Passenger Terminal World - Passenger Terminal World January 2026
Worth the wait
2025-12-06 10:19:55
The Bay System from Poltrona Frau and Foster + Partners Industrial Design transforms waiting areas from functional necessities into thoughtfully curated environments where modularity, flexibility and eco-friendly principles converge
Blending sophisticated design, functional versatility and environmental consciousness, Poltrona Frau has unveiled the latest evolution of its Bay System. Developed in collaboration with the global architecture studio Foster + Partners Industrial Design, the collection has introduced Bay Accessories, a series of seven new elements, including circular poufs, curved and linear benches, and two innovative tables – one fixed and one height adjustable.
These additions transform the Bay System into a fully modular ecosystem, offering infinite possibilities in color, layout and use, going beyond conventional seating to represent a sustainable revolution in waiting space aesthetics.
With its innovative design, the Bay System transforms public waiting areas into engaging, thoughtfully designed environments. The collection transforms waiting time into an elevated experience, where considered design enhances individual solitude and dynamic group interactions. Bay System is a testament to choice, comfort and craftsmanship, offering a versatile and future-ready solution for diverse public spaces.
First introduced to redefine seating in airports, universities, healthcare facilities and other public areas, the Bay System interprets waiting as a curated experience. The new accessories extend this philosophy, providing adaptable solutions for social and professional contexts. Each element maintains the collection’s signature attention to detail, ergonomic comfort and visual lightness, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically elevated.
“With Bay Accessories, Poltrona Frau not only reinforces the Bay System’s position as a benchmark in modular seating but also demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate public and professional spaces,” explains Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau. “The collection invites a reimagining of waiting areas as engaging, flexible and visually compelling settings, transforming every pause into an opportunity for comfort, inspiration and connection.”
The new poufs and benches are distinguished by softly rounded forms and a sense of visual ‘levitation’. Supported by subtly curved bases in beech and poplar, even larger elements feel remarkably lightweight, allowing effortless repositioning within dynamic spaces. Compact yet comfortable, the seating incorporates high-density padding that maintains its shape and resilience under frequent use. Available in Pelle Frau leather or Kvadrat fabrics across a broad palette, the pieces allow designers to play with height, volume and texture to craft harmonious environments.
Complementing the seating, the Bay Accessories tables bring a new level of flexibility. The fixed table features a central metal column supporting a 65cm round top in either black Fenix NTM or natural oak, and the height-adjustable version integrates a telescopic column with a gas-lift mechanism activated via a discreet push button.
Mike Holland, head of industrial design at Foster + Partners, notes, “Working closely with Poltrona Frau, we have developed new components to enhance the Bay System. These additions combine seating and table elements designed to support versatility, adapting effortlessly to different environments and user needs – from transportation hubs to commercial and residential settings.”
Sustainability
Each component is fully demountable, allowing spaces to be reconfigured and extending the lifespan of every piece. Lightweight and efficient, the elements reduce logistical impact and support material recyclability, turning public seating into an environmentally conscious experience.
Bay Accessories harmonize with existing Bay System ranges – Bay Lounge and Bay Gate – both celebrated for their ergonomic comfort and spatial adaptability. Bay Lounge offers a sanctuary during extended waits and collaborative moments, while Bay Gate excels in high-traffic zones requiring efficient, dense seating. Together, the modular elements, new tables and freestanding pieces enable architects and designers to craft environments where form, function and experience converge seamlessly.
As a result of its innovative characteristics, the Bay System has been selected and installed in some of the world’s most prominent airports, including Rome Fiumicino and Brussels, with additional projects underway for further installations.
Poltrona
Frau To find out more, scan the QR code or visit www.poltronafrau.com
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Worth the wait
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