Padma Semarang reimagines the urban resort as a dialogue between heritage and modernity.
The renovation of Andaz London Liverpool Street’s lobby and reception channels the romance of the Victorian era, reinterpreted through East London’s avant-garde lens. The result is a striking convergence of heritage and modernity, welcoming guests with both grandeur and edge.
Studio ara was invited to transform the lobby and reception of Andaz London Liverpool Street, weaving the legacy of the Victorian empire with the raw, avant-garde spirit of East London. Balancing the hotel’s historic architecture with contemporary relevance required a strategic approach, paying homage to place, culture, and roots while creating a vibrant and bold guest experience. The project called for a design that celebrates the East End’s creative spirit while seamlessly uniting the hotel’s storied past with a progressive, artistic identity.
The design concept reimagines the journey of the Victorian era through the fearless lens of London’s creative East End. Inspired by the grandeur of empire and the grit of avant-garde culture, studio ara layered historic references with pop art influences. Textural contrasts, including polished surfaces against raw finishes, monochrome patterns punctuated by vivid splashes of colour, create a space that feels expressive and eye-catching. Every material choice, whether statement artwork by Muzeo or curated furnishings such as the theatrical red velvet curtains and cushioned sofas, echoes a dialogue between two very distinct periods.
A defining feature of the renovation is the curation of bold, custom elements that speak to East London’s avant-garde energy. Plush velvet upholstery, sleek hanging lights, monochrome contrasts, contemporary graphism, hand-painted frescos, and a mixed media portrait gallery specially curated by Muzeo… every detail was chosen as a piece of evolving art. The exposed brick wall grounds the design in the area’s industrial heritage, while playful statement décor like pop art figurines injects a rebellious spirit, echoing the creativity and unpredictability that define London’s East End.
The transformed lobby and reception now embody a playful balance of heritage and dynamism. Victorian influences are layered with East London’s progressive edge, creating an arrival that feels like a culmination of a train ride through the 19th century. Guests are welcomed into a space that is luxurious yet unconventional, where textures, patterns, and artful contrasts invite discovery at every turn. The result is much more than a renovation, but a narrative-driven experience that celebrates the eclectic history of one of the world’s most vibrant capitals. .
Padma Semarang reimagines the urban resort as a dialogue between heritage and modernity.
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