The international architecture and design studios De.Tales and MMA Projects, in collaboration with GALA China, have realised the interior design project for the Radisson Collection Lingang Shanghai, 5-star Hotel & Residences.
MMA Projects‘ work focused on the common areas and, specifically, the gigantic atrium, the service areas and the lift lobbies of the common areas, the numerous restaurants, the tea room, the swimming pool, the gym and the spa; De.Tales’ focus instead was on the hotel rooms and residences, the presidential suite and the executive lounge, the corridors and the lift lobbies of the room floors.
The leitmotif that united the two studios is the slow flow, whose design idea draws inspiration from the ocean and the galaxy: a natural line that floats through space and leaves a delicate mark on the interior. An architectural journey that guides guests through different scenarios, with a perfect fusion of Italian and Chinese culture.
The building housing the hotel, the residences and the service facilities are harmoniously integrated with the urban structure, metaphorically inspired by concentric waves expanding outwards from Lake Dishui: from the promenade, through the extremely dense commercial district, to the circular city park, which includes isolated public buildings, and finally to the residential neighbourhoods.
MMA Projects was responsible for studying the large area of the main atrium, reducing the immense size to a more human scale and dressing the space to make it rich. One of the aesthetic choices involved the use of a series of curved bronze screens, made as decorative solid and micro-perforated panels, in order to achieve different effects depending on the vantage point.
Considering the imposing dimensions of the entrance, the space was designed as a dynamic element that can be crossed thanks to the creation of a walkway that vertically breaks the pool of water, creating a central scenographic element composed of a fountain and a large stone reception desk. The walkway makes it possible to cross the space and enter the piano bar area, where the seats are positioned at a lower level than the crossing level, giving the impression of diving into a pool. Here we find the curved ceiling formed by wooden slats covering the water basin, while for the walls enveloping the space, a tangle of travertine partitions perforated to allow the passage of light forms the backdrop for a cascade of shimmering lights.
The last space to be mentioned is the Chinese Restaurant, which comprises both a private area – where the curve of the ceiling is emphasised by a series of undulating elements – and a public area, where these soft elements become an integral part of the illuminated ceilings positioned over each table.
Throughout the entire project, light plays a fundamental role, thanks to the lighting elements conceived as floating luminous clouds capable of lending elegance, dynamism and preciousness to the space.
The scenic wings of this vast triple-height hall, as well as the pillars, are completely clad in alabaster travertine, while the floor is characterised by an interweaving of curved lines of different types of precious marble.
The focus of De.Tales’ design for the interior was based on the creation of fluid spaces with a contemporary, refined, essential and functional style. Each area is designed to be used in various ways, able to transform throughout the day. The natural elements integrated in the design make it comfortable and relaxing for those who live and inhabit it.
For the hotel rooms and residences, De.Tales has designed rooms characterised by soft structures that house interior solutions defined by finishes with a style and quality devoted to Italian style.
Even the corridors, lifts and lift lobbies of the hotel and residences are described by linear and elegant paths leading to the rooms.
The hotel’s Presidential Suite presents an institutional elegance suitable for an international clientele: a wrap-around design that contemplates a full permeability of space, with a contemporary flavour and rich detailing, and a splendid view of Lake Dishui.
The Executive Lounge with its sinuous lines and functional spaces for business customers is designed to facilitate relationships and visual perception of the different environments.
For further information, please visit www.detales.it and www.mmaprojects.com.
