Fusion is one of the hottest buzzwords in culture right now — from food that melds Asian and European cooking to design that adds Zen elements to European chic, the concept has caught on in a big way. For Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ 85th property — located in Tianjin, China — the design team of HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates (which did the public spaces and the spa) and BC &A International (which did the guestrooms and Horizon Club Lounge) wanted to bring that international feel to the 302-key Shangri-La Hotel, Tianjin.
The Halhe River provided the jumping-off point for the locally inflected aspects of the design. The lobby’s chandelier evokes the sun on the water, while blue carpets use a water-lily motif to add a finishing touch to the theme. The dividers between the lobby and lobby lounge recall leaves blowing into the river.
For the hotel’s two restaurants, Shang Palace and Cafe Yun, the team wanted to add a more global flavor. Contemporary furniture in Shang Palace provides a counterpoint to a wide selection of work by local artists. In Cafe Yun, six theater kitchens add an element of modern drama. Nature-inspired design touches help ground that bold-faced statement.
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