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[ FIRST CLASS] An exterior view of the 1,044 sqm split-level lounge. Left, one of the more intimate areas available to passengers, which evoke the look of Yuri Gagarin’s capsule
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SPACE ODDITY Inspired by the 1961 space flight, this private lounge in the new Saratov International Airport in Russia is a futuristic area where guests can linger in safety and comfort. And get a taste of what Yuri Gagarin felt like floating in space or how Ziggy Stardust felt on Earth by Désirée Sormani
W
hile it is true we are all travelling much less in these troubled times, those of us used to
clocking up the air miles aboard their private jets will find an astonishingly futuristic VIP lounge in the new Gagarin Airport in Saratov, Russia, 850 km far from Moscow. The work of VOX Architects, this 1,044 sqm space take its look and feel from the wonder of the cosmos and the great Yuri Gagarin, the first man in outer space (he studied in Saratov and, by pure coincidence, his landing module landed there on his return to earth). The theme resounds throughout the lounge from capsule seating areas to huge images of the Russian cosmonaut and quotes from him adoring the walls. As a whole, the architecture exudes a sense of infinity and cool contemporary chic.
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[ FIRST CLASS ]
Right from the entrance, the VIP lounge has a spacey feel. Split over two levels linked by a glass-walled hall and a complex structure that incorporates a bar, spiral staircase and lift, it is designed to limit contact between passengers . Reception is on the ground floor where a curved HI-MACS® welcome desk sits is backed by a large blue and white wall symbolising a group of clouds split by a rocket bound for the stratosphere. There are various open plan relaxation areas such as the bar and restaurant (also in HI-MACS®), several private lounges and a children’s play area. A corridor leads directly to the boarding area too. There is even an enormous space capsule inspired by Yuri Gagarin’s that children can clamber on. On the upper level, the atmosphere is much less open-plan and more intimate with semi-open hubs. There is also a conference room, offices and private lounges. HI-MACS® in iconic Alpine White, a favourite for public spaces, is used extensively as it is seamless, non-porous, scratch and stain resistant, and can be heat formed into any shape. It is the absolute jewel in this project’s crown.
Split level, the lounge offers various open plan relaxation areas, including a bar, a restaurant, as well as private areas and a children’s play zone. Passengers also enjoy a variety of walkways designed to limit contact between them
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