16 September 2011

Hotel ICON, Hong Kong

An upscale Hong Kong hotel features the city’s brightest creative sparks, writes Aaron De Silva.

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