Rich historical heritage, lush verdant gardens, and a vibrant, multifaceted cityscape: it’s no wonder Bangalore leaves its mark on all those who visit it. And the 080 Lounge endeavors to do just that. As a final pit stop on their travels, the Lounge is key in engaging the passengers’ five senses to their memories of Bangalore, to cherish and leave with a lasting impression.
The design concept, envisioned by YDI and developed by ABM, spotlights Bangalore’s serene botanical gardens, which are not only a sprawling green expanse at the heart of the city but also an effective public space for people of all walks of life. The lounge aims to be just as inviting and delightful, to offer all passengers a much-needed respite, while catering to their needs with world class hospitality captured in a contemporary design approach.
There are 12 well curated spaces, each designed meticulously, to meet a unique requirement by the user, offering a multitude of experiences. There is a Whiskey Lounge for those who would like to explore the fine craft of whiskey making from around the world, an Entertainment Pod with an encapsulated space for watching movies, or if the user prefers to enjoy a moment of peace, a Quiet Lounge with its own reading nook. As the areas are arranged non-rectilinearly, they flow into each other allowing for a seamless exploration.
The material palette chosen reflects the dynamism and ever-evolving nature of Bangalore and fuses it with the serenity of the botanical gardens. Earthy, neutral beige and grey are offset by warm colours, bronze satin metal and tones of green. Rich tropical colours and patterns influenced by contemporary India find their way in the seating upholstery. The flooring of each zone is distinctive of the quality of space, some have interesting tiled patterned flooring, some have wooden flooring, yet the key path that traverses between all the zones, seamlessly connecting them together is paved in Grey William Italian Marble.
The artwork and graphics that are set in various areas of the Lounge is mindfully curated and designed. Photographs of various tree species endemic to Karnataka are interspersed in key locations throughout the lounge. Paintings by the artist Brinda Miller liven up the space and offer a moment of reflection. Endemic plant species that thrive even in low light have been carefully selected and placed in ceramic planters, bringing the outside indoors.
A brief about each area of the lounge in Phase 1:
1. Welcome Suite
The first interface with the lounge is at the Welcome Suite. A thoughtfully designed reception lectern is set against a gold feature wall, with cordial staff to assist, guide and direct the customers. Concrete walls create a neutral backdrop bringing focus to the reception. A long backlit onyx planter verdant with foliage sets the tone of the lounge as the concept language slowly unfolds.
2. VIP Lounge
An access-controlled lounge curated for the premium; 1st class passengers.
It offers an A La Carte menu and an open kitchen. A harmonic colour palette in rust and deep blue creates lively pockets of seating. Foliage inspired screens in metal offer privacy in pockets.
3. Whiskey Lounge
The upscale Whiskey Bar adjacent to the VIP Lounge is designed to offer whiskey tastings with a wide selection of whiskeys from all around the world. The bar itself forms a key feature in design with its mirror finished shelves and metal accents. Mood lighting enhances the ambience of this space. All finishes are high-end, with orange and green textured fabrics.
4. Snug Lounge
A round intimate banquet style sofa seat with brightly colored cushions, the Snug lounge appended to the Whiskey lounge, forms a cosy nook.
5. Reading Lounge
An innovative, modern space with in-built seating pods, this is an inspiring little space with acoustic solutions for those who wish to unwind and seek privacy. Shades of blue and green are used to create a feeling of tranquility and quiet. A cylindrical bookshelf forms a private nook with two chairs for reading.
6. Connect Lounge
The Connect zone is fully equipped and curated for one to be productive without the feeling of being in a busy airport lounge. Alternating colors of yellow and orange are used in the main seating area to break monotony. The phone booth nearby is wrapped in a turquoise green. A bar accompanies the Connect Lounge, inviting guests to stop and have a drink.
7. Cinema Zone
The Cinema pod provides stimulating digital experience to children and adults alike.
The structure of the Pod is inspired by a cocoon with browns and greens reflecting the colours of a cocoon. Depending on the actual function/event, the experience can be either cosy or wondrous and elevating.
8. Relax Lounge
The Relax Lounge is for those who wish to find a space to do nothing but sit back and chill. The lounge is strategically located by the retail and promotional space, and close to the bar, tempting the visitors to make a travel gift purchase, or visit the bar. Highly comfortable lounge chairs are selected for this area. The colour palette is neutral and toned down to reduce stimulus and to allow passengers to relax.
9. Fire Lounge
The Fire Lounge is the main feature of the Domestic Lounge. Here, the traditional fireplace is replaced by a sculptural art installation. It is created as metal waves on a cylindrical form stacked vertically, to resemble the dynamism of fire. From afar, the upper portion of the fireplace is visible to all, raising curiosity and drawing people in, making it an exceptional interior feature space fireplace. There is bench seating around the fireplace along with swivel chairs. The fabric colours are a light blue and pink which complement each other.
10. Dining Area
The dining area is inspired by a tropical landscape. In order to serve the maximum capacity of guests and achieve the best guest satisfaction, we maintain the traditional airport lounge buffets with always-fresh food and bites prepared by trained chefs. The guests who find joy in the culinary arts can enjoy the views and flavours of the food prepared in the live kitchens. This area has bench seating with square tables that are easy to join for bigger groups or family dining. The colour palette is vibrant with alternating blue patterned fabric and yellow seats set on top a checkered tile pattern. The main long wall has an intricate tropical themed foliage mural.
11. Water Lounge
The walls of the water lounge are clad with a tropical mosaic mural on blank walls, using shades of green. The ceiling is designed with coves and intelligent lighting.
12. Day Hotel
The Day Hotel is a niche boutique hotel located in the heart of the airport, connected to the Domestic Lounge. The design creates an experience where functionality, practicality and timeless simplicity come together to provide a serene environment for hotel guests and passengers alike. Colours used are neutral browns and greys with a hint of yellow.