A wide terminal hall with open space, yellow signage and a store called “Flagship”. Travelers walk through the hall with their luggage.

Modernization and passenger comfort

Hospitality
Client
Schiphol
Year
2025
Location
Amsterdam
BVO
20.000m2
Klant
Schiphol
Jaar
2025
Locatie
Amsterdam
BVO
20.000m2

The task

Lounge 1, an essential part of Terminal 1 at Schiphol, is being redeveloped to meet the growing needs of passengers and Schiphol's ambition to remain “Europe's Preferred Airport”. Located between the C and D piers in the Schengen area, the project covers an impressive 23,000 m² and is focused on capacity expansion and an improved passenger experience. Schiphol strives for a future-proof terminal with a design that combines comfort, intuitive navigation and sustainability.

The redevelopment of Lounge 1 includes both renovation and new construction, connecting existing structures with modern elements. The ultimate goal is to create an environment that reflects Schiphol's brand promise: “Remarkably carefree and surprisingly sympathetic.” This vision is reflected in a customer-oriented design that puts the passenger first.

A curved waiting area with round benches, planters and trees. Travelers walk around or sit waiting.
A check-in area with blue self-service screens and a golden perforated wall above. People stand in rows near glass partitions.
20.000
m2
61,7
Million passengers per year
350
Destinations
A modern waiting area with round benches, trees and planters. Large windows offer views of an aircraft on the platform.
"Wensen en beleving van de passagier centraal."
A close-up of the check-in area with blue screens and a golden perforated wall above. People are using the screens or standing in line.
Een open luchthavenhal met grote informatieborden bovenin en een digitale schermzuil op de voorgrond. Mensen lopen rond met bagage.
A wide terminal hall with open space, yellow signage and a store called “Flagship”. Travelers walk through the hall with their luggage.

About this project

Concept: Landside, Airside and Cloud

The design is structured around three zones that guide the passenger journey and provide a clear structure:

1. Landside: Here, arriving passengers are welcomed and departing passengers are escorted to their departure points. The zone is connected by the iconic Wooden Ribbon, an element that exudes warmth and integrates commercial functions intuitively.

2. Airside: With a focus on rest and relaxation, this zone offers a view of the arriving and departing planes. Hospitality functions and service areas are designed to provide the passenger with a moment of calm before the flight.

3. Cloud: Inspired by the Dutch sky, this area is a visual eye-catcher that offers space for shop-in-shop functions and a unique flagship store. The Cloud combines aesthetics and functionality to create a dynamic environment that arouses curiosity.

Each zone has its own identity and design, but is harmoniously integrated into the bigger picture. The balance between structure, color and use of materials ensures a coherent yet varied design.

Spatial layout and passenger experience

The design highlights the ultimate passenger experience by creating a natural and intuitive flow. Functional spaces are divided into commercial and facility areas:

Commercial spaces: Retail, hospitality and a flagship store are located in strategic zones such as the Cloud and Cockpitplein.

Facility facilities: Services such as Lost & Found, sanitary facilities, seating areas and a transfer area have been designed with passenger comfort in mind.

The landside has a more traditional layout with clear sight lines and walking routes, while the Cloud has an open, department store-like structure with transverse sight lines and a central prominent flagship store. On the airside, transparency and views of airport activities create a relaxed atmosphere.

A waiting area with circular benches, trees and large windows that overlook a parked plane. Travelers sit or walk through space.
“From land to air: a worry-free travel experience.”

Highlights

Wooden ribbon

Connects commerce and passengers naturally.

Cloud

A visual icon inspired by Dutch skies.

Airside

Peace and view with modern facilities.

Cockpit square

Meeting place with retail and green accents.

Sustainability

Use of natural and recycled materials.

A wide terminal hall with open space, yellow signage and a store called “Flagship”. Travelers walk through the hall with their luggage.

Credits

Team ZENBER
Eric Wezenberg
Ingrid Heijne
Carlien den Uijl
Edwin Kamphorst
 Project management
IAA Architecten
E&W Advisor
Halmos Adviseurs
Acoustic consultant
Peutz
Contractor
ESAP (Spie & Equans)
Interior builder
Intos & Issos
Licht plan
Bartenbach
Project photography
ZENBER Architecten
Building architect
Benthem Crouwel Architects/NACO (BCN)
Green landscaping
Donkergroen
Projectinrichting
Graphic design
ZENBER Architecten
Huisvestingadviseur
Installatie advies
Constructie adviseur
W&C Adviseur
Meubilair
Lensvelt
Constructeur
RHDHV
Bouwfysica
Peutz
View more
A future-proof building for Inholland
Education
Inholland University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam
A wide terminal hall with open space, yellow signage and a store called “Flagship”. Travelers walk through the hall with their luggage.A curved waiting area with round benches, planters and trees. Travelers walk around or sit waiting.

Modernization and passenger comfort

Hospitality
Client
Schiphol
Year
2025
Location
Amsterdam
BVO
20.000m2
Client
Schiphol
Year
2025
Location
Amsterdam
BVO
20.000m2

The task

Lounge 1, an essential part of Terminal 1 at Schiphol, is being redeveloped to meet the growing needs of passengers and Schiphol's ambition to remain “Europe's Preferred Airport”. Located between the C and D piers in the Schengen area, the project covers an impressive 23,000 m² and is focused on capacity expansion and an improved passenger experience. Schiphol strives for a future-proof terminal with a design that combines comfort, intuitive navigation and sustainability.

The redevelopment of Lounge 1 includes both renovation and new construction, connecting existing structures with modern elements. The ultimate goal is to create an environment that reflects Schiphol's brand promise: “Remarkably carefree and surprisingly sympathetic.” This vision is reflected in a customer-oriented design that puts the passenger first.

A curved waiting area with round benches, planters and trees. Travelers walk around or sit waiting.
A check-in area with blue self-service screens and a golden perforated wall above. People stand in rows near glass partitions.
20.000
m2
61,7
Million passengers per year
350
Destinations

About this projct

Concept: Landside, Airside and Cloud

The design is structured around three zones that guide the passenger journey and provide a clear structure:

1. Landside: Here, arriving passengers are welcomed and departing passengers are escorted to their departure points. The zone is connected by the iconic Wooden Ribbon, an element that exudes warmth and integrates commercial functions intuitively.

2. Airside: With a focus on rest and relaxation, this zone offers a view of the arriving and departing planes. Hospitality functions and service areas are designed to provide the passenger with a moment of calm before the flight.

3. Cloud: Inspired by the Dutch sky, this area is a visual eye-catcher that offers space for shop-in-shop functions and a unique flagship store. The Cloud combines aesthetics and functionality to create a dynamic environment that arouses curiosity.

Each zone has its own identity and design, but is harmoniously integrated into the bigger picture. The balance between structure, color and use of materials ensures a coherent yet varied design.

Spatial layout and passenger experience

The design highlights the ultimate passenger experience by creating a natural and intuitive flow. Functional spaces are divided into commercial and facility areas:

Commercial spaces: Retail, hospitality and a flagship store are located in strategic zones such as the Cloud and Cockpitplein.

Facility facilities: Services such as Lost & Found, sanitary facilities, seating areas and a transfer area have been designed with passenger comfort in mind.

The landside has a more traditional layout with clear sight lines and walking routes, while the Cloud has an open, department store-like structure with transverse sight lines and a central prominent flagship store. On the airside, transparency and views of airport activities create a relaxed atmosphere.

A modern waiting area with round benches, trees and planters. Large windows offer views of an aircraft on the platform.
"Wensen en beleving van de passagier centraal."
A close-up of the check-in area with blue screens and a golden perforated wall above. People are using the screens or standing in line.
Een open luchthavenhal met grote informatieborden bovenin en een digitale schermzuil op de voorgrond. Mensen lopen rond met bagage.
A wide terminal hall with open space, yellow signage and a store called “Flagship”. Travelers walk through the hall with their luggage.

Unique design elements

Wooden Ribbon: A fluid element that connects commercial spaces in a natural way. The use of sustainable bamboo in a warm caramel color reinforces visual continuity.

Cloud: The graphic pattern of clouds, inspired by Jacob van Ruisdael's paintings, adorns the facade of this zone. By using luminous dots in different depths, a dynamic play of light and shadow is created.

Cockpit Square: A new meeting point with iconic retail such as the modernly designed bulb shed. The square is spanned by a grid structure with green accents, which creates an intimate atmosphere in a spacious environment.

Innovation and Sustainability

Sustainability plays a central role in this project. Natural materials such as bamboo and recycled façade panels have been used to minimize the environmental impact. In addition, the design makes optimal use of daylight to reduce energy consumption. The focus on sustainability goes beyond the use of materials; the modular layout of the space has also been designed with a view to future-proofing and flexibility.

A waiting area with circular benches, trees and large windows that overlook a parked plane. Travelers sit or walk through space.
“From land to air: a worry-free travel experience.”

Highlights

Wooden ribbon

Connects commerce and passengers naturally.

Cloud

A visual icon inspired by Dutch skies.

Airside

Peace and view with modern facilities.

Cockpit square

Meeting place with retail and green accents.

Sustainability

Use of natural and recycled materials.

A wide terminal hall with open space, yellow signage and a store called “Flagship”. Travelers walk through the hall with their luggage.

Credits

Team ZENBER
Eric Wezenberg
Ingrid Heijne
Carlien den Uijl
Edwin Kamphorst
Project managment
IAA Architecten
E&W Advisor
Halmos Adviseurs
Akoestisch adviseur
Peutz
Contractor

ESAP (Spie & Equans)
Interior builder
Intos & Issos
Light plan
Bartenbach
Project photography
ZENBER Architecten
Building architect
Benthem Crouwel Architects/NACO (BCN)
Groenvoorziening
Donkergroen
Projectinrichting
Graphic design
ZENBER Architecten
Huisvestingadviseur
Installation consultancy
Constructie adviseur
W&C Adviseur
Meubilair
Lensvelt
Constructor
RHDHV
Building physics
Peutz
View more
A future-proof building for Inholland
Education
Inholland University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam