Signature Lounge by Standard Chartered at HSIA Rejuvenate your travel experience

Standard Chartered Bank, Nakshikatha and Westin have teamed up to create and operate "Signature Lounge" at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) for the bank's Priority Banking clients and Premium card holders. The exclusive lounge was inaugurated on November 25.

The double-decked loft style lounge with beige and earth-toned furnishings and decorative plants radiates the relaxed appeal associated to tropical island holidays-- surely to make visitors forget they are still inside an airport. The architectural details are jaw-dropping, and interior designers and enthusiasts will instantly be drawn towards the indirect cove lighting stretched across the tall wall and the never ending functional details of the decor.

The lower floor hosts the buffet, a coat/luggage room, different types of seating options with harmonious circulation area and of course, TV entertainment and beautiful restrooms.

The upstairs is more like a corporate lounge equipped with iMacs, perfect for business travellers. The open skylight ceiling on the top floor is a sight to behold at any time of the day: one would be lucky to catch the sunset at this lounge!

"As Bangladesh's economy continues to grow, we are naturally seeing an increasing demand for air travel. We believe the Signature Lounge will set a new benchmark for travel hospitality in Bangladesh, by giving our valuable clients' access to world-class services and unique comforts as they travel to destinations across the world,"Aditya Mandoli, Head of Retail Banking at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said at the inauguration.

"For 112 year, Standard Chartered has endeavoured to promote commerce and prosperity in Bangladesh, by providing our clients with the best banking products and services the world has to offer. The launch of this lounge is a part of this commitment. It also speaks to Standard Chartered's confidence in the sustained growth momentum of our economy. Standard Chartered is proud to have been a part the amazing growth-story of Bangladesh, and shall remain committed to being a partner in progress to the nation," he added.

Mahfuz Ahmed, actor and CEO of Nakshikatha, spoke on his motivation for the project. He intends for the lounge to guarantee the highest quality of transit amenities and convenience to all its clients and at all times. 

"I had a vision for this empty space when I used to pass by it; with the effort of everyone in the team, I am grateful to see it finally flourish," Ahmed said.

Artists Meher Afroz Shaon and Aupee Karim were also present at the inauguration.

The lounge has been designed and crafted by Ehsan Khan Architects. "The transit is also a part of the journey, and we designed this lounge with the intention of eliciting the sense of serenity in the clients," Ehsan Khan said of his inspiration behind crafting the lounge in its current form.

Finally it can be said that  the Signature Lounge surely promises a relaxed experience to esteemed patrons--within a plush enclosure away from the chaotic world of the airport.

Photo courtesy: Standard Chartered Bangladesh