client：Tianjin Modern Group

size：52,000 sqm site

          246-key hotel

          81 private residences

          15 treatment rooms

          5,000 sqm retail

The aim was to work in reference to the existing structure. The other challenges were to design the arrival lobby on the second floor; design the building in such a way to provide natural daylight to all public areas of the hotel; and to design an atrium to facilitate the lobby; The intention of the design has been to terrace the street side elevation to facilitate sunlight in ballrooms, provide opportunities to dine in a Chinese garden and experience the rich urban fabric of the city from the skylight level. The terracing also helps to reduce the volume of the podium and blend into its surrounding vicinity in reference to the existing streetscape. The second floor drop-off elevates the arrival experience from the busy retail street in to a 18-meter high atrium. The atrium forms the focal node within the podium connecting the ballroom levels and major key public facilities.