Solus Chair for the Cathay Pacific Lounges
Foster+Partners

Poltrona Frau and Foster+Partners for Cathay Pacific: Solus Chair

Poltrona Frau Group Contract as archite

In 2008 we supplied 150 exclusive Solus Chair specifically designed by Foster + Partners for the Cathay Pacific lounges with the aim of creating a private retreat in the midst of what can be a busy public space. Its hourglass form rises from a circular base to create a private space for individual travellers. The chair’s soft leather upholstery is enclosed by a solid, lacquered shell. An exclusive chair designed to function as part of a cloud-like cluster of chairs, as well as providing a secluded space to eat, work or relax, its distinctive curved form was the result of studies into the different ways guests adapted the existing lounge furniture. As well as a wide, comfortable seat, the chair integrates a power supply and a table, which can be used as an informal desk. But not all Solus seats are the same. While most have a white shell, those in The Wing First Class Lounge get the luxe touch with a black lacquered shell. The colour of the Frau Leather® also varies between lounges, and even zones within a lounge – most Solus chairs sport grey leather seating and padding, but some are a richer burgundy or tan. The stand-alone nature of the Solus also lets Cathay Pacific choose how they are implemented in each lounge, such as grouped in a cloud-like cluster or just positioned here and there as space permits. The first challenge was “to strike the right balance between privacy for making a phone call, using your laptop or tablet or just reading a book, but without feeling claustrophobic and enclosed.” Toby Smith, Cathay Pacific’s General Manager Product, recalls. While Foster + Partners fine-tuned the design, Poltrona Frau went to work on the physical aspects of the seat, with an eye towards ergonomics as well as a high-end finish. “It was their idea to put ribbing in the leather back to provide lumbar support” Smith adds. The highest quality materials together with such an exclusive design, transformed the experience for passengers using Hong Kong’s flag carrier.

Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More