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“Design can be like music; or like poetry”, where spaces created deliver an emotional connect and build an atmosphere through artistic overtures... Chao hotel, Sanlitun, Beijing, China fits this bill. Designed by von GerKan, Marg and Partners Architects in tandem with GD Lighting Design with the latter’s artistic subtle lighting interventions, it is being considered as a model of hotel renovation. Golden light spills onto the cylindrical entrance and dark carpet highlighting the cold and minimal architectural style finding serenity in chaos and luring in guests with a glimpse of the warm multi-level indoors. Through the use of different materials, colours and elements that marry historical charm with the vitality of the present, certain spaces stand out simply due to scale, extensive detailing and raw finishes. The basic module in this 180-room hotel has the guest rooms complete with clean lines and functional lighting; but looking at the larger spaces, viz. the stair space, restaurants and the Sunlight Hall are all large scaled, modern spaces, lit not to impress like most hotels but for simplicity. This allows for a wide range of spatial and functional possibilities for variety of events or art exhibitions throughout the public areas. The overall light environment is an important factor in determining the quality of a hotel. A sense of solemnity quickly changes into a warm and homely ambience or the ultimate romantic atmosphere through step lighting and light-hearted luminaries. Within this habitat, the distinctive lighting environment perfectly blends in with architecture creating an interactive social experience. Add to this, touches of a fabric ceiling with a linear backlit treatment, seemingly floating like a post-modernist painting; an industrial ambience here juxtaposed with an experience platform there... maintain the perfect balance of architecture and interior design as two sides of a coin brought to life by lighting. The Chao hotel has sent us into an appreciative mood as the design sensibility of the architect, interior designer and the lighting consultant match on numerous levels, creating a magical space that stuns you right from the entrance. visit indiaartndesign.com to check out the visuals
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hotel design, lighting design, architecture, interior design, hospitality design, interior architecture, commercial interior design,
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