Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) has designed the new Shangri-La at the Fort Bonifacio in Manila, Philippines. Embracing Filipino culture, the fashion-forward concept bears strong Asian design influences that exude warmth. Custom textile artwork reminiscent of men’s fashion, such as the distinctive Filipino Barong, are featured throughout, and guestrooms continue the theme with paneled wood inlay elements and custom boxes to create lighting details.
“We aimed to appeal to the hotel’s younger guest, a target demographic, who desires a strong sense of arrival,” says HBA partner Sandra Cortner. “We catered to their needs by creating a dramatic welcome with exquisite, large-scale lighting and fixtures accompanied by plenty of community spaces that invite travelers to socialize.”
The grand lobby greets visitors with a custom chandelier inspired by an intricate vintage broach. A series of textile artworks by fashion designer Bea Valdes adorn the walls behind the custom concierge and bellhop desks, while Statuario marble slabs span the floor. The lobby lounge features high ceilings, custom artwork, an inverted chandelier, and custom carpet and leather panels. A curving staircase leads to the mezzanine level, which houses restaurants, ballrooms, and other multifunctional spaces.
Ballroom chandeliers comprise thousands of hanging crystals reminiscent of intertwined necklaces. The spaces also feature fashion-inspired carpeting and walls covered in pleated fabric with Mother of Pearl detailing.
“We drew inspiration from local Filipino fashion, jewelry, and antique gold and used vast amounts of design talent straight from the Philippines in textiles, furniture, and art,” Cortner adds.
