FINLAND. Helsinki Airport has unveiled a new look for its luggage lobby Exit 2B, designed in collaboration with Finnish interior designer and sculptor Stefan Lindfors.
The redesign combines Finnish nature and technology, while building on the original features of the luggage lobby.
“Many airports are very similar in style, whether you are in the Nordic countries, Central Europe or the US. I want all my work to really stand out from the others. I want the passengers arriving in the lobby to experience something unique and to feel that they have just arrived in Finland,” Lindfors explained.
The ceiling of the lobby has been covered with fabric representing wings and designed exclusively for Finavia by Lindfors. Live footage of nature is projected on one of the walls. Glass showcases placed in between the luggage claim belts present Finnish plants and forest wildlife acquired with the EU’s permission. In a homage to Finnish IT expertise, the walls of the lobby are decorated with a circuit board pattern, hand-drawn by Lindfors.
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The new-look design of Helsinki’s luggage lobby Exit 2B is inspired by Finnish nature |
Using art to stand out from the crowd
Lindfors’s partnership with Finavia dates back to 1993, when he unveiled his Concorde sculpture, which is still on display at Helsinki Airport. In autumn 2013, he also designed an over 20m tall sculpture called Aviator Solaris for Vaasa Airport.
“Helsinki Airport is Finland’s business card and for many passengers the first contact with Finland,” noted Helsinki Airport Director Ville Haapasaari. “That is why it is important that we stand out from other airports in a surprising way. A memorable arrival lobby will leave a positive impression on a passenger and that might make the passenger travel via Helsinki Airport also the next time.”
Helsinki Airport’s association with art is further underlined by its free art gallery and various art exhibitions, as well as art displays across the airport.
These are part of Finavia’s plan to improve the passenger experience at Helsinki Airport. The current €900 million development programme prepares the airport to serve about 20 million passengers per year by 2020.
At the same time, the airport will welcome approximately 70 new shops and restaurants. In spring 2015, a new restaurant complex with a wide range of restaurants will be opened in the Arrivals 2A lobby. In addition, services for arriving passengers will be centralised for easier access.
