The opportunity to design an aircraft interior is rare in anyone’s career. For Bombardier’s Robert Grant, that opportunity has come along twice as the Lead Industrial Designer on two iconic aircraft – the C Series (now Airbus A220) and most recently, the ATMOSPHèRE cabin on the CRJ Series. And interestingly, Robert has derived much of the inspiration for his designs from unexpected sources.
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The inspiration behind ATMOSPHèRE


Robert Grant

Robert’s most recent design work is now on display inside CRJ Series aircraft equipped with the revolutionary ATMOSPHèRE cabin. The new cabin, which made its debut with launch customer Delta Air Lines at the 2018 Farnborough airshow, includes many features passengers previously wouldn’t expect on a regional aircraft, like more spacious accommodations, large overhead bins for carry-on luggage, fast WI-FI connectivity and a PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) lavatory.
“The ATMOSPHèRE cabin is our way of bringing the CRJ out of the regional jet stereotype,” says Robert. “It provides a lot of wide body appeal with mood lighting and a more open environment in the entryway. We wanted passengers to feel that they are getting an upgrade on every flight and that they are on an aircraft that is highly curated and well thought-out. This is what guided our development process.”
A cabin redesign process begins with feedback from current operators of the aircraft to identify areas in need of new solutions. Things like items that are being damaged in service, areas of the cabin that could benefit from greater space optimization, or an improved robustness of specific components. “Examining the operators’ pain points naturally motivates us to want to provide the most exceptional cabin possible,” says Robert. “And while developing new solutions, it is essential to provide a more updated passenger experience.”
5 to 7 years ahead
For Robert, inspiration for elements in the ATMOSPHèRE cabin came from an unexpected source, the automotive industry. “I find attending auto shows is much more beneficial than going to aircraft interior events each year. Airshows are essential, but you see a lot of the same things each year, whereas with the auto shows you are typically seeing 5 or 7 years into the future. So, when we draw inspiration from the auto industry, I feel like we are getting the latest in innovation and the latest in aesthetics and materials as well”

One of the defining elements of the ATMOSPHèRE cabin is its PRM lavatory, an industry first for a regional aircraft. “I have conducted a number of surveys and mock-up simulations with people with reduced mobility and they will tell you right out that many people will avoid using the aircraft lavatory completely; they will conserve their liquid intake from the time they leave their house to the time they arrive at their hotel,” Robert explains. “I don’t want this to be the case, so I’ve taken it upon myself to consider the most difficult to accommodate passenger.” The resulting lavatory is wheelchair accessible and provides added benefits for all passengers, including more headroom, more floor space and easy-to-clean, germ-resistant surfaces.
Looking ahead, Robert sees continuous improvements on the horizon. “ATMOSPHèRE is only a small step in the right direction, we don't see this as the final solution. We will continue to push from now on with our focus on accessibility and user-centered design.”