Interior of World of Whiskies store with various whiskey brands on shelves and people shopping.

Case Study: Arteconi CGI & Inspired & Co – Brisbane Airport Duty Free Visualization for Dufry

Overview

In mid-2023, Arteconi CGI partnered with London-based design studio Inspired & Co to develop a full suite of CGI imagery and 3D animations for Dufry’s bid to operate duty-free concessions at Brisbane International Airport.

The project involved visualizing a total of 5,120 square meters of commercial space—comprising a 3,900 sqm Departures store and a 1,056 sqm Arrivals store. The objective was to bring Inspired & Co’s retail vision to life in a way that could be clearly and persuasively presented to Brisbane Airport Corporation stakeholders.

Project Scope

  • Client: Inspired & Co (on behalf of Dufry)

  • Location: Brisbane International Airport, Australia

  • Date: April–July 2023

  • Total Space Visualized: 5,120 sqm

  • Deliverables:

    • Over 40 high-fidelity still CGIs

    • One animated walkthrough

    • Rapid prototyping & design validation visuals

Key Challenges

  • Complex Retail Zoning: The scale of the duty-free footprint required distinct zoning for cosmetics, spirits, food, fashion, and experiential areas. Arteconi CGI worked closely with Inspired & Co to differentiate these while maintaining visual and thematic cohesion.

  • Compressed Timelines: With only 6 weeks from briefing to final delivery, speed and accuracy were paramount. Arteconi CGI’s in-house library of airport-specific assets was critical in accelerating 3D modeling workflows.

  • Evolving Architecture: As design inputs evolved, particularly around passenger flows and storefront architecture, the team needed to revise and re-render scenes on a tight rolling basis—something made possible by Arteconi's flexible production pipeline.

Process Highlights

  • Pre-visualization and Blocking: Early layout drafts were translated into whitebox renders to support decision-making before materials and lighting were finalized.

  • Material Fidelity: Arteconi CGI replicated Inspired & Co's premium material palette (e.g., brushed metals, terrazzo floors, lit shelving) in full PBR detail for photorealism.

Strategic Value

  • Enhancing design communication for high-stakes tenders

  • Speeding approvals with photorealistic, real-time design alignment

  • Delivering competitive edge in tenders by showcasing best-in-class retail concepts with clarity and emotional impact

Modern airport lounge featuring a bar area with people interacting, seated at tables, and a man sitting on a bench reading. The decor includes plants and hanging lights.
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People shopping in a brightly lit airport duty-free store with liquor shelves and signage for discounts.
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Interior of a modern duty-free shop with various cosmetic and retail displays, people shopping, and a person pulling a suitcase.
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Modern shopping mall interior with various luxury brand stores, including Kenzo, Kering, Stella McCartney, and Marc Jacobs. People are shopping and relaxing near a large yellow geometric sculpture and potted plants.
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Interior of a modern duty-free shop with various branded counters and shoppers, featuring decorative lighting and display areas.
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