MÜLLER |ROMCA
advantageous compared with single-piece
versions from the point of view of resource
optimisation. Every leather exhibits small
blemishes caused by insect bites for
example, so the smaller the cuts required,
the less waste.
Further design possibilities were
offered by the type of seam and the yarn
colour. In the design for Swiss, for example,
red yarn on brown leather is a key design
element. In combination with other
surfaces such as the antimacassars, the
coloured seat belts and the literature
pockets, it was thus possible to create
individual designs for each airline.
While Müller|Romca’s industrial
designers developed the plastic
components using 3D data models,
numerous workshops were devoted to
the seat covers and upholstery, using
physical models and prototypes.
In order to produce prototypes,
Müller|Romca boasts its own mock-up
centre, which enables the ideal shape
and position of all components to be
developed. One advantage of using
physical models in development is the
possibility to directly test product
ergonomics and usability.
In the case of seats, this means sitting
– not just for a minute, but ideally for an
hour. When it comes to selecting the
firmness of the foams, for example, it is
normal to prefer the softer version after
a one-minute test. However, a soft foam
usually becomes more uncomfortable
aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
078 ANNUAL SHOWCASE 2020
Müller|Romca
was a key design
partner for
Lufthansa’s
first-class cabins
after a long period of sitting. “And, of
course, our mock-up workshop can also
supply realistic seats for important board
presentations,” explains Müller.
CABIN DESIGN
When entering a cabin, what immediately
catches the passenger’s eye is the brand
panels, which reflect the airline’s brand
identity. The brand panels are components
that can be easily replaced using a
specially developed fastening method.
With regard to the surfaces of the
monuments and partitions that are
specific to the airlines, a decision was
deliberately made in favour of a solution
by which the decorative films are applied
in the classic manner by means of
adhesive bonding. This was mainly for
weight and approval reasons.
As is usual with cabin layouts having
large, contiguous zones, the surfaces,
such as those of the front wall, must be
designed both to create a harmonious
effect at a distance and to look pleasant
and cohesive when viewed up close.
4. DESIGNS ARE CREATED IN CAD, AND VERIFIED
WITH PHYSICAL PROTOTYPES
5. THE DIFFERENT WELCOME PANELS OF THE GROUP
AIRLINES GIVE THE FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE CABINS
As Müller explains, “This dichotomy
determines colour, brightness, texture
and the design of the graphic elements,
and is therefore of crucial importance.”
In addition to design work, the
customisation of short-haul aircraft at
Müller|Romca also requires clearly
structured project management in which
the colour specification accompanies the
entire design development. All decisions
regarding materials, surfaces and supplier
selection are documented, as well as
open issues.
The document undergoes a series
of revisions right up to the final version,
and the latest state of development
is always recorded in an easily
comprehensible manner for airlines,
aircraft manufacturers and suppliers.
With some airline projects, designers
do not have much contact with their
designs after market launch. However, for
the Europe-based team at Müller|Romca,
a standard economy class seat for an
entire European airline group could be
a regular pleasure.
As Romca comments, “We design
in the interests of our clients and their
customers. But nothing could be better
if you also regularly benefit from the
result as a user.”
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5
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“ WHAT IMMEDIATELY
CATCHES THE
PASSENGER’S EYE
IS THE BRAND
PANELS”
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