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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first ‘Airport Park’ |
NETHERLANDS. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first “Airport Park” airside. Located close to D gates, it was officially opened this week by Princess Irene, Founder and President of the NatuurCollege Foundation, and Schiphol Group Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Maarten de Groof.
“The Airport Park is an environment where travellers will find peace and greenery, food outlets and shop kiosks – just as in any city park. Travellers can even step outside to enjoy the sunshine on the terrace,” said Schiphol Group.
The parkland feel in the airport’s interior is achieved through mixed reality technology, the group said. Images of famous parks from across the world are displayed on the walls, while projections of butterflies and the sounds of animals, bicycle bells and playing children further enhance the feel.
Travellers can relax under the trees on designer chairs upholstered in ivy, or have a drink and a snack on one of the wooden picnic benches. A 130-year-old tree serves as a signpost for everything the park has to offer.
Sustainable applications
The park features a variety of sustainable applications. Travellers can recharge their mobile phones by pedalling one of the bicycles to generate energy. LED lighting is also used wherever possible and daylight enters the park via tube lighting and fibre optic cables.
F&B outlets and services
Visitors to the park can purchase fair trade coffee, fresh juices, hamburgers on organic buns and other snacks at the Park Café. Food and beverages can be taken outside to the terrace or enjoyed in the park. Power points for laptops and other electronic equipment can be found at the edge of the park.
The park is the latest in a series of additions to the consumer offer aimed at making the journey through Schiphol more relaxing. Others include last year’s opening of the first-ever Airport Library, and the Rijksmuseum that celebrates the best of Dutch art.
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The Airport Park is an environment where travellers will find “peace and greenery”, plus food outlets and shop kiosks |
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Travellers can step outside to enjoy the sunshine on the terrace |
