PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

United Polaris Lounge

Polaris Lounge, an Original Experience

Almost a decade ago, United Airlines opened the first exclusive business class lounge at O'Hare International Airport. The Polaris Lounge set a new standard for premium long-haul travel — so compelling that United expanded the concept across its major hubs, prompting all its competitors to follow suit.

In 2025, United returned to Terminal 1 to elevate its hospitality offering yet again, expanding the Polaris Lounge footprint by 50% to approximately 25,000 square feet. Designing a hospitality-driven environment overlooking the tarmac required the precision and adaptability of Visual Comfort's Architectural Collection.

Precision Within the Ceiling Plane

United passengers experience a quiet ceiling, while a layered lighting strategy supports the lounge's large-scale, multi-zone environment. ELEMENT™ 3 Adjustable Downlights provide balanced general illumination through a minimal aperture, maintaining a quiet ceiling presence that creates smooth transitions between areas of focused light. ELEMENT™ Multiples Open Downlights deliver directional control that subtly defines pathways and emphasizes seating areas, allowing light to respond to each zone without adding visual complexity overhead.

Comfort in Lighting Cohesion

The lighting strategy establishes a cohesive visual rhythm throughout the lounge. Carefully balanced downlights guide movement, define functional areas, and create seamless transitions from one space to the next.

The result is a balanced environment where light enhances the space guiding movement, supporting comfort, and reinforcing the elevated nature of the lounge.

An Elevated Experience

The clean lighting foundation created with the ELEMENT™ Series reinforces the lounge's calm atmosphere. Thoughtfully layered illumination supports the architecture while creating a refined environment that reflects the elevated Polaris experience.