Trying harder at OR Tambo

“We are creating a 530m² kiosk designed to avoid congestion and to provide customers with a seamless service experience,” says Avis MD Wayne Duvenage.

Scott Lamb of CityScape, the Avis architects, says the kiosk has been designed to create a “sweeping-in” mall effect. “Customers will literally come up the escalator from their respective arrival areas and find themselves walking directly into Avis.

“It's all about creating movement and flow. The counters are curved and sweeping and customers will be able to see the people serving them and feel they are involved in the process.

The parking area has been integrated into the kiosk so that customers don't feel like they need to walk for miles to reach their car. “Bulkheads and tiling flows out of the kiosk into the parking area and we have incorporated air curtains to diminish fumes from the vehicles,” continues Lamb.

Accent the curves

Counters are made up of maple, stainless steel, granite and metallic Formica finishes. The ceiling's acoustic tiles have been cut in straight lines to accent the curves of the counters.

The bold signage incorporates two large light boxes with the Avis logo, several Avis logos in fabricated, illuminated letters and directional signage in brushed high-tech aluminium, to complement the stainless steel of the counters.

Stainless steel key slots will mean 327 keys can be racked at any given time and lifestyle graphics (that tap into the theme of movement) on selected surfaces will contribute to the overall flow of the kiosk.

Phase three of the project will include plasma screens, a coffee rest area and kiddies play area.