One of the most dramatic designs done yet by hotel interior design leader HBA is the Four Seasons Guangzhou. They had a great material to start with; the hotel sits amidst the clouds atop one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, the Guangzhou International Financial Center, a 103-story mixed-use skyscraper located in China’s export capital. Majestically positioned above the Pearl River, the 104-room property occupies the top 30 floors of the Guangzhou architectural landmark and has a dramatic 30-floor-high atrium.
The experience of the hotel begins with a ride in a dedicated express elevators rocketing guests to the 70th floor sky lobby where a ten foot red steel sculpture by Australian artist Matthew Harding appears to float on a sea of watery glass,drawing attention to the ceiling 30 floors above.
The design features artwork, curated by HBA in-house art consultancy Canvas with Southern Chinese pieces from local artists reflecting the theme of four seasons from spring on the ground floor to winter at the top floors. Modern Italian furniture provides a clean-lined backdrop for the art and the stunning vistas outside, all rooms offer stellar views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
The team at HBA had a unique challenge with this property. The building has complex structural columns in all public spaces as well as guest rooms and suites. Because of this each floor has a unique floor plan as well with the building narrowing as it rises and columns intersecting at different points. A sky-bridge made of glass and steel on level 100 provides a perch where guests can look down 40 floors to the lobby below. It all makes for one amazing hotel stay.
