New York-based studio Champalimaud Design has completed the Pearl Lounge at the Bahrain International Airport in Al Muharraq. Spread across 29,000 square feet, the 10-room lounge debuts as part of the new $1 billion terminal, setting a new standard for airport lounge experiences with considerations for every type of traveler—from first to business. “You have people coming off all of these different airlines from Europe and the Middle East, and they might have long layovers between flights,” says Champalimaud CEO Ed Bakos. “But the difference is that the Pearl Lounge is not branded to a particular airline. It’s branded to Bahrain.”
Tony Masters Design, the Australian firm that spearheaded the design of the terminal, invited Champalimaud to draw upon its vast portfolio of luxury hotel and residential projects in order to conceive a contemporary 450-person lounge. The retreat is outfitted with custom furnishings that nod to the culture of the island nation and locally sourced artwork further instills a sense of place. Expansive, snaking sofas channel traditional sitting rooms and also enliven the atmosphere with motion, while rosewood and gold-plated details along the lounge’s exterior conjure opulence.
Large framed openings establish a flow that remains uncompromised even when areas are sealed off. In addition to coworking and dining spaces, a game lounge and family zone are also featured to accommodate larger parties.
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