The new seating was commissioned from designer Johan Berhin, founder of Green Furniture Concept, whose solutions have significantly enhanced other terminals in Europe and North America.  ‘The design concept we created drastically increases the number of seats in a given area,’ Berhin says. ‘We produce a new type of seating based on non-linear geometries. Our products are made in curving shapes that make much better use of floor space than conventional beam seating does. That’s why we can fit 70 seats into a 65m² space without compromising comfort, access or movement. Although the designs are streamlined, the shapes and materials we use heighten the sense of place and make a lasting impression on the passengers.’  

Designers and architects working in the air travel sector face the challenge of directing pedestrian traffic through the terminal while finding unobtrusive ways to direct the flow. ‘Finding the right balance of seating density to floor space is important,’ Berhin says, ‘but you also need to consider the revenue generated by encouraging passengers to spend time in commercial areas. 
Regaining the square footage lost to conventional seating systems frees up floor space for queuing at gates and makes room for the additional seating needed in commercial areas. On top of that, seamless designs increase the number of seats in the terminal overall, so it’s a win/win situation for everyone.’ 

The seating Berhin designed at Edinburgh Airport increased the number of seats by 44% at the commercial gate area. As a result, the customer satisfaction rate jumped from 52% to 81% – an immediate increase of 29 percentage points – just by bringing the seating in line with passengers needs. ‘Along with cleanliness, operational efficiency and good services, the right amount of comfortable seating is a key factor in satisfaction ratings,’ Berhin explains. ‘Increased passenger satisfaction is reflected in higher retail sales, revealing that seating systems in commercial areas attract travellers and keep them there. A survey carried out by UK retail group intu reveals that when passengers remain in commercial zones for longer than half an hour, retail revenues go up by 1% per minute, which is a significant increase.’ 

At a time when many airport designers set out to achieve a balance of seating and space, Berhin’s approach is simply to maximise the efficiency of each. Berhin’s designs integrate café tables and workstations into the seating itself, making more floor space available by absorbing tabletops, power points and cup holders within the footprint of the seating. Backrests and seats are contoured to maximise comfort and support, while many designs are made in curving configurations that make it possible for passengers to face each other or sit facing outwards. ‘Seating alone does not determine overall passenger experience, but it is one of the most important features in the airport,’ says Berhin. ‘It’s easy and affordable to get the seating density right and therefore optimise the flow through commercial areas and beyond. Good seating will help make the airport a destination passengers look forward to returning to.’

 High-density seating makes more floor space available while providing up to 50% more seats. There’s more space for commercial traffic and far less congestion at gates.

 High-density seating makes more floor space available while providing up to 50% more seats. There’s more space for commercial traffic and far less congestion at gates.

 High-density seating makes more floor space available while providing up to 50% more seats. There’s more space for commercial traffic and far less congestion at gates.