NEWH - Fall 2013 - (Page 46)

Project A Bar at the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam New Amsterdam By Joy Gettis • Photography courtesy of RPW Design RPW Design creates a luxurious destination for the city’s grand dame A fter working on multiple InterContinental projects (including the recently completed InterContinental Westminster London), the owner of the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam approached London-based RPW Design. The challenge: update the palatial property’s A Bar, but keep the design inline with the hotel’s status as the city’s grand dame. “The space, tucked away at the rear of the hotel and relatively disconnected from the most used public areas, required a complete transformation to fulfi l its new function as a quality cocktail bar,” explains RPW’s director of projects, Elizabeth Lane. “The design needed to appeal to a younger crowd, but not without taking into consideration the values of the hotel’s existing interiors and loyal customer base.” That translated into a contemporary, but classic and elegant look, inspired by not only the history of the Amstel Amsterdam, but also the location and the cool design currently being infused into the city. Wilson and her team infused quality should be layered quality craftsmanship and materials throughout: from the chain mail curtains that fi lter direct sunlight and solid timber broad plank floors, to a glamorous polished gold finish backbar and feature shelving units and dark blue and cream leather seats and sofas. Yet, the highlights: an image over the bar by renowned Amsterdam photographer Hendrik Kerstens, and a bespoke branch-like light fi xture, blooming with smoky blue handblown glass flower-esque orbes. “We took our inspiration from the water reflection of the trees situated along the banks of the river Amstel,” explains Lane, adding that the striking light installation actually does double duty. Not only is it a beautiful centerpiece, but it was also was a design solution for a narrow room. “The feature itself turned out to be one of the most challenging areas of the design, as the Dutch are particularly prescriptive about the use of low energy lighting,” says Lane. “The result was a lot of prototypes to make sure that the fittings not only looked good as a sculptural element, but also worked to provide some light to conform to the statutory requirements.” 〉〉〉 From far left: A Bar’s centerpiece is a custom branch-like light fixture, blooming with smoky blue handblown glass flower-esque orbes; an image by Amsterdam photographer Hendrik Kerstens hangs over the bar; and quality materials lend an air of luxury. 46 www.newh.org http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Fall 2013

NEWH - Fall 2013
Table of Contents
News
Who’s Who
Sustainability
Conference Roundup
Q&A: Julia Marks
Q&A: Scott Pope
Icon of Industry
Have You Seen?
Product Know How
On the Scene
Cover Story
Project: A Bar
Project: Trademark
Save the Date
New Members
Partner Profiles
Ad Index

NEWH - Fall 2013