London design firm Zaha Hadid Architects revives what is now the Romeo Hotel Roma defined by intricate painted ceilings and wall frescos. When entering what would stand as the courtyard, it is now covered by a retractable glass roof. It also has a large staircase that unveils itself to one side that leads to the rest of the program.
ZHA project lead, Paola Cattarin explained “Rome’s architectural history can be read in its masonry vaults, from the Roman, through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, into the 18th Century. We took inspiration from this idea, to make a new interpretation of vaults and their intersections. All the different rooms, down to the furniture, are designed with this concept.”
Image Credit: Chris Dalton, Jacopo Spilimbergo
What's Driving This Trend
- Retractable Glass Roofs
- The integration of retractable glass roofs in historic renovations offers a modern twist on traditional architecture, enhancing natural lighting and spatial versatility.
- Intricate Ceiling Art
- Rediscovering the art of painted ceilings and wall frescos brings a sophisticated layer of cultural storytelling into contemporary interiors.
- Vault-inspired Design
- Reviving the concept of vault-inspired architecture provides a fresh perspective on blending historical elements with modern design sensibilities.
Who This Affects Most
- Hospitality Design
- Emphasizing baroque architecture in hotel projects caters to a unique niche market seeking cultural and historical experiences in their accommodations.
- Interior Architecture
- The fusion of historical design elements and modern innovation in interiors opens up new possibilities for customized and thematic environments.
- Architectural Restoration
- Restoring historical structures with contemporary design elements offers a bridge between past and present architectural practices, appealing to heritage enthusiasts.
