Singapore-based HBA recently completed the 353-room Grand Hyatt Shenyang in Northeast China. Reflecting Shenyang’s people, history, and commercial prominence, the design integrates contemporary brand standards with the influences of the region.
“We studied local architecture and historic sites very closely,” says Connie Puar, partner at HBA, Singapore. “We interacted with the people and paid close attention to their way of life in order to fully capture the essence of this vibrant city. The resulting design pays homage to the culture of Shenyang in a thought provoking, design-forward way.”
At 40 feet tall, the lobby walls are clad in a canvas of cream limestone. Scaling this backdrop is a bronze screen motif⎯⎯a latticework of interlocking metal triangles inspired by Shenyang’s manufacturing activity⎯⎯which reoccurs throughout the hotel. Three tiers of open lofts span the walls and showcase white sculptures.
The reception lobby broadens the local theme by continuing the bronze screens. Illuminated from below, the reception desk features an intricate carving inspired by motifs from Shenyang’s imperial palace. The carpet’s violet color echoes the Qing Dynasty, while touches of orange are drawn from the peony-a royal flower.
In natural tones and hues, the guestrooms are adorned with light timber paneled walls and brown Lati and gray sycamore wood panels. Flanking the left side of the bed is a desk that once again hints at the lobby’s bronze screens. In the bathrooms, cream travertine walls balance with golden hued vanity counters.
Meanwhile, the two levels of meeting rooms set in a living room style boast oversized opium sofas, antique Chinese cabinetry, and leather ottomans.
The spa at the Grand Hyatt Shenyang takes its inspiration from the local seasons with natural wood walls distressed to mimic ancient houses. A linear fireplace rests in a contemporary textured stone hearth; Crema Marfil split stone and reclaimed wood line the walls in the public areas; and Lati gray timber and Bianco Statuario marble make up the treatment rooms.
