DESIGN BRIEF: Afterglow by JPA Design

The Afterglow private jet retrofit concept by JPA Design showcases an interesting way to incorporate biodynamic lighting.

JPA Design’s Afterglow private jet retrofit concept prioritises wellbeing and sustainability along with traditional luxury aesthetics. The design particularly targets Gulfstream G550 jets. “Retrofitting is the most sustainable choice we can make in manufacturing,” says Elliott Koehler, creative director at JPA Design.

Modern aircraft cabin in night mode with soft yellow and purple lighting accents — Afterglow has a circadian rhythm lighting system designed to replicate various times of the day. Image courtesy of JPA Design

A circadian rhythm lighting system is at the heart of Afterglow. The system uses RGB LEDs controlled by software. It is designed to replicate various times of the day, for example, mimicking the destination time zone to help the passenger adjust, and reducing jetlag. Koehler notes it’s about a shift in what luxury means: “I’m flying first class, not only because of luxury, but also because I want to feel better afterwards.”

The most unusual feature is a light orb – representing the sun – that rises and sets at optimised times behind a reeded glass screen in the lounge. “That sun is almost like an indication of my journey, of my time, and of that circadian cycle that I want to align myself to,” says Koehler. “All of us need to have a certain amount of light every day.”

Also in the lounge, a divan converts into a double bed spanning the entire width of the cabin. An IFE screen is included, which folds down. “Everything that could take you away from a relaxing, large, calm space is hidden, turned off or removed,” says Koehler.

Meanwhile in the washroom, there’s an entire wall of light, from floor to ceiling, behind the sink, to provide appropriate illumination, whether the passenger wants to wind down or wake up.

Material selections throughout emphasise sustainability and comfort. Breathable textiles replace traditional leather, while soft suede wall coverings contribute to acoustic quality. “If you brush against it, you feel something soft and lovely, rather than hard and plastic,” says Koehler.

While the design was created for private jets, JPA Design has much commercial aviation experience, and believes the wellness focus reflects broader possibilities, particularly in premium cabins.

Lighting orb

Central to the Afterglow design is a sophisticated biodynamic lighting system featuring a wall-mounted orb that mimics solar movements. The orb rises and falls, and also changes colour, behind a reeded glass screen that creates a soft, diffused effect.