Radisson Hotel Antwerpen

Services

Interior Design, FF&E Purchasing Assistance

Location

Antwerp, Belgium

Brand

Radisson Hotel Group

The Radisson Hotel Antwerpen is located on Astrid Square, and is certainly an iconic building within the fabric of the city. Situated directly across from the city’s historic central train station, the two buildings portray Antwerp's diversified architecture.

Alex Kravetz Design identified three major concepts which would drive the design for the Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerpen. The original architect of the hotel – Michael Graves, the diamond district of Antwerp and lastly the emerging Comic movement. These three elements created a strong concept for the hotel’s design language, creating a linkage with both the hotel’s foundations, the city’s history and the future vision for Antwerp. The Radisson Blu Hotel in Antwerp was originally designed by the architect Michael Graves and is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. It is a great example of Post-Modern architecture and therefore the overall brief for the refurbishment was to create spaces which have a strong relationship with the exterior feel of the building.  The comic concept was explored due to the famous history of Belgian comics, the new Comics Station which has opened in Antwerp and the comic inspired graffiti seen on buildings in the city featuring Belgian comic characters.

The guestroom design has been developed in line with Radisson Blue’s latest design standards but offers originality in regard to connections with the key concepts outlined and the location of the hotel. Above the headboard there is a feature wallpaper which has been custom developed specifically for the project. The wallpaper has essentially become a statement artwork itself, showcasing Antwerp’s notable buildings, with the iconic train station in the centre. The defined seating group includes a chair which is custom made for the property, drawing on postmodern architectural elements. The stitched leather frame and brushed brass detail in the armrests gives a residential feel and the distinctive rug underneath the seating group features the strong, bright colours of postmodern architecture but also offers a luxurious feel to the room.

The Reception Bar has individual reception pods with an abstract bespoke design. The contrasting materials used here set an eclectic tone leading into the Lobby Lounge. The striking banquette seating in the niche provides a key focal point opposite the main entrance, with a triptych of art above by Jeffery Edwards, adding humour, warmth and character. The art pieces here have been specifically selected to connect with the Comic Room creating a sense of place and originality. The Comic Room is a fun and inviting area where guests can relax and read a comic in a Pop Art inspired setting. The throw cushions and the accessories contribute to the overall concept and impression in this space.

The Lobby Bistro Bar is a dynamic and stylised space which reflects the postmodern architectural influences of the Hotel building. This has been reflected in a number of ways, for example the rug designs in the lobby have been designed bringing together two of the concepts outlined previously. Firstly the bright colours used convey the vast number of colours which were available to postmodern architects, referencing back to the bright yellow and blue hues of the hotel building. The pattern developed also shows a linkage with Antwerp’s Diamond district, composed with abstract geometric forms like cut diamonds. The diamond concept continues throughout the hotel in numerous forms, for example in the drapery fabric of the suites, in the carpet designs of the public spaces and the wall sconces at the Rotonde Bar. The Rotonde Bar provides an upscale event space due to the stained maple veneers, brushed bronze and textured metal cladding finishes seen against the parquet floor. The banquette seats at the windows allow for both flexible seating and great views overlooking Antwerp’s historic central train station. 

The Lobby Lounge area offers a multifunctional space where guests can relax in a warm and inviting environment. The feature fireplace wall has an oversized horizontal opening with an Optimist flame effect fire and rich industrial finishes in hammered bronze metal, displayed with rough cut timber logs. The Lobby Bar area hosts an industrial feel, with metal finishes in antique and hammered bronze and exposed rivets and hinges. These juxtapose with the rich upholstery and the postmodern feature wall panels. Connections are clear between the spaces, although each space has its unique touch as you move between the public spaces on the ground floor. The Lobby Restaurant takes a modern yet timeless feel, achieved by the contemporary furniture selection and banquette seat detailing, combined with the textured wall panels and feature mirrors.

Due to the strong narrative translated through the interior design, guests will feel a sense of place and belonging, creating a connection with the hotel which leaves an everlasting impression.

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