Inside The Observatory at Andaz Amsterdam
Inside the atrium at the new Andaz in Amsterdam (page 68), designer
Marcel Wanders has created a soaring space that evokes Dutch history
in very dramatic, modern interpretations.
Referred to as The Observatory, the theatrical atrium recalls
chapters of Dutch conquests, with sea battles and great trade routes
that connected through Amsterdam. The backdrop is a blue and white
wallcovering reflecting early Dutch Delft pottery and patterning. As the
building used to be a library, the wallcovering is painted with scenes
from early books about Dutch history.
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photo: Courtesy andaz amsterdam
installation
As one would look to the heavens for navigation at night, lighting
in The Observatory includes an installation of delicate, hanging golden
celestial spheres and orbs that represent the strong history of Dutch
exploration. Wanders also designed the spheres and halo-like light
circles—some with up to 300 LEDs—as a spatial translation of the
Seventh Heaven.
Three bell-shaped lamps, originally designed in 2007 by
Wanders—lined in gold with crystal chandeliers inside—punctuate the
space and further define the atrium as thoroughly Dutch. —John CzarneCki
contractdesign.com
april 2013
http://www.contractdesign.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - April 2013