Location: Istanbul, Turkey.

Architect: Softroom.

The Flow Wall is a flowing, ribbon-like wall installed in the new Istanbul Airport that unites a suite of lounges. It is over a kilometre long and provides a visual signature that weaves through the six new lounges, creating a series of unified areas that cater for the differing needs of passengers. The wall shifts and changes as it moves through the lounges to accentuate various functions, and the iconic Turkish Airlines logo punctuates the installation. The wall flows through the reception area and then into the main space, which becomes a hub for access to many different zones. Inspired by Istanbul, the interior space feels more like an open-air courtyard, where passengers feel revived, invigorated and refreshed.

The Flow Wall is a plywood structure skinned in bleached oak and divided by seven flowing lines. It is animated by five-and-a-half kilometres of programmable LED lighting and overhead strips of lighting that follow the contours of particular routes. Six lounges are made up of two 6,000 sqm international departure lounges, a 2,700 sqm Exclusive lounge for Turkish Airlines’ most frequent flyers, a lounge for arriving passengers and two domestic lounges with their own check-in and departure areas. They are operated and catered by Turkish Do&Co. Turkish Airlines and Do&Co furnished the lounges and invited local designers to create an Aegean taverna in the main courtyard, a tea room and library behind the ribbon, and sleeping suites and shower rooms.

Other functions include daybed rest areas, cinema, newsroom, gaming zone, children’s play area and library. The international Business Lounge contains a museum space with artworks from partner Istanbul Modern’s own collection.