For this internationally known hotel brand, we conjured a sense of place and local identity. This place is the nexus of the prehistory of the existing fabric of NYC as landscape and the fabricated neon intensity of Times Square.
The lobby draws the visitor in with continuous “waves” illustrated in bronze and walnut baguettes. The wave curls onward toward the elevator lobby overlapping the zones and encouraging interaction.
The Spa, a retreat within, has a serene, mineral-like quality. Neutral colors mixed with bold, dark tones help to divide rooms while horizontal lines on stone wall panels throughout, create the calming enveloping oasis.
The rooftop terrace and restaurant, Bar 54, reveal an opportunity to play with the reflection of the iconic neon and river views. In keeping with biophilic design, a zone of mirror polished stainless ceiling panels extend natural light into the space, and a variegated wood “trunk” encompasses the lounge core. The ceiling panels are plasma cut with a foliated pattern, a metal canopy of leaves at the top of the city reflecting the twinkling visage below, bringing forth an experiential connection to Times Square and the tops of skyscrapers.
Bio SPAN Architecture LLC is the award winning, international architecture and design studio led by Karen Stonely and Peter Pelsinski.
Our work encompasses an expansive collection of project types, from residential to commercial, development to high-end retail, and combines the craft of custom objects including furniture, lighting, art, and branding.
As a collective, SPAN is personable, grounded in our collective attitude and approachable, delivering responsible design that is thoughtful and elevated. We design for people and places.
Other prizes SPAN continues to be recognized, with awards including Architecture MasterPrize, the American Institute of Architecture, FX International Interior Design Awards, BOY (Interior Design Best of Year), and Architizer A+. SPAN has also graced the covers of Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Interiors and Aspire and is included in many books ranging from New York Architecture, urbanism in Envisioning Hudson Square to the international publication, Architecture Houses: Now.
