Generation Seating Solutions for Modern Airport Environments – NURUS A/S

SPECIAL REPORT

Seating Solutions for Modern Airport Environments Innovative Solutions for Wide-Ranging Needs in Airports Revolutionizing Airport Interiors Airport Seating Goes High Tech How Airport Seating is Changing Designing Emotionally Intelligent Spaces

Published by Global Business Media

SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

SPECIAL REPORT

Seating Solutions for Modern Airport Environments Innovative Solutions for Wide-Ranging Needs in Airports Revolutionizing Airport Interiors

Contents

Airport Seating Goes High Tech How Airport Seating is Changing Designing Emotionally Intelligent Spaces

Foreword

2

Tom Cropper, Editor

Innovative Solutions for Wide-Range Needs in Airports 3 Nurus A.S.

Effective, Functional and Technological Solutions New Terminal Concepts Published by Global Business Media

High-End Technology Connection

Published by Global Business Media

High-Density, High-Standards - Where Ideas, Objects and People Meet

Global Business Media Limited 62 The Street Ashtead Surrey KT21 1AT United Kingdom

Revolutionizing Airport Interiors

Endless Possibilities

8

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Tom Cropper, Editor

Publisher Tom Cropper

Form and Function

Business Development Director Marie-Anne Brooks

Airport Seating Goes High Tech 10

Editor Tom Cropper

Easing Overcrowding Gateway to the Nation

James Butler, Staff Writer

The Connected Seat

Senior Project Manager Steve Banks

Greater Flexibility

Advertising Executives Michael McCarthy Abigail Coombes

What Passengers Want

Production Manager Paul Davies For further information visit: www.globalbusinessmedia.org The opinions and views expressed in the editorial content in this publication are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of any organisation with which they may be associated.

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Getting it Right

How Airport Seating is Changing

12

Jo Roth, Staff Writer

Security Concerns Sustainable Solutions Small, Intimate Spaces The Rise of Technology

Designing Emotionally Intelligent Spaces

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Tom Cropper, Editor

A New Approach Good Vibrations Designing for Use Power to the Seats

References 16

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

Foreword I

T’S SIX am on a sweaty June morning. I’m in

relaxing and enjoyable place to be. Seating has a

Perugia Airport, waiting to come home. There’s

big role to play. It’s becoming more diverse, more

no duty free and what few seats exist have

comfortable and is integrating digital technology.

already been taken by sunburnt British tourists,

James Butler, then goes on to explore how

leaving me with an uncomfortable patch on the

technology is becoming integral to the airport seat. We

floor by a vending machine.

live more connected lives and need access to mobile

It’s an experience replicated across many regional airports. They lack the infrastructure to

devices while we wait. Seats are becoming digital hubs to ensure we can stay wired-in while we wait.

cope with demand, which means the majority of

Jo Roth then looks at some of the emerging trends.

passengers have to make do. The result: a lot of very

Seating is taking on a much more important role –

unhappy people.

design is becoming more sophisticated to maximize

The approach to airport seating has traditionally been uninspiring to say the least. Row upon row of

comfort, and new materials offer harder wearing and more reliable units.

small, hard, uncomfortable seats, make waiting for

Finally, we’ll look to the future. New technology and

your flight a routine act of endurance. It might have

shifting attitudes are prompting a major change in

been accepted in the past but today’s passengers –

the way airports install seating. They are using it to

whether departing from a large international hub such

design emotionally intelligent spaces which improve

as Heathrow, or a smaller regional airport such as

passenger wellbeing. This can increase passenger

Perugia – expect more. Their demands are changing,

satisfaction ratings and drive revenue.

which means seating must adapt.

The overall aim is to make the wait in the airport

Our opening article comes from Nurus,

more bearable. Seating is only part of the answer,

manufacturers of seating solutions. They talk about

but it’s one which is often overlooked. If airports can

some of the new challenges, as well as how their

understand just how it can be used, they can go a long

systems meet the changing needs of passengers.

way towards improving the passenger experience.

We will then look at why airports are beginning to focus more on aesthetic interior design as well as function. Around the world, the most forward thinking airports are redesigning their interiors to create a

Tom Cropper Editor

Tom Cropper has produced articles and reports on various aspects of global business over the past 15 years. He has also worked as a copywriter for some of the largest corporations in the world, including ING, KPMG and the World Wildlife Fund.

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

Innovative Solutions for Wide-Ranging Needs in Airports Nurus A.S.

A

S TRAVELS are part of everyday life, airports have become one of the areas with the highest density and circulation of people. The increasing number of passengers is causing new needs to arise. Now, airports are used not only as an area where passengers enter and exit. At the same time, they shop, work, eat, communicate with each other and sometimes they wait for long hours.

In the developing transportation and new generation travel culture, we are moving forward with the principle of designing timeless products, not only for today, but also for the future, by listening to the thoughts and feelings of passengers, and by observing their needs and the needs of employees, while taking account of locations.

The core values of Nurus are innovation, functionality, durability and environmental sustainability. The materials used in manufacturing are in conformity with international norms and standards, are certified, recyclable and friendly to environment.

Nurus Digital Chain® works with zero margin of error in a variety of projects ranging from education to transportation and, because of its wide range of skills and design expertise, is able to produce unique solutions for each project.

The whole process, from the project phase to installation is inspected on a digital platform at every step.

Established in 1927, Nurus works closely with station, depot and airport planning, operations personnel, architects and designers, and configures special needs to create waiting ideal areas.

New Terminal Concepts Passengers spend longer than they expected in airport lounges, gates, waiting areas and saloons as a result of delayed flights or early arrivals. Nurus creates functional, comfortable and user-centric areas with innovative airport solutions for passengers in a wide range of requirements.

Penta creates more comfortable areas for long-term waiting periods with its high NEW GENERATION WAITING AREAS

As passenger numbers increase, the need to provide a higher quantity of seats in waiting areas is now a priority. Nurus’ seating systems are manufactured to the very highest standards of quality and durability, to ensure our seating is as hardwearing as it is good looking – seating solutions as attractive and aesthetically appealing as they are resilient and long lasting.

They are effective and comfortable enough to create a welcoming and inviting environment for passengers, but also robust and durable enough to withstand the grueling daily use by many thousands of travelers.

In addition, passengers needs and expectations are changing and evolving with the development of technological devices. It is necessary to make it easy to use electronic devices, which are part of our daily life, and to use them easily during the journeys. Thanks to technological innovations available today, Nurus meets the needs of passengers and staff at terminals where traffic flow is heaviest. Nurus provides power solutions with Nurus Links® that make it quick and easy for travelers to select the correct item for their requirements.

backrest and long seat, which is suitable for stretching legs

Eon: Relaxing and Connecting Zones Eon, is designed by Nurus Design Lab and has a durable and elastic structure. Its body is manufactured in one-piece using polyurethane WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM | 3

SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

that gives a soft feel and offers various color options. Eon gives passengers both a comfortable resting area and power connections enabling them to charge their mobile devices.

Eon ensures ease of cleaning – revealing items that drop behind chairs, with the open space between chairs’ backrests and seats.

This feature also makes it easier to control security. Metal beams are also cleaned easily thanks to their anti-dust, triangle form.

Up to five Eon seats can be joined together on metal beams by using clamps. Eon seats can move on these beams by sliding and coffee tables can be adding between chairs if needed.

Eon terminal seating can be used with or without armrests. It has the Nurus Links® option on side arms instead of armrests. Coffee tables also have connection options.

MODERN AND FUNCTIONAL GATES

legs. Its integral polyurethane skin provides increased flexibility and strength.

Caria with Clear Lines Caria is a waiting unit with parts that are cleverly constructed to provide simple but smart solutions.

It consists of chairs and coffee tables - tabletops matching the module type on which users may place items such as beverages and magazines are mounted on the level bar.

The core values of Nurus are innovation, functionality, durability

High-End Technology Connection

and environmental sustainability COMFORTABLE AND ELEGANT ALAVA TERMINAL

Alava Terminal: Comfort in Mind Alava is a comfortable, functional and modern waiting unit with its rotatable construction and uncluttered design. It enables different seating combinations to be set with chairs and coffee tables. Using high-tech technology, Alava’s aluminum beam has natural wood veneer that brings coziness and comfort to the area.

Alava is smart and sturdy with its mono-block body and timeless, shell-like form. It reflects the character of its environment and adapts to any surroundings with its rich color options. Alava’s upholstery is subtly thin and provides a surprising amount of comfort.

Penta: Durable and Flexible Penta has a strong structure due to its aluminum injection construction. Seats can be in metal, various colors of polyurethane and leather or synthetic fabric upholstery. Single and double row options fulfill the highest requirements of all waiting areas offering 3 to 6 seat installations availability.

Penta creates more comfortable areas for long-term waiting periods with its high backrest and long seat, which is suitable for stretching 4 | WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM

Eon, Alava, Caria and Penta... share not only the attributes of comfort, functionality, durability and easy cleaning, but also benefit from an innovative, technology solution – Nurus Links®.

Nurus Links® connects users’ electronic devices to the furniture offering a variety of solutions such as plugs, USB adaptors and USB chargers. With Nurus Links®, you can match your electronic devices with your furniture, transfer information from your devices, and organize video-conferences; you can charge your device quickly and easily take care of business with multi-media features available.

High-Density, High-Standards – Where Ideas, Objects and People Meet Human traffic flow is the most serious problem needing facing staff and passengers in airports.

With the changing speed of technology, human behavior and habits also change rapidly.

Nurus offers a wide range of contemporary lounge products including Eon, Alava, Caria and Penta. Nurus’ unique and smart terminal solutions are not just comfortable seating areas; they are welcoming and relaxing for lounge areas, meeting points, common areas and restaurants within airports.

Nurus creates comfortable and fun waiting areas, waiting saloons and lounges that allow passengers to forget their delays. They include

SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

FURNITURE AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

clear directions and meeting points so that the passengers can move around effortlessly.

Meetings and short-term working areas make traveling and business life easier with Nurus’ designs.

A Connecting Point: Social, Fun and Energetic Nurus focuses on creating open, relaxed spaces that will facilitate the traffic flow of staff, passengers and all other guests. For lounges, gates, waiting saloons and areas in airports, Connect, 4U, Onda and U Too Poufs create colorful and comfortable areas.

Connect is a waiting, resting and energizing zone with its unique design, circular form and rich color range. Consisting of sofas, coffee tables and a combination of choices, Connect quickly adapts to areas with different architectural characteristics. Connect gets close and personal with the user and offers dynamic sitting, adding comfort and warmth to rest and lounge areas.

4U encourages socializing in public areas. It has four sitting areas in different configurations and creates fun, happy and open environments with its rich fabric and color options. 4U’s backrest with height adjustment offers comfort while resting, waiting or sitting.

Onda provides different sitting positions with its modular structure, giving lounge and rest areas a new dimension. It enables elliptical, circular, double and triple combinations, bringing life and movement to lounges and waiting areas. Onda helps create lively and dynamic atmospheres with its rich color selections and unique design.

U Too Poufs have a wide range of color and size combinations, adding versatility and variety to the space, since they can be placed in many areas such as work, lounge and social. The poufs can be used with coffee tables and can contain chess and backgammon boxes.

Pitstop: Smart, Instant Working Areas Pitstop offers a strong alternative for space

utilization. Pitstop’s design redefines areas; no need for additional walls – It creates a meeting point for collaborative working Pitstop comes with a sit-stand or fixed desk inside the frame, and is available with a double sofa to create separate areas or a high desk behind the sofa.

The Pitstop Phone Booth provides a comfortable privacy space with acoustic walls behind which it is easier to concentrate.

Thanks to its integrated lighting system, there is a choice of working positions. Besides the lightning and acoustic solutions, Pitstop is equipped with Nurus Links® to provide useful high technology features. Nurus Links® provide all connection needs – power, Internet connection, USB charging or VGA and HDMI connection for screens. Pitstop also has features outside of the frame such as functional high desk and screen and plant features to bring nature indoors.

New Perspective in Lounges and Meetings with To To adapts to all areas with its rich color options and geometrical lines, creating a functional space. To gives a stylish and powerful impression with its leather options and wooden armrests.

Nurus Links® add-on in wooden armrests allows easy charging of mobile devices.

To Sofas can be used in wide spaces with its connectable structure, as well as the single, double and triple options. To coffee tables are suitable for any living spaces with six different options. By providing spaces for notebooks, beverages and other belongings, they provide comfort.

To brings a different understanding to modern, instant meetings and lounge areas with its carefully designed backrest height and seat configurations. This facilitates body language and eye contact. To helps everybody to control and examine documents with its low height coffee tables.

NurusLinks®, exclusive to Nurus products, is an ideal way to incorporate electronics into your furniture. Quick and accurate charging abilities coupled with multimedia extensions bring speed and ease into daily operations

Picnic: Brings Outdoors Peace Indoors Inspired by the synergy of a ‘Picnic’ table, resting, relaxing, reading, working or meeting becomes a new experience with Picnic. It offers a complete solution for various spaces such as breakout zones and public areas.

Picnic’s design and space between seats makes it easy to settle down on to its seats.

Picnic creates a one-piece system and optional desktop unit with its two versions: Picnic and Picnic Hi-Tech. You can choose Picnic with or without a desktop unit according to your needs and intended use.

Designed with the Nurus Links® option, Picnic High-Tech provides power sockets, USB charging and a micro-USB cord. Its features include a rechargeable battery option to free WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM | 5

SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

COMFORTABLE, LIVELY AND DYNAMIC AREAS

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

space from a mass of cables and to overcome technical limitations. It can be selected with or without battery.

Contemporary Solutions for Concentrating Zones Instant meetings and short-term working are needed in the different areas of airports.

Isola Meet, Isola Media Wall, Stone, Greta High Backrest, Greta Meeting and also To offer functional and flexible solutions for both employees and passengers.

Isola Meet defines a space within a space to enable a focus on meeting or working. Its acoustic absorption capabilities help one concentrate more easily. Connecting through Nurus Links®, Isola provides easy data transfer, sharing of multimedia and teleconferences for meetings and presentations. It accommodates between four and six people.

Isola Media Wall connects through Nurus Links® and serves as a unique solution for meetings, presentations and educational purposes. Media Wall is suitable for use with screens that are up to 32 inches in size and allows for easy data transfer, sharing of multimedia and videoconferences. Media Wall offers input for most mobile devices including laptop computers.

Being compact and mobile, Media Wall can be used in conjunction with Isola meeting and working units as well as other Nurus products such as To, Stone and Picnic in various lounges and workspaces. Its versatility addresses contemporary needs and provides a new work culture overall.

Inspired by nature, Stone reinforces surrounding architectural texture with its unique design. It creates inspiring environments with its statuelike look. It enables the construction of different areas in a modern manner thanks to its modular structure. With its angled form and height adjustable backrest, Stone creates a comfortable and ergonomic sitting area. Stone sofas help to produce comfortable and attractive designs and can be used together with corner pieces and poufs to create venue lay-outs that are in harmony with sofas.

Greta is a breakout zone with its high backrest.

Greta carries the spirit of the 60s with its retro lines. Greta High Backrest introduces a cozy solution to create isolated spaces within open areas while allowing effective construction of limited spaces and lay-out with its high backrest. While the backrest helps sheltering,

its soft quilted fabric provides noise isolation supporting privacy. It comes with two different height options for different privacy levels and is available with single, double and triple sofa options.

Greta Meeting has the advantages of Greta High Backrest sofas; while the backrest helps sheltering, its soft quilted fabric provides noise isolation supporting privacy. While enabling effective use of limited spaces, Greta Meeting meets all requirements of a meeting room without walls. Available with double or triple sofas, Greta Meeting can also be combined with movable service coffee tables to increase comfort during use.

A micro meeting environment can be created with a combination of two Greta High Backrest sofas through a mid-panel. This can produce also a Media Wall with NurusLinks® when electrification and screen options are added. NurusLinks®, exclusive to Nurus products, is an ideal way to incorporate electronics into your furniture. Quick and accurate charging abilities coupled with multimedia extensions bring speed and ease into daily operations.

Turkey-based Nurus not only delivers terminal solutions domestically, but also handles projects around the world

DIFFERENT COLOR OPTIONS

Endless Possibilities Nurus’ terminal solutions not only consist gates, lounges and common areas seats, but also restaurants, bars, offices, working areas, counters, check points and traffic control zones solutions with its performance task chairs, chairs, tables, coffee tables, workstations, executive series, sofas, storage systems, walls and dividers.

Turkey-based Nurus not only delivers terminal solutions domestically, but also handles projects around the world. Its seating solutions can be found in Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International, Antalya, Milas-Bodrum, Zafer and Adnan Menderes Airports in Turkey, as well as in Ashgabat International Airport in Turkmenistan and Pulkovo International Airport in St Petersburg, Russia.

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

Revolutionizing Airport Interiors Tom Cropper, Editor Airports are not known for their comfort or luxury, but a combination of factors are forcing a rethink.

T

HERE’S NO such saying as pretty as an airport,” so wrote Douglas Adams, and few would argue. Since the early days of commercial flight, they’ve been functional – designed to process people from land to sky and back again as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, that’s no longer doing the job, which is why many are rethinking their interiors with a drive towards ideas such as comfort, style and connectivity.

“ Aesthetics play an increasingly important role in airport design, which reflects a seismic shift in attitudes

Easing Overcrowding Airport operators are being driven by various forces such as passenger demands, new thinking about what an airport should be like and, of course, the practicalities of increasing passenger numbers.

Overcrowding has long been an issue for airports as demand expands faster than infrastructure. IATA’s long-term forecast expects airline passenger numbers to double over the next 20 years1. By 2035 it believes there will be more than seven billion people taking to the skies.

Airports will have to expand and to process more people each hour in a way which doesn’t turn the passenger experience into a living nightmare.

That’s easier said than done, as anyone who has travelled by air will confirm. Long queues and a lack of space mean passengers routinely have to find a makeshift position on the floor when waiting for a flight. It’s uncomfortable, miserable and stressful, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.

Airports are redesigning their interiors. In part, they aim to increase the number of seats available to passengers and to expand capacity, but they are looking much further than practicalities.

Gateway to the Nation Aesthetics play an increasingly important role in airport design, which reflects a seismic shift in attitudes. An airport represents the first thing people see when they arrive at a destination. It’s the gateway to the country and can influence how 8 | WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM

visitors see it. For example, visitors to the USA are subjected to vigorous pat downs, extensive security and long waiting times. Some have even been asked to provide social media passwords.

New restrictions, such as the travel ban, have seen tourists increasingly look elsewhere since the election of Donald Trump. Total net bookings to the US were down 6.5% between January 28th and February 4th on the same period last year2.

Helsinki Airport, on the other hand, works hard to make itself as welcoming as possible for visitors.

Its new relaxation area includes reclining chairs, sleeping pods and so-called silence chairs and has been designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Finnish countryside. It aims to provide an escape from the stress of travel and to improve the passenger experience.

Customer experience is becoming more important as the market becomes increasingly competitive. People are used to receiving a certain level of service in their day to day lives and they demand something similar when they travel by air.

Most travelers have more than one airport offering international destinations within easy reach and have shown a willingness to choose their airport based upon the quality of experience they can expect. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence is emerging suggesting happy passengers are more lucrative for airports.

Form and Function Seating has an important role to play in creating a comfortable space for airports. In doing so, the emphasis is threefold. It needs to be comfortable and practical. Seating will need to last a long time with some heavy use. Also, it will need to be durable to minimize maintenance requirements.

Seating must be attractive. Airports have never traditionally placed much emphasis on aesthetics, but that is beginning to change. Providers are increasingly adopting products which are a mixture of aesthetics and function – seating which can be a design feature in its own right. With so

SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

many seats to be found in a modern airport terminal, they can make or break an overall look.

Finally, they are becoming technological hubs.

Digital technology drives so much of our dayto-day lives, that, inevitably, it’s playing a more important role here. Seating will make it easier to use any electronic devices such as laptops, tables or phones. There may be charging ports as well as access to Wi-Fi. Some have even included computer terminals in chairs to offer entertainment and flight information.

The market, then, is being driven by several factors. The demands of passengers, increased capacity needs, and what technology can do.

Some of these are mutually sustaining. As airports develop the capacity to offer more in their seating areas, so passenger expectations expand. Once upon a time, we might have been accustomed to cheap plastic chairs, or even making a small space for ourselves with our bags on the ground, but today things are changing. The more airports

provide, the more people expect, which drives competition and innovation.

Adopting new seating installations will represent an expense – and in a tight economic environment, that could be something many airports are reluctant to shoulder. Airports are operating on razor-thin profit margins. Data from Airports Council International shows that, although revenue is rising, most airports are still making losses. As many as 69% of airports worldwide could be operating at a net loss. The problem is particularly severe for smaller, regional hubs which are unable to generate sufficient aeronautical or non-aeronautical revenue3. Given such figures, it’s unsurprising that many airports choose to economize. However, as this article has shown, there is plenty of evidence to suggest both direct and indirect positive returns on investment. When making a purchase, buyers will want to be able to see how that money is driving improvements in the airport, and delivering revenue.

The market, then, is being driven by several factors. The demands of passengers, increased capacity needs, and what technology can do. Some of these are mutually sustaining

Customer experience is becoming more important as the market becomes increasingly competitive.

People are used to receiving a certain level of service in their day to day lives and they demand something similar when they travel by air

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Airport Seating Goes High Tech James Butler, Staff Writer Technology is already revolutionizing airport seating, but we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg.

T The vast majority of passengers bring all sorts of technological devices into airports with them such as smartphones, laptops and tablets

HE AVIATION industry has bold visions for the future of airports. According to SkyScanner’s Future Airport report4, passengers will experience automated check-in, wireless tracking of bags and flights, quick and simple security processes, and luxurious terminals designed for comfort. It’s an attractive vision and, in many ways, is closer than people might think. Many of the ideas mentioned in the report are already in use or in development.

Seats play an integral part of this plan.

Not only can they become more comfortable, eye-catching and sophisticated, but they are turning into technological hubs to help passengers enjoy their journey through the terminal.

which is designed to help buyers with project development. The ability to visualize installations in three dimensions helps customers to view the completed design and get a clearer idea of how it would look.

The delivery and installation of the product can then be tracked by the software, ensuring that everything arrives on time and intact. This enhances transparency, facilitates project management and optimizes logistics, giving customers much more control over the entire process. Finally, the software can be used to maintain the solution once it’s in place. It helps keep records about the fixtures and provides ongoing support with maintenance and infrastructure.

The Connected Seat

The needs of the average airport passenger have evolved a great deal and will continue to do so.

As such, seating solutions will have to address a wide variety of needs. For example, passengers may want seats to perform a number of functions in the departure lounge; they might want to work or watch a DVD on their computer – in which case they will benefit from desktop space for their device as well as charging solutions. They may want to sit face-to-face with their companions or stretch out and have a sleep while they are waiting to board.

Solutions increasingly come in configurations which can easily be adjusted. Seating can attach to a central bar and slide up and down, to create space for a desk or more leg room.

Other innovative solutions feature adjustable configurations in which passengers can change the seating layout according to their needs.

For example, armrests can be raised to allow someone to lie down. Backs can be moved down to turn a chair into a desktop space, complete with space for charging devices.

The vast majority of passengers bring all sorts of technological devices into airports with them such as smartphones, laptops and tablets.

Seating areas increasingly include sockets and charging stations to allow people to charge their devices as and when they need. They’re useful for the mobile office worker who wants to catch up on work while waiting for a flight or a family who simply wants to keep the children entertained.

Increasingly, though, they are moving from simple charging points to become small digital hubs in their own right. Technology such as the Nurus Links enables passengers to match their devices with the furniture, and use a number of digital features such as transferring information between devices and even organizing video conferences. They are much more than simply a chance to recharge devices; they incorporate digital technology as an integral part of the seating design.

Technology also sits at the heart of how Nurus work with their clients. As part of what they call their ‘digital chain’, they use it for planning, visualizing, tracking and implementation at every stage of a project. The planner has a 3D database of all Nurus products and pricing 10 | WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM

Greater Flexibility

Getting it Right Developing such flexible configurations sounds good, but it depends on gaining insights into how

SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

The needs of the passengers actually make use of airport furniture.

That can be more difficult than expected.

There is a difference between what people say they want and what they actually need.

Henry Ford once said that if he’d listened to what people wanted he would have bred a faster horse – rather than invented the motorcar. People’s feedback is limited by their experience – they can only visualize what they already know about rather than something which doesn’t exist yet.

Instead, airports can develop test concepts to see what passengers think about proposed seating arrangements as well as analyzing their behavior in the terminal. Dubai International Airport, for example, has set up a demonstration area where new seating concepts are being trialed. The designs blend form, functionality and aesthetics in an attempt to create an environment which is more soothing and in tune with passengers’ needs. Visitors to Dubai Airport are being asked about their thoughts on the new seating – if feedback is positive, it could be rolled out5.

Insights can also be gained with more advanced technology. In 2014, Helsinki Airport introduced sensors throughout the airport, which could track the signals of any mobile phone which had their WI-FI turned on6. The technology enables

the airport to monitor traffic flow and identify any bottlenecks. It can help them develop solutions to alleviate overcrowding, reduce delays and improve passenger experience.

What Passengers Want Social media is fast becoming a priceless tool. Monitoring what people say on platforms such as Twitter or Facebook can shed insight into passenger experience. Much is made of social media as a promotional tool, but its real use lies in finding out how a brand is perceived. Airports can track their mentions to see how they are viewed and where they can improve.

There is a huge amount of data which, when properly analyzed, can help airports to see how people are using airports and what they want at any one time. Using all this information, airports are well placed to develop bespoke solutions which cater to the specific requirements of their passengers.

Technology plays a crucial role in the future of seats from several perspectives. It’s improving the design and planning phase, helping passengers make better use of their own devices, and enabling airports to measure the performance of new seating installations. Moving forward into the future, it will play an even more central role – much as it does elsewhere.

average airport passenger have evolved a great deal and will continue to do so. As such, seating solutions will have to address a wide variety of needs

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

How Airport Seating is Changing Jo Roth, Staff Writer As passengers become more demanding and their needs evolve, airport seating is taking center stage.

T Both the public and the authorities are pushing airports to become more sustainable – something which represents an enormous challenge

HE AVIATION industry and passengers themselves are constantly changing.

They are more demanding, they want a better experience, have more technology with them and live increasingly mobile and connected lives. At the same time, the industry is facing a number of challenges such as security, over-crowding and sustainability. Seating is evolving to match. New designs offer a vision of functionality, aesthetics and technological sophistication designed to improve the experience of passengers in the airport. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the key trends and innovations which are dramatically changing the use of seating in airports.

Security Concerns The threat of terrorism and criminal behavior is never far away, even though the number of incidents at airports is currently relatively low. A chart produced by Statistica shows that, while fear of terrorism is close to all-time highs, terrorist attacks in Europe are few and far between. 2015 represented a recent high when 144 people were killed in the Paris attack. However, that would have been a relatively light year in the 1970s and 80s when terrorism was far more common. In 1988 – the year of the Lockerbie bombing, more than 425 people died as result of terrorist activities7.

Some furniture designers are integrating bulletproof and blast resistant technology as part of their furniture. It’s designed to provide passengers with protection in the event of a terrorist attack8. Whether or not such technology would prove a realistic protection in the event of an attack is open to debate. However, its emergence hints as a growing sense of unease and uncertainty for passengers at airports.

Although the number of terrorist attacks at airports is relatively low – in historical terms – the focus of attacks has changed in frightening ways. In recent years, the world has been rocked by attacks in Paris, Brussels and Istanbul – all of which were aimed at the public areas of the

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terminal. Here, there is no protection from airport screening and people are gathered in vulnerable crowds as they pass through security. Ideas such as bulletproof furniture provide a feeling of security, even if they can’t provide the reality.

On a more practical scale, seating designs must be clear and open to help security personnel identify suspect packages. It’s a detail which most passengers will miss, but will make the lives of security personnel significantly easier.

Sustainable Solutions Both the public and the authorities are pushing airports to become more sustainable – something which represents an enormous challenge.

Sustainability is not a word commonly associated with the aviation industry. It uses vast quantities of energy and emits enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Air quality around major hubs such as Heathrow routinely fails to reach safe levels.

Building sustainability into the aviation industry can realize enormous gains. Just a 10% reduction in an airport’s carbon footprint makes a substantial difference. As such, Airports are pushing to be more sustainable in every aspect of their operations. Seating plays an important role.

Each airport has thousands of seats, and will be introducing thousands more.

Manufacturers of seating are increasingly marketing their products on the basis of their sustainability. Using recyclable materials such as aluminum, as well as reducing energy use in production and transport play a small but important part in driving down an airport’s carbon footprint.

From a PR standpoint, being able to say that all seating in an airport space is 100% recyclable and sustainably sourced is a good way to demonstrate how the organization is working to drive down its carbon footprint across all operations.

Small, Intimate Spaces Airport spaces, in general, are moving towards large-scale open plan configurations in an

SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

The future of seating, therefore, relies on a blend of new technologies, new thinking and attempt to ease traffic flow. Within that, though, airports are introducing more confined, intimate seating areas where passengers can relax or catch up with work. At Schiphol Airport, for example, the Privium Club lounge provides a comfortable place for passengers to sit and relax – to take their minds off their journey.

Such enclaves are not just being found in the exclusive members’ only areas – you can see them everywhere. Meeting areas with comfortable face-to-face seating offer a relaxed place to meet friends or contacts; networking areas give mobile professionals a place to catch up with work and meet with other professionals.

Seating modules are becoming more flexible and open-ended. They can have seating added, bend to fit in with the design of a space or even help passengers find their way.

Modules can be easily placed into a range of different configurations to suit different spaces.

Airports are beginning to recognize that seating serves different functions at different points in the terminal. Gates, for example, have high levels of passenger circulation; seating needs to be comfortable and flexible to make long waits more bearable. Seating in lounges can offer an enjoyable place to relax and

meet people as passengers start their journey.

These are the gateways to an airport – an opportunity to provide a seating area which not only provides comfort, but makes a dramatic visual statement.

new attitudes

The Rise of Technology Last but not least, technology will play a crucial way in how seating is designed, planned, installed and used. 3D visualization software can help design more comfortable chairs, as well as to plan more effective seating solutions. Tracking systems with logistics aid the delivery and fitting of products, while collecting data can inform airports about how passengers are using the seats. Providing digital connectivity capabilities within the seat itself is important in meeting increasingly ambitious passenger demands.

The future of seating, therefore, relies on a blend of new technologies, new thinking and new attitudes. It’s a world where the humble seat becomes a crucial part of an airport’s overall design. They are there to look good and to address the changing needs of passengers.

They will be more flexible, sophisticated and eye-catching. It’s an opportunity for airports to differentiate themselves and stand out from the competition.

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

Designing Emotionally Intelligent Spaces Tom Cropper, Editor

W

That, at least, has been the traditional viewpoint.

Increasingly, principals of Feng Shui are making themselves felt as airports grasp the benefits of making people feel more comfortable. Athens Airport, for example, has a permanent museum which exhibits over a thousand artefacts; Amsterdam Schiphol airport installs soft natural furnishings, as well as displaying art, to create a space in which people want to be. Austin, meanwhile, often showcases its status as one of the world’s music capitals by hosting mini concerts for its passengers. Las Vegas gets people into the gambling mood early with a vast array of slot machines.

What these installations have in common is that they are designed to enhance well-being rather than serve a particular purpose. There is no direct revenue generation - it doesn’t help process people faster. In many ways, it appears to run contrary to some of an airport’s key goals such as improving security, optimizing costs, raising revenue and expediting passenger flow.

However, airports such as these are investing this money with a clear purpose.

evidence to show that customer satisfaction is key to driving revenue.

The 2013 Airport Retail and F&B Survey highlights a clear link between satisfaction and non-aeronautical revenue such as retail sales.

The most satisfied passengers spend 10% more time at an airport, are twice as likely to shop, will spend 7% more on retail and 20% more on duty free10. Airports are increasingly recognizing just how important seating can be both in driving additional revenue and improving satisfaction ratings.

It can help in a very specific way by directing passenger flow to areas where people are more likely to spend money. Crowds naturally congregate around seating areas. By placing comfortable and attractive seating at revenuedriving locations, such as shops or bars, airports can push the concentration of crowds to where they are more likely to make a purchase. Operators can use sales information to identify which areas of the airport drive the most revenue to determine the most profitable seating solutions for their needs.

Airports are changing the way they look at seats. Traditionally, the emphasis has been to maximize capacity and introduce as many seats as possible into an area. Comfort and aesthetics had little value. Now, though, there is a move towards more emotionally intelligent seating plans with an emphasis on diversity.

A variety of different configurations helps to address the whole range of passenger needs, as well as looking attractive.

Good Vibrations

Designing for Use

Making passengers feel good helps airport improve their passenger satisfaction statistics.

Heathrow Airport, for example, has historically suffered from poor passenger satisfaction numbers, but recently they have started to turn this trend around. The last quarter of 2016 saw their highest ever passenger satisfaction rating with 84% of people rating their experience as excellent or very good. The figures come after a succession of improvements such as a personal shopping lounge and a play area for children9. There is an extensive body of

Designing such a system means airports need to think about how passengers will want to use seating at different points in the airport terminal. At the entrance, for example, attractively furnished seating can provide a location for people to meet friends or sit and relax before they move to their gate. Beyond the gate, they may be looking for a number of different things. Traffic can be at its most intense here, so seating volume plays an important role.

But they also want to do different things. Some will want to chat in their groups, others will want

E DON’T think of airports as nice spaces to be. Indeed, most people can’t stand to be in one for a few hours and would shudder at the thought of a long layover. They are overcrowded, stressful environments where strategy seems solely focused on transferring passengers through the terminal as quickly as possible.

What these installations have in common is that they are designed to enhance well-being rather than serve a particular purpose

A New Approach

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

space to work or watch a DVD on their laptop, while some would like room to stretch out for a sleep. Seating in these areas must have the flexibility to offer all these within the same space. Elsewhere, airports are looking at soft relaxation chairs and sleeping booths to offer quiet sanctuaries.

Aesthetics are also important. Airports are using different materials such as aluminum, polyurethane molded seats and soft furnishings, together with a range of colors to create a desired effect. Design will vary from airport to airport, with many adopting patterns and schemes which reflect the nature of the destination. At Helsinki, for example, relaxation areas are painted in shades of white and pale blue to represent Finland’s icy landscape.

Power to the Seats Possibly the dominant trend in seating, though, comes in the form of power. We are more wired-in than we have ever been before. We live permanently connected lifestyles, so we react badly when we’re forced away from those connections. People are looking for charging stations and technology to be embedded in furnishings to help them stay connected. Some have seen significant leaps forward in revenue

after installing power at seating near restaurants or shops.

Power is vital as a way of staying connected with both our social and professional worlds.

The way we work is changing. The rise of cloud computing has untethered employees allowing them to plug into central administration systems anytime and anywhere. Professionals want to use the dead time spent while waiting for a flight to catch up on their work. At Paris Orly Aeroport, new designs recognize the mobile professional. The Espace Business area creates a space for people to work and network. They can access the internet, charge devices and work while waiting for a flight. It’s an ideal way to make use of time which would otherwise have been wasted11.

Key to the future is changing attitudes to customer service. As evidence grows about how it can impact revenue and passenger rates, airlines and airports are working harder to ensure passengers have the best possible experience. It’s a considerable shift in approach – from a world in which passengers expected bad and unpleasant service in return for low cost, airports are increasingly connecting a positive customer experience with their own profits.

Possibly the dominant trend in seating, though, comes in the form of power. We are more wired-in than we have ever been before

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SEATING SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTS

References: 1

IATA Long Term Forecast: http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pages/2016-10-18-02.aspx

2

Trump’s Travel Ban is Putting Visitors off the US: http://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/08/trumps-travel-ban-is-turning-visitors-off-the-us.html

3

Airport Industry is in the Black. But Most Airports Lose Money:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/airport-industry-black-yet-most-airports-lose-money-ilia-lioutov 4

Future of Airports and Flying: https://www.skyscanner.net/press-releases/skyscanner-reveals-future-airports-flying-0

5

Dubai Airport Explores Seating of the Future:

http://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2017/02/dubai-airports-explores-seating-of-the-future-concepts/ 6

Passengers to Benefit from Airport’s WIFI Tracking System: http://www.wballiance.com/passengers-to-benefit-from-airports-wifi-tracking-system/

7

West Europe is Safer Now Than in the 70s:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/03/25/west-europe-is-safer-now-than-in-the-1970s-and-safer-than-almost/ 8

Scotsdale Company’s Bullet Resistant Technology:

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2017/03/14/scottsdale-companys-bullet-resistant-technology-to.html 9

Heathrow Breaks Passenger Satisfaction Record: http://mediacentre.heathrow.com/pressrelease/details/81/Corporate-operational-24/8181

0

Passenger Satisfaction. The Key to Growing Non-Aeronautical Revenue:

11

http://www.dkma.com/en/images/downloads/commercial/Passenger%20satisfaction%20-%20the%20key%20to%20growing%20non-aeronautical%20revenue.pdf

Espace Business Area: http://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/services/news/new-business-area-at-paris-orly

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