DESIGN NAME: W Chengdu
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Hotel
INSPIRATION: Sophisticated and sensual with ample playfulness. Custom elements are beautifully resolved: selection of stone coloration and special layout arrangements, over-scaled Shu Brocade-inspired wall graphics, and large suspended metal mesh echoes the drama of sweeping curtains. Polished and hairline textured metals reflect patron’s movement, lighting and objects creating an indefinite atmosphere. Public engagement through design by sensory stimulation, touch and material exploration allows guests and locals alike to experience the best of Chengdu within W.
Guest room design was drawn on an abstract notion of Bian Lian performances at local theatres. The mysterious and transformation aspects were magnified. Super graphic at headboard is animated by textured acrylic panels at front creating an effect similar to lenticular printing. The forms and shapes widely used for the Bian Lian masks are translated to organic shapes throughout the rooms.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The portmanteau word: Du’titude is created to capture the essence of Chengdu's Plenitude natural environments and the people in Chengdu’s unique relaxed, light-hearted and open-minded characters.
The design sparks curiosity in an adventurous and edgy celebration of theatrical arts in daily life settings in Chengdu. Designed to provide an otherworldly experience rich with brand values in narrative and imagination. The natural colors and wonders of Jiuzhaigou, motifs extracted from Si Chung Opera, and prominent history of poets and poems were all reflected in the project. Created as an immersive hotel experience, guests are not only be seen in this theatrical setting but also become part of the performance.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The concept of fluidity is adopted throughout. Beginning with the entry sequence: a large waterfall installation was placed in the middle of the lobby with furniture placement along the perimeter to increase the hotel's programming flexibility. Whatever Whenever counters are placed in close proximity to elevators for the best guest experience. A giant Panda insider at the LED Mahjong table truly personifies locals' love for the game. Gradation of light to mid-grey stone forms a fluid floor pattern and leads guests to the passion points throughout the hotel.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project completion : October 2020 in Chengdu, Sichuan China.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The hotel is an inviting visual and tactile journey, among neutral tones in stones and wood while celebrating Chengdu's energy in bursts of vivid hues with materials such as dichroic glass. Its color-shifting properties reflect light changes and guests are mesmerized by the iridescent color effects.
The room combines a soft palette of soft tones accented with bright yellow. Yellow signifies fierceness, ambition and cool-headedness – perfectly suited for the W disruptors with their lust for life mindset. Programed light scenes evoke a strong sense of the theatrical stage especially in window area as if one were immersed within the act.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The project covers a total of 26800 sq. meters. The scope of work included public areas spanning over 5 levels, and approx. 297 guest rooms and suites.
TAGS: WHotel, Glyphdesignstudio, WChengdu, Hotelinteriordesign, Hospitalitydesign,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Guests are engaged within spaces by ways of storytelling within the context of physical, social and historical indigenous elements. Research was based on previous travel experiences to Chengdu, interviews with locals and surely the web and social media as references.
CHALLENGE: The design is an equilibrium between brand identity on bold and witty VS. Client’s desire for an enduring scheme. The design must capture cultural imagination but with its own distinct identity.
ADDED DATE: 2022-06-24 02:37:35
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Gary Chan, Polly Chan, Marion Liu, Vicky Lo, Erica Cheung, Bora Yang, Ayako Sugino, Teresa Leung, Raymond Chan, Vanassa Chan, Carol Yeung, Ivy Choi, Yao Xu
IMAGE CREDITS: Photographer : Ray Fang
|