Chagall Lounge: A Stunning Airport Business Lounge Inspired by Art

Creating an Aesthetic and Functional Space for Travelers

The design of the Chagall Lounge draws inspiration from the wave movements of Chagall's life, which oscillated between Russia and France. The lounge incorporates the theme of the Volga River, using it as a leitmotif throughout the space. The flowing movement of the river basin is reflected in the lounge's design, with seating areas arranged like islands and walls built up in geological layers, reminiscent of the wear of water over time. The entrance features a water fountain, symbolizing the source of the river.

Spanning approximately 1,900 square meters, the Chagall Lounge can accommodate up to 385 seats and is located in the new extension of Terminal C. The walls of the lounge are uniquely shaped, creating a sense of movement and flow. Each layer of the walls is adorned with its own color and structure, accentuated by indirect light lines that create a dramatic effect. The architectural columns in the lounge showcase images of Chagall's paintings, executed in glass mosaic. To visually divide the space, three accent colors from Chagall's paintings are used.

The realization of the Chagall Lounge involved the use of advanced technologies and materials. The walls are made of flame retardant medium-density fiberboard, with built-in indirect LED lighting and special wallpaper to mimic geological layers. The ceiling and floor plan represent the effect of water ingress, with dynamic indirect LED lighting. The columns are covered with glass mosaic images of Chagall's paintings in different colors.

The design team, led by M+R Interior Architecture, included Hans Marechal, Anuschka Marechal, Emy Liebregts, Daphne van der Ploeg, and Pim Rongen. Their goal was to create an environment that caters to the needs of time-sensitive travelers, providing them with a visually appealing and comfortable space. The raised seating areas give visitors a feeling of being on stage, offering a good overview of the lounge while still maintaining privacy.

The Chagall Lounge project spanned several phases, starting with the preliminary design in January 2018 and concluding with the building period from September 2018 to December 2019. Throughout the process, extensive research was conducted on the Russian Avant Garde movement and Russian elegance, as well as Chagall's life and work. The design team aimed to create an open and aesthetically inviting environment that would cater to the diverse passengers of major aviation companies.

The Chagall Lounge has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.