The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways - o2 Arena
Project Spotlight
The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways - o2 Arena
Project Spotlight
After five years of planning, perfecting and pandemics, we can reveal our latest commercial project at the NinetyThird by Qatar Airways lounge. Located in the crest of the prestigious O2 arena, we were tasked with putting together a luxurious range of furniture and fabrics that matched each room's individual aesthetic, while also supporting large scale events.
To introduce our latest undertaking we sat down with the head of our Trade Department, and project lead, Darren Smith, to discuss our time working on a space that quite literally provides the best seat in the house.
Thanks for joining us, how did the project initially come about?
"Platform Group were looking for a consultative furniture supplier to help with their project. We actually met by chance in Germany at a work event and everything fell into place after that."
What was the brief for the project and what did you factor in to meet that target?
"The brief was to source the right look-and-feel pieces which had to ooze VIP with a rock 'n' roll vibe, but had to meet all the durability and fire regulations… Not an easy task, but we love a challenge."
After five years of planning, perfecting and pandemics, we can reveal our latest commercial project at the NinetyThird by Qatar Airways lounge. Located in the crest of the prestigious O2 arena, we were tasked with putting together a luxurious range of furniture and fabrics that matched each room's individual aesthetic, while also supporting large scale events.
To introduce our latest undertaking we sat down with the head of our Trade Department, and project lead, Darren Smith, to discuss our time working on a space that quite literally provides the best seat in the house.
Thanks for joining us, how did the project initially come about?
"Platform Group were looking for a consultative furniture supplier to help with their project. We actually met by chance in Germany at a work event and everything fell into place after that."
What was the brief for the project and what did you factor in to meet that target?
"The brief was to source the right look-and-feel pieces which had to ooze VIP with a rock 'n' roll vibe, but had to meet all the durability and fire regulations… Not an easy task, but we love a challenge."
Is there a brand you particularly enjoy working with in bigger projects such as this?
"All the brands that helped us with this project are more commercially inclined and were more than capable when it came to delivering this project. If I had to highlight a particular manufacturer it would be Cantarutti, whilst the relationship was relatively fresh, couldn't have provided a more professional service."
Is there a brand you particularly enjoy working with in bigger projects such as this?
"All the brands that helped us with this project are more commercially inclined and were more than capable when it came to delivering this project. If I had to highlight a particular manufacturer it would be Cantarutti, whilst the relationship was relatively fresh, couldn't have provided a more professional service."
Have you got a favourite area of this latest project?
"I think it has to be the kitchen dining area. It has a great feel to it, being where the action is in the kitchen, but also has a different dimension using soft seating with slightly more formal dining. Always with amazing ‘punchy’ fabric."
Did you have a favourite restaurant while working on site at the o2?
"Marugame! For the best ramen and tempura... and karaage chicken. The list goes on."
Was there a particular process of deciding the right pieces for the project?
"From the end of 2019 when we were engaged on the project, to delivery towards the end of 2023, meant a very long process thanks to the pandemic. The specification was always in development through the years and took considerable efforts on both sides to find exactly the right pieces and the right finishes.
How was it working with such a prestigious venue at the heart of the UK entertainment scene?
"The entire team involved with bringing the project together worked seamlessly, from everyone at the O2 and AEG to the main contractor. It felt like a project that flowed without too many complications despite its relative size.
Have you got a favourite area of this latest project?
"I think it has to be the kitchen dining area. It has a great feel to it, being where the action is in the kitchen, but also has a different dimension using soft seating with slightly more formal dining. Always with amazing ‘punchy’ fabric."
Did you have a favourite restaurant while working on site at the o2?
"Marugame! For the best ramen and tempura... and karaage chicken. The list goes on."
Was there a particular process of deciding the right pieces for the project?
"From the end of 2019 when we were engaged on the project, to delivery towards the end of 2023, meant a very long process thanks to the pandemic. The specification was always in development through the years and took considerable efforts on both sides to find exactly the right pieces and the right finishes.
Were there any obstacles to overcome in getting this project over the line?
"The concept, at the outset, included some amazing upholstery from Timorous Besties in the visuals which we had to source. Whilst the fabric is a stunning ‘graffiti’ motif, the durability of the fabric was something we weren't sure we could utilise in such a high footfall space. We got around this by using it on the non-contact parts of the armchairs which gave the lounge seating an edgy feel in comparison to quite a cool toned space."
If you could see one band from the NinetyThird by Qatar Airways, who would it be?
"Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs but that is a very personal choice (not everyone’s taste). They would smash it there."
Were there any obstacles to overcome in getting this project over the line?
"The concept, at the outset, included some amazing upholstery from Timorous Besties in the visuals which we had to source. Whilst the fabric is a stunning ‘graffiti’ motif, the durability of the fabric was something we weren't sure we could utilise in such a high footfall space. We got around this by using it on the non-contact parts of the armchairs which gave the lounge seating an edgy feel in comparison to quite a cool toned space."
If you could see one band from the NinetyThird by Qatar Airways, who would it be?
"Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs but that is a very personal choice (not everyone’s taste). They would smash it there."
How was it working with such a prestigious venue at the heart of the UK entertainment scene?
"The entire team involved with bringing the project together worked seamlessly, from everyone at the O2 and AEG to the main contractor. It felt like a project that flowed without too many complications despite its relative size.
How was it working with such a prestigious venue at the heart of the UK entertainment scene?
"The entire team involved with bringing the project together worked seamlessly, from everyone at the O2 and AEG to the main contractor. It felt like a project that flowed without too many complications despite its relative size.
Finally, what service did Chaplins bring the project that made us stand out above all else?
"I think it was a number of factors. The ability to understand the look and feel of the project, the breadth of access to manufacturers to meet the budget, and the management skills to pull off the scale of the project.."
Finally, what service did Chaplins bring the project that made us stand out above all else?
"I think it was a number of factors. The ability to understand the look and feel of the project, the breadth of access to manufacturers to meet the budget, and the management skills to pull off the scale of the project.."
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