Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK | SLADE ARCHITECTURE

The Clubhouse is a hybrid -private members club, boutique hotel lobby, restaurant and chic bar. Bounded on two sides by expansive views over the jet ways, aircraft and the iconic TWA terminal, the lounge picks up on the glamour of the ‘60s air travel with an uptown vibe.

Distinct areas cater to different passenger activities and interactions. The areas are organized by acoustical zones: Quiet lounge, Talking lounge, cocktail lounge. Activities that require less time are close to the entry, those that require more are further.

Cloud shaped in plan, the central cocktail lounge is enclosed by a diaphanous, curving screen of stainless steel rods and walnut fins. The rods and fins mediate views and create an internal skyline. 2,000 powder-coated cylinders hang from the ceiling creating a glowing, sculptural topography. Guests move through the cocktail lounge in a rhythmic syncopated flow to the many unique Clubhouse amenities and spaces defined by this central element.

Furnishings help define the character of each area. We designed the grey amorphous pebble sofas and a red ball sofa to create a seating landscape in the cocktail lounge. The talking lounge includes the restaurant and is furnished to encourage groups and interaction. The quiet lounge emphasizes individual seating. Aluminum walls perforated with a pixelated cloud pattern are cutout to create “floating” seating pods. Spa and hair salons complete the amenities.

Details reinforce the “Uptown” theme of the lounge. We designed custom wallpaper composed of New York icons: the Chrysler Building and the Empire State. In the bathrooms, white subway tiles and large-scaled black and white Sanborn maps of NYC complete the picture.