Inconsistencies in the aviation industry have led airports to push for non-aeronautical revenue. Aside from its efficiency in facilitating incoming and outgoing passengers, terminals are now also being evaluated for their retail and F&B offerings. Within the competitive landscape, airport retailers are constantly striving to differentiate their retail destinations to create memorable experiences for locals and tourists alike.

With a similar objective in mind, the DFS Group appointed global architectural and consulting practice Woods Bagot to design and deliver the retail facades and interior elements of its three spirits, wine and tobacco stores located in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 of Changi Airport. Woods Bagot is no stranger to aviation projects, having completed a series of airport lounges for Qantas in Singapore, Canberra, Sydney and Los Angeles, and the China Southern Airport City, to name a few.

The newly implemented DFS in Terminal 3 exhibits the group’s extensive range of spirits, wine and tobacco within a lofty two-level boutique space. For greater visibility and better access, voids were introduced within the space, and the existing facade repositioned to open up the frontage.

A double-height canopy sits at the centre of the space, alongside a double-height display of wines and spirits that line the perimeter of the store, ensuring that merchandise are visually highlighted throughout.

On the upper floor, the iconic Raffles Bar was introduced to enable passengers to experience the historical local bar within the airport. The comfortable lounging space invites the passenger to dwell longer within the retail environment, before heading over to the departure gates. With similar ideals in mind, a tasting bar was also incorporated on the ground level.

While the DFS store in Terminal 1 may be a smaller outpost, similar interior elements have been injected to the space. Within the store, a central tasting bar is located underneath signature canopy structure, drawing the attention of passengers as they pass through.

Terminal 2 is set to open in July 2016.

Woods Bagot
woodsbagot.com