Beijing brilliance

Hilton's latest hotel in Beijing combines old world grace, Chinese traditions and highly contemporary design elements. James Boley takes a closer look.

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing is the Hilton Group's second property in the capital of the People's Republic and is set in the popular shopping district of Wangfujing, ten minutes from the world-famous Tiananmen Square.

Given the property's location, Wilson Associates, the designer appointed on the project, drew its inspiration from one of the greatest architectural treasures in the world, Beijing's Forbidden City.

Indeed, it was China's history and resources that provided the entire palette for the project - a standard procedure for the firm. "Research is an important part of the design process.

Before beginning a project, the design team researches the art and cultural influences, topography, building materials and construction capabilities that are unique to the project location," said Trisha Wilson, founder and CEO of Wilson Associates "This process provides inspiration and broadens the design perspective. Designers also incorporate a geographical influence through the use of local craftsmen, artisans and artists."

"The design strategy was twofold: to shape the interior architectural space into a modern, quasi-classical style, while placing emphasis on the furniture, furnishings and equipment," explained Dan Kwan, design director of Wilson Associates Singapore.

A home from home

The project itself was a conversion from a multi-use complex containing an office tower, apartments and shopping centre. From this, the Singapore arm of Wilson Associates was tasked with creating a hotel that would have very different feel from Hilton's already established property in Beijing.

"Being the second property in Beijing, it was imagined by the team that the original property was the ‘uptown residence', while the Wangfujing was more of the ‘second home villa'; thus the design was infused with a very strong residential feel," said Kwan.

The intimate, cosy feel of the ‘second home villa' begins in the lobby and reception areas. In these locations, Wilson Associates selected warm, dark colours. Fireplaces were also included to create a warm and inviting entrance.

The colour scheme is continued throughout the hotel, with contemporary-styled furnishings in dark rich leathers juxtaposed and softened by suede fabrics in a quiet palette of beige and bronze, with dramatic accents of cream and white. Firmly planting the hotel within its local context are a range of friezes and objects d'art by acclaimed Beijing artists. Complementing the warm, darker décor scheme is an understated but striking lighting scheme from Guava, the Hong Kong-based lighting consultant. "Guava was an integral part of the process," explained Kwan.

Accent lighting draws attention to the artwork in the hotel, and individual pieces such as the chandelier in the hotel's Chynna restaurant create a real sense of grandeur.

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