054 PROJECT / LIBERTY HOTEL, BOSTON, USA 055
Left The extremely tall ceilings and rough edge of
the jail theme can be offputting in the context of a
hotel. A mix of dramatic, decorative and low level
lighting helps to scale down the volume of space
Right Ceramic metal halide uplights accent the
imposing granite façade and entry canopy adding
drama and a sense of arrival
destined to take its place amongst the
beloved ‘hidden gardens’ of the Beacon Hill
neighbourhood.
The interior design team was tasked with
infusing the hotel with a distinctive person-
ality that honours the building’s rich history
while imparting contemporary vibrancy. To
that end, in a modern counterpoint to the
building’s exterior, the hotel’s stylish recep-
tion desk is crafted of ebonised wood with
lacquered stencilled patterns reminiscent of
1850’s embroidery work; carpets recall the
old-fashioned crewel work of New England,
enlarged and contemporised; and Ameri-
can colonial prints in historic colours such
as maroon, grey and purple, creating an
updated take on a traditional look. Finally,
exposed brick walls and a striking wrought
iron chandelier add visual interest to the
lobby while underscoring a commitment to
historic and understated materials.
Creating an ambiance typical to a boutique
hotel while recognising the historic prison,
presented unique design challenges. The
design team was tasked with infusing the
hotel with a distinctive personality that
honours the building’s rich history while
imparting contemporary vibrancy.
The existing prison was developed into the
primary public spaces with a new 16-story
guest room tower connected. The lighting,
by C. M. Kling & Associates, was challenged
with extremely tight budget constraints as
much of the funding went to unanticipated
architectural restoration, limitations in
mounting to or penetrating the historic
fabric and minimal installation space.
As guests enter the lobby via an escalator
from the ground level, lighting is critical in
providing wayfinding and establishing the
mood. The extremely tall ceilings and rough
edge of the jail theme can be offputting in
the context of a hotel. A mix of dramatic,
decorative and low level lighting helps to
scale down the volume of space. Around the
perimeter, where balconies line the edges
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140