featured project
a/k/a creatives was commissioned by the airport operator to create inspirational designs for potential tenants at a local airport. The space is currently tucked away from walkways, lacks visual impact, and is easily missed by passengers walking through. The primary challenge has been to create exceptional examples of higher visibility design from the first floor's main concourse while maintaining the transparency of the space and not blocking the third floor or the base building elements.
LED-lighted panels with metal cut-out overlays are used at the main entrance to the space, along with a living moss wall. The juxtaposition of textured green and lighted metal panels catches passengers' attention from afar while coordinating with the nearby immersive multi-media elevator tower. The LED and metal panels specified in the design are manufactured in Los Angeles with a high percentage of both recycled and recyclable materials. It is essential to specify the materials that are locally sourced and or have high recycled/recyclable material content. By using locally sourced products, we support local businesses and help reduce carbon emissions.
The existing soffit in the backspace was reused to create a lounge area that feels intimate. Wood timbers, which can be sourced locally, are installed every 4 inches at an angle, creating an open barrier to the corridor where international arrival passengers walk by. In this design, existing walls, ceilings, electrical locations, and infrastructure, such as plumbing and HVAC ducts, are reused as much as possible. This is to reduce environmental impact as well as to save on schedule and budget.
a/k/a creatives incorporated a series of bent rib wood structures that double as a barrier and an additional seating area to create an open but physically enclosed main bar area. The repetition of ribs is highly visible from the main concourse as they can be seen as solid depending on the angle. Additionally, they create intriguing shapes without obstructing a view from the third-floor seating area. The ribs also give a sense of enclosure to the customer, providing a feeling of calm and comfort as if they are cocooned by the wood pieces.
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​For FF&E, felt pebble seating is used, which is both aesthetically pleasing and fun, and can also slow down the traffic flow. Customers can sit on, lean on, and stretch out on these pebble seats. The felt material is inherently highly stain-resistant, non-flammable, easy to maintain, and durable.
