Thomas Balsley Associates has designed a serene 1,500-square-foot courtyard for the new Intercontinental New York Times Square Hotel. This private, “vest-pocket” park-made up of a series of strategically layered landscape features-is first visible to guests through a window just beyond the check-in desk.
The garden’s sculptural focal point, also designed by Thomas Balsley, is a metallic sapling cluster that accents is Zen-like environment. Situated in front of a translucent, vibrant red-resin panel it, the tree stands above a zero-edge reflecting pool. Subtly concealed LED lighting accents the composition by day and gives the red wall a luminous glow by night.
Other “layers” of the landscape include a series of staggered, sheared boxwood hedges beside a floating stone bench, the bench itself adrift in a white-washed field of river stone that recalls the rock karesansui gardens of Japan. This dynamic landscaped backdrop is set off against a laminated granite wall and a line of tall illuminated bamboo in stainless steel planters.
“The courtyard for the InterContinental is designed to oxygenate the hotel, both literally and figuratively,” says Balsley. “It offers a visual and spiritual retreat to the hotel’s travelers and guests as they retreat from the city’s bustle.”
Thomas Balsley Designs Courtyard at InterContinental New York
The garden's sculptural focal point is a metallic sapling contributing to the Zen-like environment.
Thomas Balsley Designs Courtyard at InterContinental New York
The garden's sculptural focal point is a metallic sapling contributing to the Zen-like environment.
