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Before I launch into today's topic, I want to share with you some thoughts I had while working on the post. It took me a couple of days to research on this particular project, but I do not regret the time spent to digest and work out the best words to represent this unique space and share it with you here. Good designs are worth the time to learn, understand, appreciate and enjoy.
In our fast moving world where a new space or building pops up almost everyday, with every other person claiming to be the next up-and-coming designer, it takes a lot more to impress, to strike a chord, to touch one's heart. Design concepts can be very obscure and intangible; people want to see and touch and feel what they pay for; not everyone understands or is happy to put out cash for "concept" - ideas floating around before the four walls and a roof is slap into place. But concept is what gives soul to the space within those four walls, it is the amount of thought put in to the development of the evident. Even four blank walls requires a concept. Sometimes you just need a little time, an open mind; it's not about agreeing or disagreeing, liking or hating it, it's about learning and allowing yourself to experience. And what you walk away with can be uniquely yours alone.
Well, that was just a little impression I got from this project. Now its your turn to experience it, and I hope I've done it justice, even if just barely.
There are hotels, comfortable and luxurious home away from home, complete with spa baths and breakfast buffet spread, and then there is
nhow Berlin, an experience of an entirely different dimension that will take you to the edge.
nhow is Europe's first ever music hotel; a lifestyle hotel set in the heart of Berlin, located directly on the banks of the river Spree, at the very centre of the music, fashion and creative scene. This is truly a space inspired by and designed around music; nhow has their own music manager, and integrated high-end recording studios with panoramic views of Berlin - all part of the hotel's 'facilities and services". Their 24 hour room service will not only cater to your midnight cravings, but also bring you a Gibson guitar or a Casio Keyboard at a simple phone call.
Impressed? There's more.
The interiors of nhow is designed by New York designer
Karim Rashid. Known for his contemporary vision and radical design movement, Karim Rashid's core principle for design is to have people live in manners attune with our time, stepping away from nostalgia, antiquated traditions and old rituals. The design of the nhow Berlin is an expression of the concept which allows guests to step into another world for the duration of their stay. Fresh colours, rounded forms and clear lines - it is described as "a positive experience that takes you to the edge"; a spatial adventure which combines the aesthetic and the continuous stimulation of the senses inspire to transform your perception of you and everything around you, heightening everything, making the atmosphere an ideal breeding ground for creative energy.
Intense.
The "creative energy" continues into the rooms, all 304 of them, from standard to superior to the 258 square meter double storey nhow Suite with its private rooftop terrace. Color coded in pink for the East Tower, blue for the West Tower, and grey in the Upper Tower, all rooms come with state of the art comfort and technology; TVs integrated into mirrors, high-end sound system and total blackout windows.
While I am fascinated by the design concept and the level of luxury, I am most impressed by the nhow Berlin's
gallery and the idea of the "Dynamic Space". In reflection of the ever changing, in motion nature, not only of the scene along the banks of river Spree, but also in the core of design and music; constant changing exhibitions and events, arts and installation are showcased at the in-house gallery, while regular live performances and concerts takes place in various areas around hotel. This additional layer of interaction and stimulation continues to emphasise on the idea of the "dynamic space" and deeply links the interior design with the concept and functionality of the hotel, making it whole.
"Inspired" might not be the right word here, "blown away" could be more like it.
This is quite an intense and lengthy piece for a Friday, I know, but I couldn't help it. On a different note, I'll be away next week, spending time with my parents in Brissie. I have some pre-scheduled posts to share, and will try to pop in when possible to say hi and wish everyone happy holidays. Meanwhile, have a fabulous weekend - the last one before Xmas! (ps. don't get tangled up in those pressie-wrapping!)
