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Reader Submitted: Flip Seating: Reimagining the Airport Terminal

FLIP SEATING, an airport seating concept developed by a Populous aviation and interiors team has been recognized as the First Prize Winner of Passenger Terminal World. The design challenge is an exclusive biennial event inviting both established and up-and-coming designers to showcase their ideas for next-generation airport seating.

“Dubai Airport is looking for a seating concept that sows a true understanding of the passenger’s needs and responds intuitively and with empathy to these needs. Populous’ winning design checked all the boxes. The winning design concept has taken real life problems that passengers face and given a simple and intuitive response,” said Bryan Thompson, senior vice-president of development for Dubai Airports.

As part of the competition, Dubai Airport Company intends to install prototypes of the first FLIP seating units in the newly completed Concourse D at Dubai International Airport.

FLIP is a series of interconnected seating modules designed for the demands of public assembly setting; intended to maximize both the efficiency of seating systems and the vast possibilities of reconfiguration to satisfy the myriad needs of today’s travelers.

As more components can increase material and production costs, FLIP uses a single module that can be rotated, flipped and recombined with other modules to create a range of seating opportunities.

“Rotating” configuration

“Flipping” configuration

The module is framed with a composite metal frame that provides the exo-skeleton to support a high-performance seating mesh; resulting in a sturdy, yet flexible and comfortable seating experience.

Simulating the flexibility of a “magic cube” puzzle, the two module typologies can be re-organized in multiple configurations - providing a range of resting, working and play options for all traveler types and needs.

The FLIP seat departs from the conventional, uniformly-arranged “row seating” feel at the gate and provides an experience as unique and customized as the individual passenger using it.

In addition to addressing basic usage requirements – cup holders, device charging and resting – this system provides carry-on luggage storage within its seating module.