Citation
Finch, E. (2006), "Editorial", Facilities, Vol. 24 No. 3/4. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2006.06924caa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Editorial
Writing an editorial in the transit lounge of an airport does not seem the most stress free of undertakings. However, here in Singapore airport things are a little different. As I look around I see a diverse range of settings. Places for slumber: places for fun; places for informing; places for reflection. Each setting is characterised by novel furniture. For relaxation, you can place your feet in a massage machine; for sleep you can lay back on a lounger complete with timer to make sure you do not miss your flight. Seats that look like footballs or seats with built in speakers are just a few examples of the various fun settings.
In marked contrast to many other airports these facilities are accessible at no cost for the passenger. For those that need to freshen up in transit (or those like me that insist on arriving four hours early for their flight), the availability of a transit hotel is indispensable. For just a few dollars you can book in for a shower. But not just any shower. Included is a bathroom suite with all the amenities you would associate with an en suite hotel room.
They often say that buildings are a form of branding. Well if that is the case then this is a form of branding that the Singapore government have done their research on. As a welcome to the country or as a final memory, the facility leaves an indelible feeling. One that is not associated with depriving you of your last piece of foreign currency. Hopefully other airports will take note.
Edward Finch