Panel Fins Bench
Repurposed waste materials found at Changi Airport Terminal 2
January – April 2022
Designed by Stacey Yip, supervised by Hans Tan, for the Changi Airport Group
Selected by Changi for production, currently in use in the new Terminal 2.
The Changi Terminal 2 Expansion (T2E) project is a large-scale renovation project and unavoidable waste will be generated from the demolition. A lot of these materials are still in very good condition and it would be a waste if all these were just dumped away.
The project seeks to explore how we can re-use some of these materials by re-interpreting its form and materiality into new products or statement pieces for the airport. I chose to work with the wooden panel fins that were located high up in the ceiling.
Hidden in a subtle manner from the public eye while still receiving natural light, they acted as blinds for the private offices of that level. From these contextual images, they look like unassuming long planks of wood. But after tearing them down, we are able to see the more unique side profile.
At first, I wanted to capture the panel fins in its original position as a horizontal plank. I played with different arrangements and connections and the archetype of a bench came naturally. But I faced difficulties trying to resolve the attachments in an elegant way while keeping the bench at a comfortable seating angle.
As the fins were thin and long, connecting them together required metal connectors for stability. Using these metal connections made the bench seem too clunky and heavy. While contemplating at this form, I noticed that by simply rotating the profile, most of my initial problems would be resolved.
Not only is it smarter way to hold the fins together, but it also enabled the panel fins to become modular. Arraying them in this manner, also drew a stronger connection to its original fin-like quality.
Further iterations of trying to create add-ons like armrests and cup holders were considered but were ultimately decided against as it ended up adding visual clutter to the bench.
The modular panel fins bench system was refined and simplified in 3 key ways:
Connector Columns: Reduced to 1 straight and 1 curved unit that would be made out of ash wood.
Arrangement Rules: If we are connecting two curved sections in different directions, the transition requires a straight section comprising of 4 panel fins and 3 straight columns.
Offcut Waste: The bench height of 42cm is a calculated decision to minimise waste from offcuts while still falling in the comfortable seating range. A 300cm plank produces exactly 7 units.
