Fairmont Xiamen
by Accor & Foster + Partners

Situated at the intersection of commerce and nature, this Accor project required a design vision that is both bold and respectful—expressing Fairmont’s global brand identity while honoring its cultural context. Rooted in narrative, the design weaves together the maritime heritage of the southern seas, local Minnan culture, and Fairmont’s legacy of refinement, creating an immersive spatial experience.

By thoughtfully juxtaposing warm woods, cool metals, and traditional bricks, the design evokes a tactile richness that resonates emotionally. The luminous glass ceiling of the atrium blurs boundaries between interior and exterior, allowing natural light to shape a serene, welcoming ambiance. Cultural elements are translated into modern expressions through parabolic curves, axial symmetry, and reinterpretations of traditional Chinese architecture—specifically the dense eaves pagoda—to resolve the vast spatial scale and create intimacy within grandeur.

The lobby, conceptualized as a “World Gathering,” features a symmetrical axis framed by colonnades and arches, where Western classical elements harmonize with Minnan red brick, forming a refined fusion of East and West. Signature dining venues celebrate regional craftsmanship, with the Chinese restaurant drawing from Song dynasty celadon to evoke cultural memory.

Location: Xiamen, China

Architect: Foster + Partners

Interior Designer: CCD/Cheng Chung Design

Hotel Group: Accor / Xiamen Airlines