A small patch of lawn, trees and flowerbeds whose shadows stretch out in the setting sun... You'd almost forget that you're in the heart of one of the busiest airports in the world, in this case Paris Airport. Singapore. This oasis is one of several gardens dotted around the gigantic complex of three terminals. Just over thirty years ago, Singapore Changi pioneered a revolutionary idea: to give passengers the impression of moving in a space that achieves the highest level of comfort. a clever mix of terminal, shopping centre and hotel.
Singapore's success has since been emulated by many others, and not just in Asia. Europe now rivals any other in terms of the beauty of its airports, where every architectural and interior design fantasy seems possible. Even the United States, whose hubs used to be renowned as much for their efficiency as for their bunker-like charm, has come up to speed.
The new generation airports opened up to the light, their ventilated volumes have filled up with shops, restaurants and relaxation areas. It's a far cry from the 1970s, when construction was carried out with the sole aim of checking in passengers as quickly as possible and seeing them board the plane at the same speed. Symbols of that era, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Berlin Tegel were as concerned with passenger comfort as they were with aesthetics. With its round, tubular architecture, terminal 1 at CDG has symbolised avant-garde architecture in many films. Except that passengers used to - and still do - wander through the building. hundreds of metres of corridors to reach the satellites. Or they went round in circles, lost in what was then known as "the pie". As for Berlin Tegel, if the traveller went from his car to the departure lounge in five minutes through a psychedelic setting red and bright yellow, all the better to pile into tiny rooms waiting for departure.
It wasn't until the 1980s that pleasure has once again become an essential element of the airport experience, a trend that has continued unabated ever since. In this area, the most symptomatic change is that the world's architectural elite are now being called upon to build these new cathedrals: Helmut Jahn à Bangkok and Chicago, Norman Foster in Amman, Hong Kong and Beijing, Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas in Shenzhen, Richard Rogers to London Heathrow, Lyon or Madrid, Ricardo Bofill in Barcelona or Curtis Fentress à Seoul Incheon and Denver.
BRIGHTLY LIT HUBS
Is the airport an object of prestige? Probably, but above all destination mirror from which millions of passengers take off or land every year. This phenomenon is even spreading to smaller airports. Like Bordeaux, for example, where a few years ago the airport authorities installed a grapevine in the terminal itself, as just another way of reminding people that we're not from Bordeaux for nothing. "We're currently working on new concepts for showcasing local produce. A concept that we are going to apply to the expansion of our terminal."says Catherine Caraglio, head of network development at Bordeaux Mérignac.
Today's major airports are built around a few key concepts: gigantic glass roofs, skylights and shopping areas that look like luxury malls. But which are the hubs that are the most pleasant to stroll around, the terminals that we almost regret leaving? In fact, there aren't that many of them, those that have such a high standard of service. the perfect combination of astonishing plasticity and efficiency for the passenger. And it's not necessarily the largest airports that combine all these elements.
SINGAPORE, THE EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW
Opened in 1981, Singapore Changi remains a model for all the world's airports. Remarkably efficient - check-in, immigration controls and security filters rarely take more than ten minutes - the three terminals also rival each other for the profusion of services on offer. Shops and restaurants accompany visitors almost all the way to their boarding gates. But that's not all! Changi boasts relaxation and rest areas with reclining seats, pay-per-view TV, office areas and play areas for younger passengers. Not to mention outdoor gardens, a butterfly farm, a swimming pool, fitness clubs and free WiFi. And for transfer passengers, there are even free city tours.
In fact, Singapore is still looking for challengers. Perhaps it will find a serious challenger in Seoul Incheon which rivals it for service excellence. The airport is not only a model of efficiency but it's also a place where you can immerse yourself in Korean culture through exhibitions, cultural workshops and introductory courses in Korean arts open to all passengers. With free WiFi and internet access, a host of shops, a free bus excursion around Incheon, a skating rink open all year round, a golf course and gardens, you'll almost want to stay! Passengers will also appreciate Kuala Lumpur International. Although the main terminal offers a more limited choice of shops, at its heart is a world exclusive with a veritable jungle, a nod to the Japanese architect. Kisho Kurokawa to the primary Malaysian forests that occupied the site before the airport was developed.
Witness all the airport extravaganzas, the Gulf plays on gigantismbut also on technology and shopping. Spearheaded by Dubai of course, famous for its duty free shop reputed a few years ago to be one of the cheapest in the world. Ever expanding, Dubai International still cultivates an immoderate taste for excess. But you can still enjoy a few moments of serenity thanks to rest areas, two gardens, a health club with swimming pool and a spa. Unfortunately, prices have risen dramatically in recent times to take full advantage of all the platform's activities.
This sense of gigantism can also be found at Dohauntil the new terminal atAbu Dhabi. With Doha, we're entering the world of a new generation of airports. The entire terminal is controlled by a centralised electronic system that anticipates passenger movements, and above all facilitates their passage and offers them à la carte services. Hamad International Airport of course has its share of shops and restaurants, but the platform's big plus is definitely its rest areas. Fitted out with bed-seats reminiscent of those in business class, they include an internet connection... Doha plans to do even better with the expansion of its terminal. "This will really be the most beautiful airport in the world with gardens like oases"This is the promise of Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways and of the airport authority.
THE CHARM OF SCANDINAVIA
In Europe, Scandinavia is home to the hubs with the coolest atmospheres. These airports continue a Northern European tradition of an innate taste for aesthetics and design, coupled with a constant quest for comfort and pragmatism. The result is platforms to be enjoyed without moderation.
In Helsinki, for example, the emphasis was on efficiency. Relatively modest in size, Helsinki Vantaa can be crossed in fifteen minutes if you're in a hurry. But it would be a shame to miss out on its lounges with their purely Scandinavian atmosphere, its cosy restaurants and its shops selling all the big names in fashion. design Finnish Marimekko textiles at Iittala glasses. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the platform is transformed into a "Santa's official airport"With staff rushing to turn passengers' purchases into gifts and offer small souvenirs to everyone...
Another model hub, a perfect reflection of Scandinavia, is the airport at Copenhagen-Kastrup. In the 90s, the international terminal was redesigned around a shopping area reminiscent of the famous rue Strogetin the heart of the capital. Benches and trees adorn the main 'street', while the shops are topped with traditional signs. Although Copenhagen airport offers little to do apart from wander from one design boutique to another, passengers will appreciate the fluidity of the terminal and, if they have time, the very beautiful art collectionThe new "S" and "S" signs are scattered all over the terminal.
Another ode to Scandinavian aesthetics, the terminal atOslo Gardermoen is based on environmental criteria. Wooden panels punctuate the terminal and you can stop under the speakers to listen to the sounds of Norwegian nature. The most successful shops are those selling Scandinavian cuisine, even if the prices may seem prohibitive, in line with the cost of living in Norway.
LUXURY BRANDS AND GASTRONOMY
The local touch is definitely in fashion at European airports. Vienna-Schwechat is famous for its traditional Viennese cafés, while the airport ofIstanbul Atatürk - it will soon be replaced by a brand new airport complex - has designed its shops in the spirit of the great bazaar. As for London Heathrowthe first thing to do is a showcase formade in Britain". All the major brands for which Britain is famous are present in the terminals, from Harrods to Marks & Spencers, from Hamleys to Burberry, with prices guaranteed to be similar to those paid in the city. And as London has now become one of the great gastronomic capitals of Europe, you'll find several of the best restaurants in the world. Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet areas featuring stars of the new British cuisine such as Gordon Ramsay or Heston Blumenthalin addition to the original concept of "The Gorgeous Kitchen"In terminal 2, a restaurant born of the cooperation of top London chefs...
À Amsterdamthe renovation of theHolland Boulevard"This is the obligatory passage between piers E and F at the airport. SchipholThis is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the Netherlands, with a delightful play on local clichés. Everything is there: tulips from Aviflora, Delft porcelain, a shop selling clogs, a library with many books on the country and a branch of the Rijksmuseum with its collection of paintings. Everything can be bought here, except 17th-century Dutch paintings. Enthusiasts can take comfort in the reproductions!
One of the European airports to have given the most thought to its image is undoubtedly terminal 2 of theMunich airportone of the main hubs for Lufthansa. The concept is simple: efficiency, efficiency and... GemütlichkeitThis is the very German notion of well-being. The 'cosy' spirit, so to speak. The efficiency is truly Germanic: it takes less than 10 minutes to pass through border and security controls, with a simplicity that would make other European airports dream. The terminal is light and bright, with practical markings.
And then there's Gemütlichkeit. It is particularly expressed in the Airbräu brewerylocated in the heart of the terminal in the public area, but also in terminal 2. Here you can eat everything for which Bavaria is famous. Nothing really light, but everything is delicious! You can even drink a beermade in airport". "It's a world exclusive. Over 3,500 hectolitres of beer are brewed every year. You can even watch a master brewer at work"says Corinna Born, head of international media.
A change of atmosphere at the Paris airports, which began a remarkable transformation. La transformation of Aéroports de Paris in "Paris Airports"This is reflected in the growing importance of the Orly and Roissy hubs, which now reflect a certain spirit of Paris, a real or imagined image of the French capital. This translates into a Parisian atmosphere and services. We'll leave aside the real or imagined roughness of the capital's inhabitants - which can also, after all, be part of the "Parisian" experience - to dwell on the "Parisian atmosphere".the chic and glamorous image of the City of Light. Bistro-style restaurants or brasseries, macaroons or croissants from the big names in gastronomy, fashion, cosmetics, jewellery, wine: nearly 400 boutiques embody everything that Paris evokes in the collective unconscious.
The evolution doesn't stop there. "We worked a lot on the atmosphere in the terminal. Natural light is now everywhere. Vegetation too, notably with green walls and garden areas at Roissy. Added to this is a museum and a new range of services, most of them free, to make our airports a successful experience."says Xavier Wilmart, Product Manager, Services and Customer Experience Marketing Division.
This global hubs are changing The process of transforming airports into welcoming places to live is far from complete, especially as technology is becoming an increasingly important part of passengers' daily lives. Most major airports now offer a application for smartphones which not only guides and directs passengers, but also provides ideas for services and purchases, as well as terminal journey times. A real pleasure!
Lounges for everyone
For a long time, they were the preserve of business class, first class or Gold and Platinum status passengers on frequent flyer programmes. Airport lounges, where passengers can relax or work before a flight, are also undergoing a revolution as they open up to all travellers. And it's the airports themselves that are leading the battle, rivalling each other in creativity. Like in Copenhagen, where the Copenhagen Apartment Lounge offers the charm of its decorScandinavian chic". A kitchen, lounge and dining area will be available to all passengers, for an entry fee of 20 euros. euros. Paris is not to be outdone with its Instant Paris" spaceopen to long-distance connecting passengers. Designed like a Haussmann flat with its succession of rooms, the lounge covers 4,500 m² and includes a hotelIt also has a number of restaurants and entertainment areas. In Amsterdam, the Lounge 41Lounge 25, reserved for non-Schengen passengers, offers snacks, drinks, showers - at an additional cost - and WiFi, while Lounge 26 offers similar services for Schengen passengers. These lounges are part of the Aspire Lounge chain, which operates lounges in a dozen airports, most of them in the UK. In Asia and the Middle East, Premium Plaza also maintains a network of lounges open to all, with access for a fee.
