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Overview
A distinctly Parisian lounge transforms airport waiting into an immersive journey through French culture, craftsmanship, hospitality, and world-class travel experiences.
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Opportunity
Star Alliance sought to create a lounge that would immediately immerse travelers in French culture while elevating the airport experience.
The existing lounge no longer reflected the quality of experience or brand identity Star Alliance wanted to offer international travelers arriving in Paris. The client envisioned a destination that delivered an unmistakable French character from the moment guests entered the space. Working within an active airport environment, the project needed to balance operational efficiency, premium hospitality, sustainability goals, and local authenticity. The result had to create a memorable sense of place while serving a diverse global audience passing through one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs.
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Why This Matters
01
Authentic Local Identity
Travelers often experience airports as interchangeable environments. Creating a distinctly Parisian destination allowed Star Alliance to offer a memorable and meaningful experience.
02
Elevated Premium Hospitality
The lounge needed to compete with the world’s best premium airport environments and reinforce Star Alliance’s commitment to exceptional customer service.
03
Showcase French Craftsmanship
By celebrating local artisans, manufacturers, materials, and culinary experiences, the project strengthened connections between global travelers and French culture.
FPO Quote
Solution
Gensler transformed the lounge into a series of immersive Parisian experiences, each designed as a portal into French culture.
The design organizes the 1,200-square-meter lounge as a curated journey through iconic French hospitality experiences. Guests move between distinct environments including the Bar à Champagne, Salon de Thé, Jardin d’Hiver, Bar à Vin, and Bistrot, each expressing a unique aspect of Parisian experience. French-designed furniture, locally sourced materials, artisan-made accessories, and regional culinary offerings reinforce authenticity throughout. Existing furniture was selectively reused, while partnerships with local manufacturers and artists helped create a resilient, culturally rich destination.
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Related Content
1,200
Lounge Area · sqm
70%
French-Designed Furniture
40%
French-Origin Materials
From brief to build: crafting a sequence of immersive Parisian experiences that transform airport waiting into cultural discovery.
The design process began with a simple ambition: bring the “French Touch” to life in a contemporary airport lounge. Through research into local hospitality traditions, cultural rituals, and Parisian gathering spaces, the team developed a narrative journey organized around recognizable French experiences. Each destination within the lounge was carefully programmed to support different traveler needs while maintaining a cohesive identity. Material sourcing, artisan collaborations, furniture selection, and adaptive reuse strategies ensured authenticity remained central throughout delivery.
Impact
The new lounge successfully redefined the traveler experience, earning global recognition while significantly improving guest satisfaction and engagement.
Enhanced hospitality, authentic local identity, and immersive design led to stronger ratings, increased visitors, and international industry acclaim.
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What Changed Because of This
01
Guest Experience
Lounge ratings increased by 70%, demonstrating stronger traveler satisfaction and a more memorable premium hospitality experience
02
Visitor Growth
The redesigned environment contributed to a 15% increase in visitors compared with the previous lounge.
03
Global Recognition
The project earned Best Alliance Lounge in the World and received Skytrax Awards in 2024 and 2025.
We created a layered hospitality experience rooted in Paris, using local craftsmanship, materials, and distinct destinations to give travellers an authentic sense of place.
Recognition
Skytrax World Airline Awards
DNA Paris Design Awards
FRAME Magazine
Team
Project Leadership
FAQ
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