Montreal-based design studio Ménard Dworkind (MRDK) has unveiled a stunning transformation of the Aspire WestJet Garden Lounge at Calgary International Airport, creating an innovative extension that brings the tranquility of a garden oasis to weary travelers. The project, which extends the existing Aspire lounge in the airport's Transborder terminal, showcases how thoughtful design can overcome architectural challenges while creating an intimate atmosphere beneath soaring ceilings.
The new lounge extension is strategically located in an open area below the terminal's impressive 40-foot (12-meter) ceilings and expansive skylights. Despite the grandeur of the space, MRDK faced the challenge of creating intimacy and comfort for guests. "The project began with the simple yet poetic idea of walking from the main lounge into the garden," explained the design team, emphasizing their vision of seamless transition from the busy terminal environment to a peaceful retreat.
One of the most significant design challenges involved the inability to core into the concrete floor, which prevented the installation of traditional electrical cables to seating areas. MRDK's innovative solution involved designing a series of raised planters that serve multiple purposes: defining the lounge space, concealing electrical cabling and outlets, and introducing lush greenery throughout the area. "These planters not only bring lush greenery and texture into the space, but also define circulation paths and frame the lounge's many seating areas," the studio noted.
The design team created a new opening in the original lounge wall to provide seamless access to the extended area, which is strategically wrapped by tall glass panels in certain locations. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a series of residential-scaled seating zones, each thoughtfully arranged with a two-seater couch and two lounge chairs positioned between planters on three sides, creating intimate conversation areas within the larger space.
At the heart of the lounge sits a distinctive rhombus-shaped bar that serves as the central focal point. This unique structure features high-top seating on both sides and showcases cascading plants on its upper shelves, reinforcing the garden theme throughout the space. Additional seating configurations include sophisticated booths upholstered in rich oxblood-red leather that coordinates with matching table bases and cushions on walnut dining chairs.
The furniture selection extends to innovative two-top steel tables that cantilever from lower planters, featuring built-in, back-to-back chairs with chocolate-toned seats and caramel-hued backs. Steel tables also cantilever from planters that wrap the perimeter, maximizing the use of space while maintaining the clean, modern aesthetic. All materials and colors were carefully selected to complement the natural elements featured throughout the space.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the overall ambiance, with soft and layered illumination designed to enhance what MRDK describes as the "calming, garden-like ambience." The extensive use of plants ensures high visibility from other parts of the terminal, creating an attractive beacon for travelers. "From down the terminal concourse, the lush green vegetation is clearly visible," noted MRDK. "A glowing Aspire sign, seemingly floating amidst the foliage, acts as both a beacon and an invitation, welcoming weary travellers into a garden oasis where they can recharge in every sense of the word."
The project reflects the growing sophistication of airport lounge design as demand for international travel continues to surge. Airport lounges are increasingly becoming coveted spaces where travelers can escape terminal bustle, with interiors becoming ever more refined and thoughtful. Recent upgrades to similar facilities include the Finnair business-class lounge at Helsinki airport and the VIP center at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, demonstrating the industry-wide trend toward elevated passenger experiences.
MRDK represents a partnership between Guillaume Ménard and David Dworkind, who have collaborated on an extensive portfolio of hospitality, residential, and commercial projects in Montreal and beyond. Their recent work includes diverse projects such as a blocky residence wrapped in cedar, an irregularly shaped Vietnamese restaurant, and a tech company's offices within an IM Pei tower. The Aspire WestJet Garden Lounge project was realized with Rick Balbi Architect serving as architect of record and Ledcore Construction handling the build-out, with photography captured by David Dworkind.
