Bond Design Studio have been shortlisted for Hotel Over 200 Rooms Asia Pacific Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2021.

The designer wanted to make this project more than just a beautiful space rather a space that passively accepts visitors and is humane. Using the space as a social device to build a human and emotional relationship between visitors and space design/arts, and be “a way to lead to various wonderful local discoveries”. Kanazawa is a historical city rich with national treasures found in their arts, crafts, and people, who are constantly challenged to live up to the city’s expectation of “inheriting legacy”.

They started the design process by breaking traditional boundaries and provided an open and welcoming space. One of which, a sculptural table was used to fulfil the role of a check-in lobby counter, veering away from conventional island or built-in ones. This created a friendly gesture between guests and hotel staff, standing side-by-side, as if having a casual conversation. In addition, they explored the local craftsmen’s workshops and factories to collect tools found there.

One specific request given by the client is to ensure a practical and highly functional guestroom space whilst maximizing the charm of the local area. The rooms are mainly for welcoming guests of the lord. The headboard art was made by superimposing Japanese paper on actual Kanazawa roadside, wherein the artist traced over even the broken pathways, drainage, trampled empty cans and manhole. Footprints of children’s geta sandals were printed in gold leaf, which represents their memories while running, playing and having fun in the empty streets of Kanazawa.

The footprints of 250 rooms were done by the son’s creator one by one. For the fun and entertaining area of the hotel, which is the restaurant, they conceptualized it as Chaya district where traditional feast and entertainment happen. The designer envisioned the space to be a nostalgic rainy local street with dynamic light reflections from the lamp posts to wet cobblestone road – a re-imagined play of light and shadow.

The favourite aspect of this project is the outpouring kanazawa art which the designer collaborated with 50 artists to create over 100 pieces of art, some of whom are “living national treasure” titleholders. Additional to that, 200 artifacts and antiques are collected, all redefined to be integrated as one in the hotel interior.

Bond Design Studio

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