Air travel can be a necessary evil and though it is often essential for traversing large distances and fulfilling one’s wanderlust, even a short airport layover can make a leg of a traveler’s journey feel like purgatory. Unpalatable food, seemingly infinite lines, the high-pitched chatter of children (and adults) ricocheting off the walls and depressive labyrinth-like terminals all contribute to my extreme distaste for air travel.

Issit Public Seating by ADDI. All photography courtesy of Jesper Lindstrom.

The human race always seems to be in a monumental rush and thus, the airport would seem like the last to place on earth to achieve a sense of exhilarating seclusion and comfortable refuge. The forward-thinking designers over at ADDI however have been successful in changing my opinion that transit lounges in airports are soul-sucking architectural monstrosities. Introducing the Issit Public Seating concept, I present you with a unique futuristically-styled seating system engineered to dynamize the public spaces in airports, train stations and the like.

Inspired by evolution, ADDI wanted to create a product that "changes and evolves " with human interaction. The seating system aims offers all at once peace, privacy and and a refreshing re-invention of the typically dull and formulaic model for public seating options. Says ADDI, "Everybody seems to be moving from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Issit counteracts this in saying “Hi. Slow down. Take your time."

With its exaggerated shape and sensual curves, it's impossible to resist wanting to park your derriere for a while on one of ADDI’s Issit elements. The seating is flamboyant and its magical realist aesthetic reminds me of something out of a Marquez novel. When not occupied by a new convert like myself, Issit also resembles the metamorphosis of a tulip-esque sculpture in bloom. With seats that rise automatically into a vertical position at the push of a button, Issit combines a unique mix of function, beauty and theatricality – a welcome break from the familiar wherever your travels may take you.