Ahhhh, remember when we used to stay in fabulous hotels and go out to eat, drink and be merry? Luckily, our fabulous architects and designers have been getting the world ready for us with a host of hospitality venues being reimagined or created new for our enjoyment. Colour is big, as is luxurious detailing with art and design being paired to perfection. Lighting as always plays a pivotal role, while furniture has been addressed with a new focus on comfort.

1. ACE Hotel by Flack Studio

Photography by Anson Smart.

The latest project from the studio is the Ace Hotel in Sydney. Colour is a dominant theme with Albert Namatjira’s palette of smoky blues, iron rich soils of the central desert and eucalypt in all its variegations of grey/green, green/grey.

Modernism is also evident to some degree as a nod to Robin Boyd’s The Australian Ugliness, in that decoration (featurism) has been foregone in favour of large swathes of colour or texture, simple yet grand gestures and large open corridors that direct and channel flow. More here

2. The Upper by Luchetti Krelle

Photography by Matsuno-san and Matsuo-san.

Arriving through a gold elevator to an emerald green interior, Luchetti Krelle, expert in the field of hospitality design, has introduced form and visual interest without truncation space. The plants, for example, continue to be viewed, but are more neatly realised as large potted specimens of ficus. The unexpected shapes of the Popham Design tiles, continue the green/biophilic reference into the interior. Similarly, a gridded ceiling vault introduces dappled light while referencing the grids used on level nine and the streets beyond. More here

3. Moon House by Ewert Leaf and Commune Group

Photography by Parker Blain and Leah Traecey.

Architects and designers Ewert Leaf in partnership with branding agents, Space Between, and Commune creative director, Simon Blacher, have created a stellar environment for Moonhouse. Incorporating Art Deco style within a Chinese theme Ewert Leaf’s lead designer on the project, Ana Calic, and her team, have created an interior that pays homage to the old but is modern and new.

Calic says, “The brief was to focus on the exciting synergies between, the menu, drinks, atmosphere, ambience and sound to create a memorable, sensorial experience for the diner. Upon reflecting on hospitality design more broadly, we felt that the physical space no longer functions in isolation, instead, it forms an integral part of a holistic response to dining.” More here

4. Raffles Hotel Singapore by Jouin Manku

Photography courtesy of Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Named after the British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the legendary Raffles Hotel is a majestic colonial-style hotel. First established in 1896, the iconic Bar & Billiard Room is part of Raffles’ long and storied history. This iconic venue has recently embarked on a new chapter, remaking itself as the vibrant Osteria BBR by acclaimed Chef Alain Ducasse. This modern restaurant concept expresses Ducasse’s deep passion for the culinary legacy of the Italian Riviera both gastronomically and in its interior and exterior design, while remaining sympathetic to the Bar & Billiard Room’s historic colonial architecture. More here

5. Marriott Hotel Docklands by DKO

Photography by Nicole England.

Through thoughtful design and beautiful detailing, the design of the building incorporates the best of both worlds, that is, a hotel for travellers and apartments for permanent residents. The site footprint of the structure is conservative at 1473 square metres, as it borders The District Docklands, however, Drescher has ensured that the interior space is utilised to the maximum. With some 189 hotel rooms on the first eight levels and 110 apartments above, the hybrid offering is complete with business facilities, food and beverage areas, the M Club and a spectacular bar and pool on the 15th floor. More here

Yes, indeed, the world of hospitality is fabulous as are the following projects shortlisted in the INDE.Awards 2022.

Arkhe, by studio gram, photography by Timothy Kaye.

HALATION Bistro/Lounge, by RooMoo Design Studio, photography by Wen Studio.

Hinchcliff House, by Carter Williamson with Mitchell & Eades, photography by Jiwon Kim.

Hotel at Bodhgaya, by SJK Architects, photography by Niveditaa Gupta.

“Le Coq Wine & Bistro” Restaurant in Xian, by RooMoo Design Studio, photography by Wen Studio.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, by FDAT Architects, photography by Darren Soh.

PING PONG THAI RESTAURANT, by Alexander Lotersztain, photography by Florian Groehn.

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