ARCHITECT’S FOCUS
Drapes are used to subdivide the lobby area MATTEO THUN The Italian architect and interior designer
tells Magali Robathan about the challenges of creating a new look for the Hilton Barcelona, and explains the thinking behind the Ecotecture movement
The space is fl ooded with natural light
How did your career in architecture begin? Originally, I wanted to be a doctor – but then I had the opportunity to study under [Austrian expressionist artist and draughtsman] Oskar Kokoschka at the Salzburg Academy in Austria. He taught me to really ‘see’. Afterwards, I moved to Florence and studied architec- ture under the Italian architect Adolfo Natalini. I later met the Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottass, and we founded the Memphis Group in Milan in 1981. [The Memphis Group comprised a group of designers that created Post Modern furniture and design objects between 1981 and 1987.] I opened my own offi ce in Milan in 1984. Following the principle of the Milan school, we always worked in interior design and architecture at the same time – approaching projects from a holistic standpoint.
At what point did you start to make a name for yourself? In 1993 we created the fi rst low- energy, sustainable prefab housing system in wood. Ever since, this has been what has driven me.
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Where do you get the inspiration for your designs? I travel a lot, and I meet loads of dif- ferent, interesting people, I love art and visit exhibitions as much as I can. I spend my weekends surrounded by nature – always the best energiser.
Where do you work on your designs?
I am a visual person – so wherever I am, I draw in my black notebook.
What did the Hilton Barcelona look like before the refurbishment? It was just looking old. The Hilton Barcelona, which was one of the city’s fi rst branded hotels, was built for the Barcelona Olympic Games 20 years ago – it needed a fresh look. Hilton approached us to help.
What was your brief for the public areas?
The hotel has an iconic lobby entrance with an abundance of natural light within the atrium.
Hilton asked us to give the space
more lightness, to create something more open and inviting.
Read Leisure Management online
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What were you trying to create with your design? We wanted to create a unique, modern and edgy lobby space that fulfi ls the needs of the guests and that will last effectively in the long term. We wanted to design a meeting point and cre- ate an atmosphere that is about both entertainment and business. I think this is key for a city hotel of today – especially in Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in Europe.
How would you describe the interior design? The design concept offers extreme fl exibility, allowing the structures and the furnishings in the public areas of the hotel to change in keeping with dif- ferent hospitality requirements. The result is a fl uid design that provides the guest with a maximum of service, function and comfort. All these elements are given by the existing architecture of the hotel. The lobby is full of daylight. This is why we wanted to create a huge white space that, when separated through fl exi- ble translucent drapes, can also be divided into several private zones.
ISSUE 3 2012 © cybertrek 2011
PHOTOS OF THE HILTON BARCELONA: PEGUENAUTE
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