughout the lounge.
- Spa-inspired shower rooms with rain shower heads, a Samsung TV zone, a VIP room and a quiet zone with reclining lounge seating.
Photos and video courtesy of Air Canada