Hamburg, German-based JOI-Design has refreshed the public areas of Le Méridien Hamburg, a hotel situated on the banks of Aussenalster Lake in Germany. The design takes inspiration from the myriad waterways, canals, and rivers in the city, a historic maritime port.
Each of the lounge areas is designed as a hub to connect not only international guests, but also local residents. The reception space is shaped like an oval, and furnished at one end with timber-clad desks, behind which hang a commissioned work by U.K.-based artist Debbie Smith. The piece consists of thousands of fine metallic threads that are woven to create a map of the world.
The lounge features small clusters of contemporary furniture. Sofas are paired with chairs and tables of varying heights that are suitable for working, casual meetings, or light snacks. Each seating area is accessorized with a rug and decorative lighting fixtures. The Latitude bar serves coffee and snacks during the day, and wine and aperitifs in the evening.
Throughout, subtle patterns of diagonal lines, triangles, and prism shapes repeat on surfaces and in furniture designs, alluding to the ropes and sails of seagoing vessels. Wood and stone surfaces contrast with fabrics in watery hues of turquoise and aqua, and walls finished with stucco lustro and mother of pearl. Ornamental accessories suggest a collection of objects gathered by a world traveler.
Further phases of work also crafted by JOI-Design will include new-build conference facilities, and a soft renovation of the spa and guestrooms.
