An upscale Hong Kong hotel features the city’s brightest creative sparks, writes Aaron De Silva.
September 16th, 2011
Hotel ICON, a new 262-key development located across from the Hong Kong Coliseum and Hung Hom railway station in Tsim Sha Tsui, is set to redefine the city’s design scene with its unique showcase of local and global creative talents.
The acclaimed Rocco Yim of Rocco Design Architects oversaw the hotel’s architectural design while the illustrious William Lim of CL3 Architects designed the contemporary interiors, including the guestrooms, the ballroom and the lobby’s grand sweeping staircase.
Lim’s goal was to create spaces of ultimate comfort. “Comfort is always a priority when designing guestrooms,” he explains. “I wanted to create a sense of richness and elegance, then let the spectacular views complete the story.”
Fashion doyenne Vivienne Tam also contributed to the project, designing the hotel’s exclusive VT Suite in a chic, simple palette, a reflection of her signature aesthetic. Meanwhile, her award-winning Hong Kong compatriot Barney Cheng created the hotel’s stylish, clean-cut staff uniforms.
The confluence of art and design is reflected in the hotel’s eclectic art collection, curated by renowned designer Freeman Lau. “I wanted to give a comprehensive picture of the creative industry here in Hong Kong,” says Lau. “The aim is to show a diverse group of artworks so that guests can get a taste of the different elements in the creative sector.”
Tommy Li, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent graphic designers, created the hotel’s striking logo. Fluid and evolving, the logo signifies the hotel’s central location as well as its outreach and commitment to the city’s creative clique.
The outreach extends far beyond Hong Kong’s borders. Influential British firm Conran & Partners designed the hotel’s restaurants, including Above & Beyond, the sleek, members-only facility on Level 28, and The Market, a buzzy, open plan restaurant inspired by the city’s iconic wet markets. Celebrated French botanist/installation artist Patrick Blanc created the lavish 18m vertical garden in the lobby. Measuring 230m2, the verdant wall is the largest of its kind in Asia.
Hotel Icon
hotel-icon.com
Rocco Design Architects Ltd
rocco.hk
Conran & Partners
conranandpartners.com
CL3 Architects Ltd
cl3.com
Conran & Partners
conranandpartners.com
Patrick Blanc
verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
An exciting new collaboration involving Autex Acoustics, Willie Weston and Lisa Waup colourfully brings First Nations design to high-performance acoustics.
Journey alongside Australian designer Ross Didier as he introduces a new chapter in the magical folklore of his iconic FABLE Collection.
As well as considering the materials and processes used to manufacture furniture solutions, companies like Workspace are shifting their focus to the entire lifespan of products.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
As the Senior Brand & Communications Manager of Siemens, Roberto Finamore knows a thing or two about how technology is transforming our homes.
With a focus on selective usage and natural regeneration, hardwood forests in the US are being managed sustainably. See how this combines with the knowledge of designers to make timber a sustainable and sophisticated choice.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
MECCA’s Customer Support Centre stays put, but Studio Tate’s interior design has added totally new layers of colour and energy to the space.
Award-winning interior practice Esoteriko has designed the headquarters of a luxury real estate operator, creating a flexible and efficient space despite challenges posed by its amorphous footprint.