The Evolution Of Airport Seats: Materials And Design

Airport seating is a public seating area commonly found near restaurants and lounges in airports. The design of airport seating has evolved over the years, with a growing focus on enhancing the traveller experience by providing comfortable seating in terminals. Fire safety regulations also play a significant role in dictating the materials used for airport seating. In terms of materials, airport seats are made from a variety of components, including foam rubber cushions, upholstery, plastic mouldings, and structural frames. The structural frame, typically made of steel or aluminium, provides weight support and shape to the seat. The cushioning is often made from synthetic materials like polyurethane, neoprene, silicone, and polyethylene, with fire-blocking textiles included for safety. Plastic moulding is used for tray tables, armrests, and entertainment screens, made from materials such as polycarbonate, vinyl, and plastazote. The introduction of sleeping pods and cluster seating designs further showcases the evolving nature of airport seating to meet the needs of travellers.

Characteristics and Values of Airport and Airplane Seats

Materials used for seat structure

The seat structure is one of the four primary pieces of an aircraft seat, the other three being upholstery, cushioning, and plastic moulding. The structural frame member is usually made of steel that has been formed into a tubular configuration or stamped or rolled sheet metal. Steel is stronger than aluminium or magnesium, which is important for providing better energy absorption in the event of a crash. However, as weight is a consideration for energy saving, a combination of steel and aluminium can achieve a much lower weight for the backrest.

Traditionally, seat structures were made of aluminium frames, a relatively lightweight metal. However, with the advancement of carbon-fibre composite technology, many seats have begun to use this material as well. Carbon fibre is incredibly lightweight and maintains multiple advantages over aluminium. Composite structures have also been considered for the design of seats, including cushions, springs, and upholstery that provide comfort features.

Upholstery and cushioning

The upholstery and cushioning of airport seating are crucial aspects of its design, impacting both functionality and aesthetics. Here is a detailed overview of these elements:

Upholstery

The choice of upholstery material for airport seating is influenced by various factors, including durability, comfort, and aesthetics. Commonly used materials for upholstery in airport seating include synthetic and organic fabrics. Synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, are durable and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for high-traffic areas. Natural or organic materials, such as leather and cotton, are often found in premium or membership-based lounges, as they offer a more luxurious look and feel.

The selection of upholstery material also takes into account fire safety regulations, as fire-blocking textiles are crucial in airport environments. This has led to the development of tapestry and wainscoting fabrics made from synthetics or wool-synthetic combinations to meet heat release and fire safety requirements.

Cushioning

Cushioning plays a vital role in providing comfort and support to travellers waiting at the airport. The filling of these cushions is typically made from synthetic materials, including polyurethane, neoprene, silicone, and polyethylene. These materials offer a balance between comfort and durability, ensuring the cushions can withstand frequent use.

Additionally, most cushioning incorporates fire-blocking textiles to further enhance safety. The cushions themselves are often made of foam rubber, providing a combination of comfort and resilience. This foam rubber composition must adhere to specific regulations, such as FAR 25.853(c), to ensure it meets industry standards for safety.

The design of airport seating has evolved to prioritize the traveller's experience, and the cushioning is no exception. The Gee chair, for example, is designed to offer generous comfort while being durable enough to withstand years of use in busy airports. This attention to comfort and longevity is a key consideration in the selection of cushioning materials and designs.

In conclusion, the upholstery and cushioning of airport seating are carefully chosen to balance comfort, durability, safety, and aesthetics. By utilizing a range of synthetic and natural materials, airport seating designers create functional and inviting spaces for travellers to relax and recharge while waiting for their flights.

Plastic moulding

In the context of airport seats, plastic moulding is used to create areas such as tray tables, armrests, and the surrounds for seat-back entertainment screens. These moulded plastic components offer design flexibility and can be customised to fit specific airline branding or aesthetic requirements. For instance, they can be produced in various colours and styles.

The choice of plastic moulding for airport seats is influenced by several factors. Firstly, plastic moulds are lightweight, simplifying installation and rearrangement, and making venue management easier. Secondly, they are cost-effective compared to traditional materials, encouraging bulk purchasing and improving production efficiency. Additionally, plastic moulding offers design flexibility and can be customised to fit specific requirements, such as ergonomic designs for enhanced comfort and lumbar support.

The materials used in plastic moulding for airport seats are carefully selected to meet industry standards and regulations. Heat-resistant or flame-retardant thermoplastics, such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylic blends, are commonly utilised to meet fire safety requirements. These materials are chosen for their ability to resist heat and flame, ensuring the safety of passengers.

Fire safety and blocking

Fire safety is a critical aspect of airport and aircraft design, and the materials used for seats in both settings must comply with stringent regulations. For aircraft seats, the primary considerations are weight, comfort, and safety, with fire resistance being a crucial factor. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) stipulate that all non-metallic seat parts must meet specific standards, such as FAR 25.853, to prevent the spread of fires and fire-borne toxins. This typically involves the use of fire-blocking textiles or materials, which act as a protective layer between the outer fabric and the flammable polyurethane foam that forms the seat's structure. These fire-blocking layers are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and highly resistant to flames, with some made from inherently fire-resistant fibres and woven scrim for added durability and protection against abrasion and punctures.

The use of fire-blocking materials in aircraft seats has been a topic of discussion for several decades, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considering it necessary to enhance cabin safety. The proposal gained momentum after the 1983 Air Canada DC-9 incident in Cincinnati, where a post-crash fire contributed to the deaths of 23 out of 46 individuals on board. While there is no definitive evidence that fire-blocking materials would have altered the outcome, safety experts agree that such layers could curb the spread of flames and provide valuable time for occupants to escape during an emergency.

To ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, companies like Tex Tech Industries offer custom-made fire-blocking layers for aircraft seats. These layers are designed to meet or exceed a range of industry standards, including FAR 25.853 (a) and (c), FAA Smoke Density, and various toxicity and burn behaviour tests. By encapsulating the seat foam material, these fire-blocking textiles play a critical role in controlling and preventing fires, especially given the underlying foam's flammability.

In the context of airport seating, fire safety is equally important, and regulations now govern the materials used for seats in airport terminals. While specific fire-blocking requirements for airport seats were not found, the overall fire safety considerations for the built environment of airports extend to the seating choices. This includes selecting materials that are inherently fire-resistant or treated to achieve fire-resistant properties, ensuring that the seating areas meet the same rigorous safety standards as the rest of the airport environment.

Seat arrangement and design

The seat arrangement and design in airports are crucial aspects that can significantly impact travellers' experiences. Here are some key considerations and trends in airport seating:

Firstly, the arrangement of seats aims to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. While rigid lines of chairs bolted to the floor may discourage social interaction, as Robert Sommer observed, the presence of armrests increases seat usage and provides a sense of personal space for adjacent strangers. The parallel orientation of modular seat units also minimises face-to-face contact, making it less intimidating for people to sit next to each other. This arrangement is carefully designed to optimise space and manage passenger flow.

Secondly, the introduction of sleeping pods at Helsinki Airport in 2013 marked a significant innovation in airport seating. These pods offer a private and peaceful space for travellers, allowing them to relax or even sleep comfortably while waiting for their flights. They also provide storage for carry-on luggage and charging facilities, addressing the modern traveller's needs.

Additionally, airport designers are increasingly embracing cluster seating designs, which offer a cosy and intimate seating experience with buffer areas in between. These clusters can be configured in various ways, including three-seat and four-seat arrangements, providing ample table space, charging ports, and staggered sightlines. Cluster seating adds a modern touch to airport terminals and can be adapted for different waiting times, such as quick stopovers or longer layovers.

Furthermore, the materials used for airport seating are carefully selected to meet fire safety regulations and enhance comfort. While basic seating areas may feature synthetic or natural upholstery, membership-based lounges often provide more luxurious seating with premium materials in various colours. These lounges offer a more exclusive and comfortable experience to travellers.

Lastly, the design of airport seating is continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of travellers. With increased security measures leading to longer wait times, airports are adding more seats in lobbies and seating areas. Designers are also creating calming spaces that feel protected from the hustle and bustle of busy terminals, promoting comfort and a positive traveller experience.

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