Interview about Cotton Boll Private Lounge, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2025
Cotton Boll is an airport lounge at Cukurova Airport that blends cultural heritage, comfort, and sustainability. Inspired by the region's cotton fields and artisanal textiles, the design features a flowing ceiling structure with natural cotton fabrics and integrated led lighting. A handcrafted mosaic panel, echoing local craftsmanship, enhances the space's identity. Thoughtfully arranged seating, intuitive spatial flow, and sustainable materials ensure a seamless passenger experience. By merging tradition with modernity, Cotton Boll transforms transit into a refined cultural journey.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe design journey began by identifying cotton as a deeply rooted and multidimensional symbol of Çukurova’s geography, economy, and culture. Rather than limiting this inspiration to a singular gesture, we developed a comprehensive spatial language influenced by the cotton boll — its softness, texture, and natural rhythm. This concept was not only reflected in the lounge's iconic ceiling structure but extended into the color palette, lighting design, and decorative wall elements.The ceiling design evolved from a synthesis of two narratives: the curvilinear lines of Çukurova's cotton fields and the "Flow" concept, which is a core element of the airline’s corporate identity. We merged these influences to create a ceiling composed of naturally curved, wave-like installations formed from layered natural cotton fabrics. These layers were softly illuminated by flexible LED strips placed between them, diffusing the light in a gentle, ambient manner reminiscent of cotton’s lightness and purity.Beyond the ceiling, we integrated the cotton boll metaphor into custom backlit wall panels featuring soft, rounded patterns and textures that evoked the form and delicacy of cotton itself. The overall color palette consisted of warm, desaturated tones inspired by raw cotton and the Çukurova landscape — earthy, serene, and tactile. These elements were thoughtfully applied throughout the space to create continuity and an emotional atmosphere grounded in place.Due to stringent airport fire safety regulations, we had to restrict the fabric height; to counteract this, we employed mirror-finish laminate ceiling panels, which visually doubled the vertical dimension, enhancing spatial openness and immersion. Through iterative prototyping, technical refinement, and careful integration of symbolic, material, and brand-based inputs, the cotton concept matured into a cohesive design language that defines both the physical and emotional identity of the lounge.
The handcrafted mosaic panel was envisioned as a tribute to Çukurova’s layered cultural identity and craftsmanship heritage. We drew inspiration from both local carpet motifs and ancient mosaic textures found in the region’s historical sites. This convergence of traditional textile arts and architectural ornamentation reflects the continuity between Çukurova’s past and present. The panel, made of 3,532 individually crafted hollow aluminum pieces, allowed us to experiment with both texture and light. The surface alternates between matte and glossy finishes, creating dynamic reflections that change as passengers move by — symbolizing the living, evolving nature of culture. It became more than decoration; it is an interactive, sensory artwork that embodies the patience and precision of traditional artisanship within a modern design language. Our intention was to infuse the space with an authentic narrative moment that celebrates local heritage while enhancing spatial storytelling.
Designing in an airport context presents strict technical constraints. Fire resistance, material longevity, and ease of maintenance were non-negotiable. While the aesthetic aimed to capture softness and comfort, all materials had to pass rigorous aviation safety codes. For instance, natural fabrics were treated for flame retardancy, and their height was restricted per regulations. To counter this, we introduced mirrored ceiling panels to double the perceived height of the vertical fabric elements. Surfaces subject to heavy use — such as flooring, wall finishes, and furniture — were selected for durability and stain resistance. Acoustic comfort was also a priority due to the open nature of the terminal environment. We designed with modularity in mind, enabling easy updates or repairs without disrupting the lounge operation. Balancing emotive design with technical compliance shaped many of our decisions, ensuring that beauty and performance coexisted harmoniously.
Our lighting strategy was rooted in the symbolic softness of cotton. We wanted the space to feel warm, calm, and immersive — a refuge from the busy airport atmosphere. To achieve this, we placed flexible LED strips between vertically suspended cotton fabrics, allowing the layers themselves to diffuse light in a soft, cloud-like manner. This eliminated direct glare and added depth, evoking the natural ambient glow of a cotton field under daylight. The interplay between light and fabric creates a meditative atmosphere that supports passenger relaxation and psychological comfort. It also enhances spatial zoning, guiding users naturally without harsh visual cues. This approach gave us control over luminance, minimized shadowing, and elevated the spatial narrative through texture and warmth. Lighting was not just functional but emotional — transforming the ceiling into a living element that supports a more human-centered travel experience.
The spatial configuration was guided by both function and experience. We divided the 765 m² into three zones: a calm main lounge, a semi-open terrace with a connection to the exterior, and a private crew rest area. The cotton-inspired ceiling design continues throughout, subtly adapting in scale and form based on the function of each zone. In the crew area, acoustics and privacy were prioritized, while in the terrace area, materials were selected for outdoor resistance but matched the indoor finish tones to ensure continuity. Zoning was supported by intuitive circulation and visual landmarks like the mosaic panel. The result is a space where transitions are seamless — users intuitively flow between areas while still feeling the overall coherence of the design narrative.
We abstracted the rhythmic, fluid form of cotton fields and translated it into the spatial design. By studying aerial views of Çukurova’s cotton landscapes, we reflected their linear, curvilinear patterns onto the ceiling. This design gesture also aligned with the "flow" theme found in the corporate identity of our client, the airline company. The use of natural cotton fabrics further reinforced this narrative on a material level. By interpreting local elements through abstract and minimal geometries, we achieved a contemporary expression. Thanks to mirror-finish surfaces and modern lighting strategies, this agricultural inspiration was transformed into a modern and timeless aesthetic.
In addition to mirror-finish ceiling panels that visually doubled the height of suspended fabrics, we employed several other spatial strategies. A neutral, light-toned palette helped maximize natural light and reduced visual clutter. We used curved forms and softened corners in partitions and furniture to avoid visual interruption and create a sense of openness. Strategic lighting helped zone the space without using physical barriers. Built-in seating with integrated lighting and backlit cotton-pattern panels added depth to walls. We also designed circulation paths with generous clearances, allowing passengers to move freely without crowding. These techniques worked together to create a lounge that feels airy, expansive, and inviting, despite the limitations of a defined footprint within an airport.
Passenger flow was one of our top priorities. The layout follows an intuitive progression — from check-in to rest zones to refreshment areas — without confusion or backtracking. This was achieved through open sightlines, clear spatial hierarchy, and strategically placed visual cues such as the mosaic wall or seating alcoves. These elements serve as wayfinding anchors while also embedding cultural storytelling. Every detail — from the cotton-inspired ceiling to the handmade patterns — tells a story of Çukurova. However, they are never overwhelming. They quietly enrich the environment while guiding movement naturally. The design supports functional needs while simultaneously acting as a vessel of cultural immersion, helping passengers connect to the region they’re departing from or arriving into.
Sustainability was integral to our design philosophy. We selected natural materials like cotton fabrics and locally sourced woods where possible. The handcrafted mosaic panel, made from lightweight aluminum, reduced transport and installation impact. All lighting was energy-efficient LED, and fabrics were chosen not only for their regional symbolism but also for low environmental impact in production and disposal. In addition, we minimized the use of permanent partitions, opting for modular and adaptable components to extend lifecycle use. Our suppliers were selected based on transparency in environmental practices. We aimed to prove that even in high-traffic, regulated environments like airports, ecological responsibility can coexist with cultural storytelling and comfort.
We believe Cotton Boll Private Lounge sets a precedent for how cultural identity can be authentically woven into transit environments. In an age of homogenized airport experiences, this project demonstrates that local narratives — when translated thoughtfully — can enrich passenger experience, foster emotional connection, and create memorable spaces. Our approach bridges heritage and innovation, suggesting a model for future lounges, terminals, or public spaces where culture is not a superficial layer but a structural part of the design process. It encourages the industry to move beyond branding toward storytelling rooted in place. In this way, we hope the project inspires a more human-centric and culturally meaningful evolution in modern travel design.
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