Floating above the departing passengers, and announcing itself from afar, is a glowing yellow glass box; a new McDonald’s at Sydney Airport’s Terminal 1, designed by Landini Associates in collaboration with McDonald’s Australia. The brief was simple: create an iconic, memorable customer experience, like nothing seen before.

For Landini, this meant doing something innovative, an example of how McDonald’s continues to push boundaries in design. Placing the kitchen above the counter, whilst visually stimulating, was structurally complex. Ensuring it could deliver its wares to the customers below, efficiently, quickly, and without causing chaos, was an even steeper challenge.

To answer this, Landini combined kiosk ordering technology and a “transporter” delivery system. McDonald’s is continually looking to grow and evolve a customer dining experience that is both modern and relevant. The electronic ordering system, the kitchen, and the vertical transportation of this project combine to make a unique spectacle.