ICRAVE, an experiential design firm based in Manhattan, has reimagined the dining experience in airports across North America. Working with airport F&B operator OTG, terminals have been activated to showcase regional chefs directly at the gate. Last week, two ICRAVE-designed concession spaces were recognized by the 2014 FAB Awards and the IES Awards.
The FAB Awards, a program honoring innovation and excellence in airport food and beverage, highly commended OTG’s Delta Experience at LaGuardia Airport as Best Airport Food & Beverage Expression of Sense of Place. OTG’s ICRAVE-designed F&B program for Toronto Pearson International Airport was also recognized under the Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year category. In addition, ICRAVE received an award of merit from the IES Awards for their transformative lighting design within the concession spaces at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
ICRAVE has redesigned passenger terminals in 6 airports across North America. The award-winning transformation of Delta Terminals C & D at LGA and Terminal 1 at YYZ have challenged the often stale and stressful experience of waiting for a flight. By removing typical row seating, the outdated pre-flight waiting zone is updated and activated with innovative food and beverage spaces, equipped with fully integrated technology solutions.
Each OTG dining program minimizes traveler anxiety as passengers can enjoy refreshing dining options crafted by talented, regional chefs. From Andrew Carmellini’s raw bar concept Minnow and master brewer Garrett Oliver’s craft beer joint Beirgarten in LaGuardia Concourses C & D to Toronto Pearson’s Indian-inspired Marathi from local chef Hemant Bhagwani, each terminal is positioned as a true gateway to the city in which it dwells. Similarly, ICRAVE’s design wraps each venue in the fabric of the city, in both the overall design concept down to the specific building materials used. Each space offers an opportunity to engage passengers in a story about the region.
About ICRAVE
ICRAVE is an experiential design studio based in New York City that reimagines built and digital environments for brands, choreographing memorable experiences that foster curiosity, imagination and lasting emotional connections. Helmed by Lionel Ohayon since 2002, ICRAVE has worked with Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups on award-winning projects across the globe. For more information please visit www.icrave.com and find them on Facebook and Twitter.
