The sensibilities of Japanese and Spanish design are brought together in this striking hotel interior by New York-based studio Rockwell Group. The practice embarked on a project to breathe life into a Barcelonian hotel, operated by American hospitality brand Nobu. The business is located in the former Gran Hotel Torre de Catalunya.
Rockwell Group channeled the serenity of traditional Japanese crafts, more specifically an art form called kintsugi (roughly translated as 'golden joinery) and also referred to as kintsukuroi ('golden repair'). It is the Japanese craft of repairing broken pottery by mending it with metallic lacquers. The Spanish design reference comes through as the design studio pays homage to the beautiful work of Antonio Gaudi, more specifically his mosaics at the Park Güell. Both Japanese and Spanish design references intertwine in what Rockwell Group calls a "collage of materials, textures, and spaces."
Hybrid Culturally Inspired Hotels
Rockwell Group Bring Together Japanese and Spanish Design
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Cultural Design - Creative fusion of different cultural design references to create unique and innovative spaces in hospitality and other industries.
2. Kintsugi-inspired Design - Incorporation of kintsugi and other Japanese art forms into interior and product design as a way to embrace imperfection and celebrate the beauty of impermanence.
3. Homage to Local Art and Architecture - Paying tribute to local art and architecture in hospitality and other industries as a way to connect with the culture and history of a place and create an authentic experience for customers.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Opportunities for boutique hotels and luxury resorts to differentiate themselves with unique cultural design references and create memorable experiences for guests.
2. Interior Design - Opportunities for interior designers to explore new ways of incorporating cultural references and celebrating imperfection in their designs.
3. Product Design - Opportunities for product designers to leverage traditional art forms such as kintsugi and create products that stand out in a crowded market by emphasizing the beauty of impermanence.