rpa:group have achieved shortlist success in the fifth annual International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2015. design et al is delighted to announce that the UK-based company will compete in the Retail / Leisure Space category with the World Duty Free store at Gatwick’s South Terminal.
rpa:group developed the design, managed approvals with the airport and provided construction phase drawings for the build. As part of this brief, rpa:group were required to take an existing concept and to adapt and apply this to fit with the newly proposed space.
With a free reign to develop and present new ideas, rpa:group maximised the use of the space, as well as the look and feel, fixtures and fittings and overall design elements of the entire retail space.
The design layout literally “channels” the customers through the entire unit so that they are exposed to the maximum number of concessions in an effortless flow. As part of the redevelopment plans for the terminal, the departing travellers can only enter the main airport departure concourse through the World Duty Free store.
The utilisation of a striking black curved raceway, made from high gloss ceramic with reflective elements in it, both defines and guides the customer journey through the store – generating interest and then maintaining it with the use of multi media zones, refreshment zones, and vendor display zones. The ceiling needed to comply with the fire safety requirements, by having large areas of it left open to the rafters above it. rpa:group ensured that the ceiling complied with this, but we also designed it to become a striking sculptural element, with curves and spirals undulating above the entire retail space.