design et al are delighted to announce that JOI-Design Interior Architects have been successfully shortlisted for the Lobby/Public Areas/Lounge category of the International Hotel & Property Awards 2014 with the JW Marriott Cannes in France.
JOI-Design Interior Architects undertook the refurbishment and rebranding of the hotel’s public areas. The striking lobby forms a dynamic hub, lit by an elaborate lighting installation which makes an inviting refuge of this space with its carefully proportioned presence.
In referencing the site’s former occupant, the Palais des Festivals, the design concept recalls a sophisticated era of glamour that imbued the spirit of luxury without excess. Clean lines of the building’s 1980s architecture are carried into the interior design. Here, deluxe elegance is expressed through high quality materials, finely crafted details and a sophisticated palette of greys, chocolate, black and ivory accented with warm gold and champagne tones. Material finishes are pure and luxurious.
Entrance columns were transformed to emulate eye-catching “golden palms” with the port cochère suggesting a canopy of palm fronds. A “carpeted” staircase of grey marble inlaid with golden stone escorts guests into the hotel’s reception area. Inside, the lobby opens into an impressive five storeys in height with a spectacular light sculpture of delicate gold “leaves” cascading 20 metres into the centre of the space, surrounded by striking columns encased in pale marble and a mirrored ceiling reflecting horizontal rows of marble-clad balconies – all signifying a sanctuary to style and glamour.
The design is more organic at ground level. An expansive polished pale marble floor is interspersed with seating areas defined by inlaid carpets with golden palm-frond patterns on a chocolate brown background; bronze “meridian lines” running through the marble and carpet flooring connects separate materials and spaces. Comfortably plush seating includes graceful wingback chairs and cosy club chairs and sofas; in addition a communal sofa skilfully defines spaces between the lobby and bar. Selectively chosen accessories complete the refined ambience.