# Culturally Contextualized Hotels The Le Meridien Hotel Features an Archived Design By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-07-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-meridien-hotel References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/07/22/neri-and-hu-le-meridien-hotel-zhengzhou-china/) & [en.neriandhu](http://en.neriandhu.com/) Shanghai studio [Neri&Hu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanya-wellness-retreat) have completely [overhauled the interior and exterior](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puro-hotel) of the [Le Meridien hotel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-meridien-hotels-resorts) in Zhengzhou, China. The project, which is the largest to date for architects Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, evolved around the concept of historical and cultural archiving. In other words, the architects inserted relevant cultural references in the form of materials used and the arrangement of space. Hu explains, "The archive seemed like the one metaphor that could carry through all aspects of the design, from building to interior to artwork to finish." The building's exterior features a series of glazed boxes, which accompany the hotel's original concrete shell, and an array of bronze columns that shelter the path towards the hotel's main entrance. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Culturally Contextualized Design:** Opportunity to create hotels that incorporate local history and culture into their design, creating a unique and immersive experience for guests. - **Historical and Cultural Archiving:** Innovative use of materials and arrangement of space to incorporate relevant cultural references and create a sense of heritage. - **Glazed Boxes and Bronze Columns:** Use of unique architectural elements like glazed boxes and bronze columns to enhance the visual appeal and architectural significance of hotel exteriors. ### Where This Applies - **Hospitality and Tourism:** Hotels can use cultural contextualization and historical archiving to differentiate themselves and attract travelers seeking unique experiences. - **Architecture and Design:** Opportunity for architects and designers to collaborate with hotels in creating culturally contextualized spaces and incorporating historical and cultural references. - **Art and Decoration:** Opportunity for artists and decorators to contribute to the cultural and historical themes of hotels through the creation and placement of artwork and finishes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Historic District Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-architecture-studio-1.md) - [Contemporary Sleek Boutique Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ni-hao-hotel.md) - [Sculptural Concrete Hotel Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleeping-lab.md) - [Home-Comfort Muted Tonal Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yingnflo.md) - [Tranquil Island Wellness Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanya-wellness-retreat.md) - [Converted Concrete Warehouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerihu.md) - [Spice-Inspired Hotel Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manly-pacific-hotel.md) - [Modern Traditional Japanese Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shinmozen.md) - [Tall Mumbai-Based Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-meridien-hotels-resorts.md)