THY Domestic Lounge Istanbul Airport
Planlux was appointed as the lighting designers for the Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge Expansion at Istanbul Airport in June 2023.
The interior architecture was designed by Autoban, with project management and coordination undertaken by Yüksel Proje. The fit-out works were carried out by YOO, while Tasarım Proje was responsible for the electrical engineering design and installation. Developed in accordance with LEED principles, the project places equal emphasis on passenger experience, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Client THY / Autoban
Architect Autoban
PM Yüksel Proje Fitout YOO
Electrical Project / Contract Tasarım Proje
Location Istanbul Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
Year 2026
Photos © 2026 Korhan Sisman / Planlux
Autoban’s design envisions the lounge as a calm transition between the city and the journey ahead. Inspired by the concepts of movement and the changing character of the four seasons, the spatial composition creates a sequence of welcoming, relaxing and productive environments. Architectural elements derived from aircraft wing geometries, sculptural column claddings and illuminated ceiling surfaces establish a strong spatial identity while reinforcing the connection to aviation.
The programme offers a diverse range of experiences, including comfortable seating areas, food and beverage zones, collaborative workspaces enriched by biophilic design principles, enclosed ZoomPod booths and meeting rooms. Rather than functioning solely as a waiting area, the lounge is designed as a place where passengers can rest, work or simply prepare for their journey in a comfortable environment.
The lighting design was developed to support this architectural narrative through a restrained and integrated approach. Instead of becoming a visual feature on its own, light was conceived as an architectural material that enhances spatial perception, reinforces circulation and contributes to a calm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the lounge.
Layered lighting strategies establish a clear visual hierarchy while maintaining comfortable illumination levels across different functional areas. Relaxation spaces, circulation routes, hospitality zones and workspaces each receive lighting appropriate to their intended use, ensuring both visual comfort and operational flexibility.
Large glazed façades provide generous daylight throughout the day. To complement these changing daylight conditions, the lighting system is supported by a DALI-based control infrastructure that enables flexible lighting scenarios and balanced illumination between daytime and evening operation. This approach contributes both to passenger comfort and to the project’s energy efficiency objectives.
One of the project’s defining architectural features is the series of wing-inspired ceiling elements incorporating large illuminated surfaces. Their integration required close coordination between lighting, architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines, as well as fire protection, public address systems, maintenance access and numerous concealed building services. Preserving the architectural purity of these elements while accommodating complex technical requirements formed one of the key challenges of the project.
The result is a contemporary lounge environment where architecture and light work together to create an intuitive, comfortable and memorable passenger experience. Rather than competing for attention, lighting quietly reinforces the spatial identity, supporting the calm atmosphere envisioned by the architectural concept while responding to the functional demands of one of Europe’s busiest airports.
Photos: Korhan Şişman
