MEETING…PATRICIA URQUIOLA
naturally flow into the heart of it – inviting of the Mandarin Oriental brand. “I noticed beautiful hand-woven wool and silk carpets
people in.” all this light flooding into the building, and manufactured by Tai Ping, each displaying
The solution they have hit upon is quite wanted to harness it to mirror the light that a different pattern relating to the city, the
spectacular. The nine-storey building’s shines in this Mediterranean city,” comments architecture, or the brand’s Oriental heritage.
unassuming façade opens to a light-drenched Urquiola. “Then I thought of how a white In the lobby, gold metalwork grids in anodized
atrium, around which the hotel rooms have glove represents elegance and service. Closing aluminium and mirror-effect ceilings enclose
been designed. Crossing the atrium via a my eyes, I knew there had to be a continuity and define the open-plan space for a sense
floating catwalk, guests pass into a lobby of design flowing through the spaces; one of welcome. The lobby sofa is adapted
before being drawn to a split-level mezzanine point of view. But I also wanted there to be a from a traditional Chesterfield design while
platform – flanked on one side by Moments sense of memory here.” contemporary artwork behind the oak
restaurant and on the other by Banker’s Bar Pinning her vision to the three ideas of reception desk is courtesy of famous Beijing
– from where they view the central Blanc innovation, quality and tradition, she decided artist Huang Yan.
lounge below. “Previously visitors walked to draw on her own perceptions of grand old Appropriately, the colour theme is vibrantly
down into the building, so we designed an hotels, while designing an extensive collection carried through into Blanc restaurant, which
elevated ramp for the gallery entrance to make of custom-made furniture, fixtures and fittings is characterised by a suspended patterned
it feel as though you are walking on air,” adds in conjunction with trusted collaborators such vinyl grid illuminated by shifting levels of
de Bes. “By placing black reflective stone at as B&B Italia, De Padova, Flos and Moroso. light, architectural planting, ceramic stools
floor level, there is a multiplying effect to the The hotel represents Patricia Urquiola’s by Rosenthal and tactile leather chairs
perceived height of the windows and atrium.” first collaboration with B&B Italia’s contract designed by Urquiola. As a last-minute
The building’s character also provided division who have provided a variety of addition, installed to introduce intimacy into
much inspiration to Urquiola, who knew she custom-made furniture. The hotel’s dazzling the double-height room, the screen initially
must come up with a visual story specific to white palette is tempered with oak parquet caused some controversy. “I’m always pushing
Barcelona while hinting at the Oriental roots flooring, naturalistic fabrics, metalwork and the boundaries of my clients because I really
032 MARCH / APRIL 2010 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
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