Tasked with designing a new airport lounge for Star Alliance at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Gensler’s Newport Beach and Paris offices collaborated to seamlessly blend the historic charm of Paris with contemporary design. The challenge was to create an atmosphere that truly makes travellers feel as if they are stepping into the heart of Paris. In line with Star Alliance's branding, the main colours of the lounge are black, grey, and gold, exuding an air of sophistication.

The design team added local touches, such as parquet flooring, elegant mouldings, and locally-made custom Parisian upholstery, to pay tribute to Parisian architecture.
At approximately 1,300 square metres, the space hosts up to 300 guests at a time. The team worked to meticulously design the lounge to cater to every traveller’s needs, serving as a place where people can seamlessly transition from one mood to another with just a few steps. Each distinct section within the lounge operates as an independent enclave, which all work together as a united whole.

Upon entering the lounge, guests are greeted by the champagne bar, adorned with a regionally designed gold light fixture and a quote by French novelist Marcel Proust. The Tea Salon, bathed in natural sunlight and featuring a palette of vibrant macaroon-inspired colours and locally sourced accessories, provides a delightful space with a vast selection of teas and an expansive view over the Terminal 1 runway.

For privacy-seeking business travellers, a dedicated business area with soundproof phone booths ensures a focused work environment on the go. The winter garden, a spacious glass box at the lounge's centre, creates an abstract consideration of indoor-outdoor space, connecting guests to an outdoor garden for a breath of fresh air before boarding. Individual shower suites beckon guests to indulge in self-care, while a wellness room and a relax zone offer spaces for reflection. Hand-crafted sculptures by Parisian artists create a museum-like atmosphere throughout the lounge.

Adhering to strict airport regulations, the design incorporates smoke evacuation systems, semi-open ceilings with warm brown baffles for safety and ambiance, and metal mesh ceilings for efficient smoke evacuation. U-shaped shelving in the wine bar allows air circulation while preserving elegance, enhancing the lounge's charm. The dining area offers a culinary experience capitalising on natural light during the day and the allure of a well-lit tarmac at night.