Lounge Air France Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, by Jouin Manku

Realization

After four years of design and construction work, Agence Jouin Manku and Air France unveil the company's new lounge in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Located in the center of the terminal's two peninsulas, this new 3,000 m2 space, the result of a collaboration with ADP Group, is part of the airport's renewal.

"There's something wonderful and exceptional about the act of flying, of soaring through the air amidst the clouds. It's a fantasy that became possible at the end of the 18th century, thanks to ingenious inventors like the Montgolfier brothers and the Wright brothers.
At a time when technology is no longer an issue, when airplanes are taking off again and the world is spinning at a hundred miles an hour, perhaps we need, more than ever, islands of slowness in an ocean of speed*.
With the Air France lounge, we wanted to suspend time to condition the traveler about to take off in the best possible way.
The intention was therefore to work around levitation, lightness and the sensation of escape for an airline with a glamorous aura, a symbol of French elegance."
Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku

*Enzio Manzini, Artefacts towards a new ecology of the artificial environment, LES ESSAIS, Centre Georges Pompidou, 1991

A terrazzo path winds between the different spaces, leading to the staircase. Airy, it seems to float with grace and balance. Its simplicity belies the technical prowess required to design this cantilever, whose only visible attachment point is the mezzanine.

The steps, highlighted by discreet lighting, are wider than a standard staircase. Borrowed from the "pas d'âne" staircase, they offer a gentle ascent. The glass balustrade is completely concealed, letting in the view and the curves of the space. Halfway up, a belvedere allows you to pause and admire the tarmac, the sky and the clouds, a moment of contemplation before reaching the summit.

"There's something wonderful and exceptional about the act of flying, of soaring through the air amidst the clouds. It's a fantasy that became possible at the end of the 18th century, thanks to ingenious inventors like the Montgolfier brothers and the Wright brothers.
At a time when technology is no longer an issue, when airplanes are taking off again and the world is spinning at a hundred miles an hour, perhaps we need, more than ever, islands of slowness in an ocean of speed*.
With the Air France lounge, we wanted to suspend time to condition the traveler about to take off in the best possible way.
The intention was therefore to work around levitation, lightness and the sensation of escape for an airline with a glamorous aura, a symbol of French elegance."
Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku - Jouin Manku

*Enzio Manzini, Artefacts towards a new ecology of the artificial environment, LES ESSAIS, Centre Georges Pompidou, 1991

PROCESS

THE WING

At the threshold is a walkway, designed as a gentle transition into the lobby.
The eye is immediately drawn to a suspended kinetic sculpture, echoing the curve of an aircraft wing.
As the view changes, the wing subtly reveals the lounge's atmosphere. The pace slows, the journey begins.

"This wing is the perfect blend of science, technology and craftsmanship, using the most up-to-date design and manufacturing processes.
It evokes the avant-garde of aeronautics, but also has this protective, reassuring value, with its organic, enveloping form."
Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku - Jouin Manku

Key figures

Area
3,500 sq. m. on two levels

Capacity
570 seats

Information

Client	Air France
Architectural concept, interior architecture and design	Jouin Manku Patrick Jouin Sanjit Manku Jacques Goubin - Alice Pesché Pascal Legrand Céline Allard Bruno Pimpanini François Isone Arnaud Desvignes Charlotte Delorme
Architect of record	SLA Architecture
Lighting designer Furniture Patrick Jouin iD	Voyons Voir Armchair « Lou » - Patrick Jouin iD pour Ligne Roset Chair and armchair « Ester » - Patrick Jouin iD pour Pedrali Armchair « Héra » - Patrick Jouin iD pour Pedrali Other : Armchair Egg Arne Jacobsen
Craftmen	Paul Champs agencement – made-to-measure furniture Pierre Noire – made-to-measure furniture Alexandre Fougea & Pyrus – design development of the wing Nelson Fossey – digitalisation of the wing Spie Batignolles – fit-out Axys – engineering
Year	2021

Credits

Air France Lounge

Realization

PROCESS

THE WING

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