Generator London in Bloomsbury has unveiled an $11-million renovation. Anwar Mekhayech, partner at Toronto-based The Design Agency, worked in partnership with London-based ORBIT Architects to transform the hostel.
Originally a police section house, the property now houses 872 beds across 212 rooms, including 20 new private twin rooms with en-suite facilities.
“The overarching concept includes the inherently eclectic cultural, architectural, stylistic, and historical mash-up that makes London what it is,” says Mekhayech. “The design stirs up and connects spaces with a modern industrial feel but privileges different areas with their own distinctive look and concept based on program and usage.”
The interiors bring together London’s industrial past with the city’s modern energy. London’s spirit and the local history of Camden are recalled through reclaimed timbers, exposed brick, and hot-rolled black steel. Art installations and bespoke graphics have been executed in collaboration with The Design Agency by art collective Acrylicize. Additionally, art studio Good Wives and Warriors has created a customized Generator piano in the café, and London artist Jenni Sparks designed a map of London for the travel shop.
The hostel’s lounges house tiered lounge seating, a screening room with a cinema-style screen, game tables, and a café. The bar also boasts a replica Routemaster London bus, while CASTOR used recycled fire extinguishers for the lighting.
“The restyle of Generator London further demonstrates the progressive growth of the brand and continued investment from owners Patron Capital,” says Josh Wyatt, investment director of Patron Capital. “It follows the opening of properties in Barcelona, Venice, and Berlin Mitte in 2013. Openings in Paris and Rome in 2015 and the acquisition of new sites will be announced in due course, marking the beginning of an exciting period of growth and consolidation for the Generator brand. By 2018, Generator expects to have 12,500 beds and 18 properties across Europe and beyond.”
