PriestmanGoode has designed a new first class cabin for SWISS that helps VIP flyers feel healthier in the air. Jenny Southan reports
Design consultancy PriestmanGoode has partnered with SWISS to launch a new “Senses” first class, premium economy and economy cabins for the airline’s long-haul A330 aircraft.
Following a brief of “warm minimalism”, PriestmanGoode has paid particular attention to detailing in materials, colour palette, forms and light, each contributing to “enhanced comfort, tranquillity and wellbeing”.
In the first class cabin, the warmth of natural oak in the doors, burgundy in the high quality materials and indirect lighting each contribute to an atmosphere that’s inviting and calm. The generous space and bed are equally conducive to an exceptional long-haul experience.
The design also translates to the premium economy cabin where hard shell seats offer greater privacy. In economy, comfort is found in new seat ergonomics and in-flight entertainment is enhanced through the generosity of the screen size.
In other aspects of the cabin, outer surfaces of the monuments have connotations of natural slate, with the interiors of lavatories featuring a palette that conveys the purity of Swiss stone and the freshness of running water. Each contributing to the overall ambience of cleanliness and a space for wellbeing.
Daniel MacInnes, director of PriestmanGoode, says: “From our previous projects for SWISS we understand just how important materials and aesthetic values are for their frequent flyers and passengers across all cabins.
“Working with the SWISS team we built a look and feel that was inspired by the country’s DNA especially from the natural landscape, but also from the heritage in design and architecture and this helps define the new SWISS Senses cabins.
“Our expertise in colour, material and finish is regularly applied to create a sense of place, especially for a respected national airline like SWISS. In this case, we’ve taken that further, selecting materials and then applying techniques used by Swiss architects such as Le Courbusier and architect Peter Zumthor, to highlight features and achieve a sense of home.
“We’ve created spaces where SWISS passengers and will feel at home, be comfortable and benefit from cleverly concealed functionality – but also leave them uplifted and they proceed with their journey.”