Cotton Boll Private Lounge | Ekphrastics
Cotton Boll Private Lounge by Ece Gülagac

Cotton Boll Private Lounge

Golden A' Design Award Winner 2025

A sculptural white ceiling canopy dominates Ece Gülagac's Cotton Boll Private Lounge, its undulating organic contours evoking the soft, layered petals of cotton bolls in full bloom, rendered in pristine alabaster white with subtle dimensional ridging that creates rhythmic shadow play across the surface. The compositional architecture establishes a compelling central axis through a circular planter table featuring vertically ribbed bronze-toned cladding supporting a marble countertop crowned with lush tropical foliage including broad-leafed Strelitzia and verdant ferns that introduce biophilic verticality. Surrounding this botanical focal point, dusty rose upholstered bar stools with slender metallic legs create a chromatic bridge between the warm honey-toned oak flooring and the cool neutral palette of the overhead installation. The spatial organization employs radial symmetry emanating from the central planter while secondary seating arrangements in taupe and warm gray occupy the middle ground, establishing hierarchical zones of intimacy. Natural illumination filters through floor-to-ceiling glazing at left, producing soft diffused daylight that models the ceiling's dimensional surface with gentle gradations from pure white to pale gray in recessed areas. Supplementary pendant fixtures featuring organic, cloud-like translucent forms echo the biomorphic ceiling language while warm accent lighting from vertical strips integrated into blonde wood wall paneling creates golden halos that punctuate the neutral envelope. The flooring transitions from wide-plank pale oak to circular terrazzo-patterned rugs beneath seating clusters, establishing material hierarchy through tactile differentiation. Atmospheric perspective is achieved through the layered recession of seating zones into softly illuminated alcoves featuring arched doorways with integrated cove lighting, suggesting procession and discovery. The chromatic harmony operates within an analogous warm neutral scheme—ivory, cream, blush, camel, and champagne—punctuated by the saturated viridian of living plants. Edge treatment throughout favors soft transitions, with the ceiling installation's organic contours meeting vertical surfaces through curved junctions that eliminate harsh intersections. The stylistic vocabulary synthesizes contemporary hospitality design with biophilic principles, evoking the refined organic modernism of practices emphasizing natural material expression and curvilinear geometries. Textural richness emerges through the interplay of smooth marble, ribbed metallic surfaces, plush velvet upholstery, and the dimensional ceiling relief, creating visual and implied tactile variety within a cohesive tonal envelope.

Cotton Boll is an airport lounge at Cukurova Airport that blends cultural heritage, comfort, and sustainability. Inspired by the region's cotton fields and artisanal textiles, the design features a flowing ceiling structure with natural cotton fabrics and integrated led lighting. A handcrafted mosaic panel, echoing local craftsmanship, enhances the space's identity. Thoughtfully arranged seating, intuitive spatial flow, and sustainable materials ensure a seamless passenger experience. By merging tradition with modernity, Cotton Boll transforms transit into a refined cultural journey.