Butterfly Vliegtuigsitplek by James Lee is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2020 A' Design Award in Silwer in Voertuig-, Mobiliteit- en Vervoer-ontwerp Competition Category.

SilwerVoertuig· 2020

Butterfly Vliegtuigsitplek

by James Lee

Client: Butterfly Flexible Seating Solutions Limited

A' Design Award in Silwer Winner in Voertuig Category

28,254
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #88997

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Butterfly Vliegtuigsitplek

Butterfly is 'n buigsame vliegtuigsitplekstelsel wat transformasie tussen premium ekonomiesitplekke en besigheidsklas-platbedsuites moontlik maak. Elke Butterfly-suite bevat twee agteroorleunende sitplekke wat teenoor mekaar verspring is, en albei sitplekke saam word as premium ekonomie verkoop. Kajuitbemanning kan die vensterstiplek omdraai om 'n sydelingse rusbank te vorm, wat 'n besigheidsklas-suite vir een passasier skep. Deur die gangpadsitplek ook om te draai, word 'n groot plat oppervlak vir slaap geskep. Die stelsel laat operateurs toe om die kajuit aan te pas by veranderende aanvraag en om vloerruimte doeltreffend te benut.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Silwer

Butterfly Vliegtuigsitplek is 'n wenner van die A' Design Award in Silwer, 'n buitengewoon prestigieuse erkenning wat toegeken word aan topklas-, pragtige en indrukwekkende ontwerpe. Wenners in Silwer is geweldig briljante en uiters kreatiewe werke wat die uitstaande kundigheid, talent en skerpsinnigheid van hul ontwerpers illustreer. Daar word verwag dat Butterfly Vliegtuigsitplek 'n wonderlike vertoonstuk is wat merkwaardig professioneel en diepgaande innoverend is. Hierdie ontwerp wat die A' Design Award in Silwer gewen het, is 'n hoogs noemenswaardige, bewonderde uitvinding wat die grense van kuns, wetenskap, ontwerp en tegnologie bevoordeel en uitbrei. Butterfly Vliegtuigsitplek is 'n wyd beny skepping wat begeertes oproep, positiewe gevoelens bring en verbasing en verwondering wek.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Butterfly is a flexible aircraft seating system that allows instant transformation between premium economy and business class flatbed suites. The concept enables operators to adjust their cabin configuration to real-time market changes, allowing them to make efficient use of valuable floor-space, increase aircraft utilization and reduce business risk. It also gives passengers new ways to configure their own space, whether it is a cosy private retreat or a family-friendly social space.
Tags: Aircraft Seating, Flexibility, Transform, Airline, Business class, Premium Economy
Inspiration: Demand is never constant, yet aircraft configurations are usually fixed. As a passenger, I often noticed wasted space on flights. Sometimes economy class is overbooked but business class is rather empty, sometimes the opposite occurs. And as someone who have once worked in an airline, I reckon the need for an adaptable seat that can react to changing market demand. The implication to the operational efficiency is transformative, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
Project Duration: The project started in 2014 in Hong Kong and is still ongoing.
Operation Flow: Each Butterfly suite is made of two reclining seats staggered relative to each other. When both seats are used, they are sold as premium economy class. Airline crew can flip the window seat over to form a side couch, which turns it into a long-haul business class suite for one passenger. When the aisle seat is flipped over as well, it forms a flat surface continuous with the side couch, which together forms a large sleeping surface long enough for a passenger to lie flat diagonally.
Patents: Patented
Team Members: James Lee
Vincent Tam
Lars Rinne