Architecture Moments™: Bai Hotel’s Lobby Lounge
Sensational Interior Gem
A hotel lobby and its supplementary facilities is one if not the most crucial space when welcoming arriving visitors. It could either make or break the initial hospitality experience.
Do first impressions matter? What's your criteria for a successful encounter? As much as this is vital for human face-to-face meetings, first impressions are equally relevant to the world of architecture and design.
Hotel guests checking-in at one of the most luxurious accommodations in the Philippine metropolis of Cebu wouldn't want to miss this ultra-modern landmark. Bai Hotel is the Queen City of the South’s preferred destination for tourists and locals who crave for luxuriously cozy stays complemented by state-of-the-art facilities that satisfy their discerning tastes.
The moment you step into its grand lobby, your eyes will immediately be lured by this interesting spectacle. As a design epitome with a minimalistic vibe, this spacious vestibule is a sensual feast, offering special attention to its sophisticated lobby lounge.
As a frequent hotel guest and as an active Architect myself, their eye-catching lobby lounge is my favorite spot to hangout. Apart from the exceptional service I typically receive from their accommodating staff, I'm simply fascinated by this stunning environment’s futuristic aesthetic. I’ll walk you through a few of the compelling reasons why Bai Hotel’s lobby lounge is undoubtedly an incredible marvel of interior architecture.
Innovative Furniture, Materials & Finishes
Reviewing the entire color scheme, I'm surely impressed by the smart choice of warm tones for its ceiling, walls, floor, and surrounding objects, responsible for that welcoming effect. The recessed ceiling is perfectly concealed to highlight the geometric shapes of the light boxes, promoting a honeycomb appearance. This symbolic profile radiates a lively, buzzing, and thriving atmosphere suitable for these distinctive environments - similar to the busy nature we see in bees.
Even the neatly cladded walls have an organic charm to them, portrayed by the accented intervals of assembled chocolate squares and vertical wooden flutings. They're simple but classy!
Moreover, the dynamic movements of the lower segment perceived as a result of the colorful wave-like patterns of the floor carpet is astonishing. You have the tendency to dance or at least move your feet even with the absence of playful music or relaxing piano tunes. Liveliness is certainly in the air due to these energetic forms. Isn't it?
The beautiful collection of avant-garde lounge chairs and related furniture even adds to the soothing comfort of this lobby lounge. With elegantly designed seating components, guests sitting here are obviously treated like royalty. And I couldn't be more delighted with their relaxing postures.
Space-age Lighting System
Personally, if there's one show-stealer for the entire space, it's the visually appealing lighting setup. I just couldn't stop staring at them! The creative interplay of polygonal light boxes bordered by chocolate wooden sidings and mimicking nature's honeycombs is a brilliant architectural solution to directly achieve a futuristic impression. This extraordinary illuminated framework is indeed the apple of my eyes. Would it be yours too?
Additionally, the thin layers of translucent fiberglass for the polygonal light boxes is ideal to conceal the slightly yellowish glow of the hidden LED strip lights, radiating a warm atmosphere to the entire lobby lounge. This minimalistic approach to its ambient illumination is one of the best design decisions I witnessed here.
Cutting-edge Bar Setup
Next to the lobby lounge’s phenomenal lighting system, another architectural feature that certainly stands out is the main circular bar counter. Interestingly its brownish marble countertop is littered with several wine bottles and alcoholic spirits, ready for guests to order. It's an overwhelming sight though, as I'm confused on what wine brand to pick first. Nevertheless, this peculiar arrangement of visible bottles together with other bar equipment triggers the interesting interaction between the bartender and customers. Who knows? Perhaps it's a marketing trick? Do you think so?
Below this extravagantly decorated countertop is a sturdy siding adorned with honeycomb-shaped mosaic tiles to match the geometric light boxes on the ceiling above. What a clever strategy!
And with the provision of elegantly sexy bar stools, the entire bar experience is complete. Its color combinations also match the prevailing interior mood of beige and brown elements. Isn't this bar counter a remarkably thrilling area to chill out?
Lavish Indulgence at its Finest
The availability, proper planning, and productive creation of useful hotel amenities to ensure the satisfactory experiences of visiting guests is a valuable mission both for hotel operators as well as Architects and Designers.
Hence, I firmly believe that Bai Hotel's lobby lounge has precisely achieved its primary objective from a hospitality, architecture, and design perspective. Now, you know why I became addicted to this fantastic establishment. Would you spend your time here?
It is in the enjoyment of the built environment's valuable wealth of human life experiences that architecture becomes truly significant.
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