The alliance between boundary pushing global design studio, dwp and hospitality disruptors, W Hotels was a rockstar marriage made in heaven. For the W Dubai – The Palm, dwp looked to the iconic features of the Middle East for inspiration.
Studio Name: dwp | design worldwide partnership
Design Team: Lead Designers: Scott Whittaker & Robert Troup.
Area:
Scope of Services:
- 243 – King Rooms
- 54 – Twin Rooms
- 4 – ADA
- 45 – W Suite 1 King Bed
- 15 – Wow Suites
- Drop Off Area
- Main Lobby and Lounge
- Reception
- An All Day Dining Restaurant
- 2760 sq.m Meeting Space
- 1200 sq.m Spa
- Required B.O. H for a 5 Star Hotel
Year: 2019
Location: Dubai
Consultants: Design Architect: RMJM
We took the unique attributes of the Arabic culture, as well as the location at The Palm, and melded them into a W experience. The exciting challenge and opportunity with this project was to create that quintessential W hotel feeling of rebellious, distinctive luxury; while drawing from Middle Eastern culture. To offer the unique sensual experiences of the location while maintaining that special sense of ‘W’.
The project with W Dubai – The Palm was a fun-filled journey. W Hotels are ‘labs of creation’ and the design is all about taking risks and breaking boundaries. W is fun. Wherever you are in the hotel, it should be ‘wow’. Young, friendly, dynamic, 24 hours. So that it doesn’t feel like you are in a normal hotel. The interaction is different. The whole experience of being in a W should be enjoyable.
The first design feature to wow guests of W Dubai – The Palm; is a spectacular sense of arrival. A perforated golden cocoon, lined with date-palm fronds, and multicolored rainbow ceramics welcomes guests into what promises to be a thoroughly modern Middle Eastern experience.
Entering the atrium lobby we see references to Arabic architecture. Thick mud walls and minimalist openings keep out the heat and elements. A breathtaking cubic chandelier punctuates the space offering reflections of the desert sun.
Artisan carpets soften stone floors and allude to the rugged geography of the Gulf coastline. The design concept is transformation by light. When you step into the lobby during the day or at night, you will experience a completely different experience. In the lobby you will also find unique quirky W design elements such as the modern fireplace that reflects the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the desert and several large brightly coloured Macaroons scattered around representing the W Bold and Witty ethos.
Wireless technology was also a key part of the design. From mood changing lighting to building controls; (invisible) technology was a key to the success of the project. The W’s mobile app controls everything from the phones to check in and out, air conditioning in-room entertainment lighting and as room keys.
The food and beverage concept is all day dining flow. A series of rooms and spaces that curve and connect. The inspiration is drawn from the henna tattoos of the region. A great feature is the signature wall of two tone veneers that changes color depending on the way you view it. When you look at it in from direction, it’s purple, and then when you look at it from another direction, it’s green.
dwp designed the large Wow Suites with a colored mosaic wall running the length of room. The bathrooms are open and every room has an amazing view out over the Gulf and over the city of Dubai. Full-length windows lead onto a balcony. A favourite feature has to be the dining table that is also a catwalk!
It’s a bit cheeky and playful and everyone wants to try it.
dwp | design worldwide partnership
dwp | design worldwide partnership is a global architecture and design company with studios located throughout Australia, Asia and the Middle East. At the heart of everything they do is the philosophy that architecture and design is simple, elegant and timeless. Their goal is to design for a better future. For 25 years they have completed award-winning work across multiple sectors including hospitality, residential, workplace, sports and recreation, education and healthcare.
Proud of their entrepreneurial spirit they are not afraid to push the boundaries and face new challenges. Dwp steps into the future with cutting edge collaborative, sustainable and creative design technology.
