Photos: New Qantas first class lounge at Changi Airport, Singapore previewed in virtual reality

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Photos: New Qantas first class lounge at Changi Airport, Singapore previewed in virtual reality

By Julietta Jameson
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Voted Skytrax's Best Airport in the World in 2018 for the sixth year running, Singapore's Changi International is set to get better – a whole lot better. Very soon, the 10-storey, 3.5-hectare bio-dome addition called the Jewel is set to open, linking terminals 1, 2, and 3 and providing a globally unprecedented leafy wonderland of dining, shopping and recreation at the heart of one of the world's busiest airports.

Sydney-based industrial designer David Caon recently had an unauthorised peek at the work in progress on the Jewel and loved what he saw.

"I was there last week and we had some time before our flight because we had meetings in the airport and I stuck my head in behind the hoardings. It's unbelievable," he said. "It's like something out of a sci-fi movie. I couldn't really see much, but what I saw looked incredible. Singapore as a stop, is going to be fantastic. This thing is really unique."

Even more thrilling for customers of Qantas' pointy end, Caon's latest project, a new first class lounge at Changi, is promising similar aspects to assist the wellness of passengers in transit: clever light, elevated air quality and connection to nature.

See also: World's best airport named at annual awards

In association with Akin Atelier, Caon's studio has designed the new Qantas First lounge, the airline's fourth dedicated First Lounge, joining Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles. Since March last year, more than 50 return Qantas flights transit weekly through Changi, making it the airline's largest hub outside Australia.

With construction beginning in April, Qantas has unveiled the design of the new lounge, which was developed using virtual reality technology to assist in fine tuning the feel and flow of the facility that will be able to host up to 240 travellers when it opens towards the end of 2019.

The lounge will incorporate "heritage materials" in common with the Qantas flagship Sydney first class lounge such as Carrara marble and oak, with touches such as lattice screens reminiscent of shophouses adding Singaporean flavour. But colours will be kept calm and neutral to minimise any sense of busyness, one element in that all-important scheme of wellbeing enhancement.

The greenery that will sprout throughout is more than just an ode to the Jewel's garden and forest canopy features. Based on customer surveys and scientific research, it is an important tool in helping to create outside-world normality for those in transit. So too, innovative lighting design engineered to help body clock rhythms and to stimulate stagnant internal systems. Air quality is another priority. And of course, Neil Perry's food offerings will be similarly aimed: to nourish, refresh and delight.

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But like a swan gliding gracefully on the water with its feet frantically paddling, customers will hopefully simply enjoy the luxurious lounge while all that science busily works its magic. That includes those who want to simply kick back, relax, drink champagne and not give their health another thought.

Coen's partnership with Qantas includes Qantas tableware, seats and his design for the Qantas Perth International Transit Lounge, where the airline's non-stop Australia-London flights originate, and where wellness-promoting features include the world's first in-lounge yoga and meditation space.

"It's really about giving people the opportunity to make their travel easier on their body and mind," said Coen, who is also currently working on the refit of the Qantas A380s, and again using virtual reality to ensure optimal effectiveness in the planning stages.

The 2019 Skytrax Airport Awards will be announced on March 29.

See also: The world's six most-improved airports (and three that still suck)

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