The 080 Lounge, BIAL T1

Rich historical heritage, lush verdant gardens, and a vibrant, multifaceted cityscape : it’s no wonder Bangalore leaves its mark on all those who visit it. And the 080 Lounge endeavours to do just that. As a final pit stop on their travels, the Lounge is key in engaging the passengers’ five senses to their memories of Bangalore, to cherish and leave with a lasting impression.

The design concept, envisioned by YDI and developed by ABM, spotlights Bangalore’s serene botanical gardens, which are not only a sprawling green expanse at the heart of the city but also an effective public space for people of all walks of life. The lounge aims to be just as inviting and delightful, to offer all passengers a much needed respite, while catering to their needs with world class hospitality captured in a contemporary design approach.

Location: BIAL T1, Bangalore, India

Completed: Phase 1: Dec 2021 Phase 2: January 2025

Total Area: 40000 sq. ft.

Design Team: Ashok Solanki, Milind Panchal, Shreya Chheda, Shahid Shaikh, Isha Mehta, Pradnya Kadam, Shruja Pathak

There are 16 well curated spaces, each designed meticulously, to meet a unique requirement by the user, offering a multitude of experiences. There is a Whiskey Lounge for those who would like to explore the fine craft of whiskey making from around the world, an Entertainment Pod with an encapsulated space for watching movies, or if the traveller prefers to enjoy a moment of peace, a Quiet Lounge with its own reading nook. There is a Sports Lounge and Bar for those who want to enjoy a cold beer, a Tea Garden for a unique experience of tea tasting, or a Quiet Lounge for some rest and relaxation. As the areas are arranged non-rectilinearly, they flow into each other allowing for a seamless exploration.

The material palette chosen reflects the dynamism and ever-evolving nature of Bangalore and fuses it with the serenity of the botanical gardens. Earthy, neutral beige and grey are offset by warm colours, bronze satin metal and tones of green. Rich tropical colours and patterns influenced by contemporary India find their way in the seating upholstery. The flooring of each zone is distinctive of the quality of space, some have interesting tiled patterned flooring, some have wooden flooring, yet the key path that traverses between all the zones, seamlessly connecting them together is paved in Grey William Italian Marble.

The artwork and graphics that are set in various areas of the Lounge is mindfully curated and designed. Photographs of various tree species endemic to Karnataka are interspersed in key locations throughout the lounge. Paintings by the artist Brinda Miller liven up the space and offer a moment of reflection. Endemic plant species that thrive even in low light have been carefully selected and placed in ceramic planters, bringing the outside indoors.

A brief about each area of the lounge open in Phase 1:

1. Welcome Suite The first interface with the lounge is at the Welcome Suite. A thoughtfully designed reception lectern is set against a gold feature wall, with cordial staff to assist, guide and direct the customers. Concrete walls create a neutral backdrop bringing focus to the reception. A long backlit onyx planter verdant with foliage sets the tone of the lounge as the concept language slowly unfolds.

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2. VIP Lounge An access controlled lounge curated for the premium, 1st class passengers. It offers an A La Carte menu and an open kitchen. A harmonic colour palette in rust and deep blue creates lively pockets of seating. Foliage inspired screens in metal offer privacy in pockets.

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3. Whiskey Lounge The upscale Whiskey Bar adjacent to the VIP Lounge is designed to offer whiskey tastings with a wide selection of whiskeys from all around the world. The bar itself forms a key feature in design with it's mirror finished shelves and metal accents. Mood lighting enhances the ambience of this space. All finishes are high-end, with orange and green textured fabrics.

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4. Snug Lounge A round intimate banquet style sofa seat with brightly colored cushions, the Snug lounge appended to the Whiskey lounge, forms a cosy nook.

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5. Reading Lounge An innovative, modern space with in-built seating pods, this is an inspiring little space with acoustic solutions for those who wish to unwind and seek privacy. Shades of blue and green are used to create a feeling of tranquillity and quiet. A cylindrical bookshelf forms a private nook with two chairs for reading.

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6. Connect Lounge The Connect zone is fully equipped and curated for one to be productive without the feeling of being in a busy airport lounge. Alternating colors of yellow and orange are used in the main seating area to break monotony. The phone booth nearby is wrapped in a turquoise green. A bar accompanies the Connect Lounge, inviting guests to stop and have a drink.

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7. Cinema Zone The Cinema pod provides stimulating digital experience to children and adults alike. The structure of the Pod is inspired by a cocoon with browns and greens reflecting the colours of a cocoon. Depending on the actual function/event, the experience can be either cosy or wondrous and elevating.

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8. Relax Lounge The Relax Lounge is for those who wish to find a space to do nothing but sit back and chill. The lounge is strategically located by the retail and promotional space, and close to the bar, tempting the visitors to make a travel gift purchase, or visit the bar. Highly comfortable lounge chairs are selected for this area. The color palette is neutral and toned down to reduce stimulus and to allow passengers to relax.

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9. Fire Lounge The Fire Lounge is the main feature of the Domestic Lounge. Here, the traditional fireplace is replaced by a sculptural art installation. It is created as metal waves on a cylindrical form stacked vertically, to resemble the dynamism of fire. From afar, the upper portion of the fireplace is visible to all, raising curiosity and drawing people in, making it an exceptional interior feature space fireplace. There is bench seating around the fireplace along with swivel chairs. The fabric colors are a light blue and pink which complement each other.

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10. Dining Area The dining area is inspired by a tropical landscape. In order to serve the maximum capacity of guests and achieve the best guest satisfaction, we maintain the traditional airport lounge buffets with always-fresh food and bites prepared by trained chefs. The guests who find joy in the culinary arts can enjoy the views and flavours of the food prepared in the live kitchens. This area has bench seating with square tables that are easy to join for bigger groups or family dining. The color palette is vibrant with alternating blue patterned fabric and yellow seats set on top a checkered tile pattern. The main long wall has an intricate tropical themed foliage mural.

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11. Fine Dining The fine dining area is inspired by a dining experience of a modern cosmopolitan city. The material palette invokes a sense of warmth and serenity with its wood panelling set against white marble. Bright blues invite the guests to the dining experience while the buffet turns its focus on the food.
In order to serve the maximum capacity of guests and achieve best guest satisfaction, we maintain the traditional airport lounge buffets with a new menu, always-fresh food and bites prepared by trained chefs. The guests who find joy in culinary arts can enjoy the views and flavours of the food prepared in the open kitchens.

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12. Tea Garden The Inspiration behind creating the Tea Garden is the local tradition of tea drinking and its production, which is the defining the culture of India on an International level. India is the 2nd largest producer of tea in the world, including the famous Assam Tea and Darjeeling Tea. Design of the designated zone is of softer lines, with richer colors and textures, inspired by the finest plantations located in the Nilgiri Hills region in South India. We use tropical, big sized plants, lighting features, and freestanding, planted room separator features. The Lounge is designed for sophisticated female and male travelers who fancy an all-day afternoon-tea break and prefer a cup of infused tea to alcoholic beverages offered in the neighboring bar.

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13. Quiet Zone Tucked away in a secluded corner of the lounge, this quiet retreat offers passengers a tranquil space to unwind before their journey. A thoughtfully arranged selection of plush armchairs, each adorned with vibrant, patterned cushions, invites guests to sink in and relax. Positioned along the sleek glass railing, the seating area provides an unobstructed view of the tarmac, where travellers can watch planes arrive and depart in a mesmerizing display of movement.
The ambiance is further elevated by the exposed brick wall at the far end, which serves as a striking backdrop for a signature Brinda Miller triptych. The artwork’s rich textures and bold colours add a touch of artistic sophistication, enhancing the cozy yet elegant atmosphere. Soft, ambient lighting casts a warm glow over the space, making it an inviting sanctuary for those seeking a moment of quiet solitude or casual conversation before their flight.

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14. Sports Lounge The Sports Lounge is located just next to the quiet zone. There is bar at one end which becomes the focus of the space. Guests can grab a craft beer or a shot of whiskey and watch local cricket games from a big screen at the bar. The area has several seating options such as easy chairs, bar stools, high seating and a dining area. The seating is unique and creative and typical of a pub.

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15. Spa Surrender to the feeling of pure rejuvenation in a place made for wellness. The Spa provides an urban spa experience for those who wish to enjoy a massage before the flight. A place for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport. The colours chosen invoke a sense of calm and serenity, with accents of floral and berry tones.

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16. Water Lounge The walls of the water lounge are adorned with a stunning tropical mosaic mural, transforming the blank surfaces into a lush, immersive paradise. Intricately designed with varying shades of green, the mural captures the essence of dense tropical foliage, evoking a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. Above, the ceiling is thoughtfully designed with coves that add depth and dimension to the space. Intelligent lighting is seamlessly integrated into the architectural details, casting a soft, ambient glow that enhances the soothing atmosphere. Together, the carefully curated design elements of the water lounge offer a serene escape, where nature-inspired artistry and modern luxury come together in perfect harmony.

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16. Day Hotel The Day Hotel is a niche boutique hotel located in the heart of the airport, connected to the Domestic Lounge. The design creates an experience where functionality, practicality and timeless simplicity come together to provide a serene environment for hotel guests and passengers alike. Colors used are neutral browns and greys with a hint of yellow.

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Materials, products and manufacturers:
Wall finishes: : Decorative concrete finish by contractor, mosaic & tiles from FCML, wallpaper from Simone
Flooring: Wooden flooring from SquareFoot, Marble from Trident Marbles, Carpet from Welspun
Furniture: Stanley, Shearling, Ievo, Amardeep & Purple 9
Fabrics: Simone, Arc One
Sanitaryware: FMCL, Kohler
Decorative Lights: White Teak, Imagination Lights, The Kaleido Store
Artwork & Graphics: Brinda Miller, Romicon Revola, Customised, Hand painted Murals by Saffronish Art Studio
Artefacts : OMA, Azaaya, Project Blue