NEWH - Summer 2011 - (Page 16)

design 101 hotel renovation we have l ft off Channeling the nearby NASA space center in a Houston Hilton Challenge After the Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake was damaged by hurricane Ike, Remington Hotels called on Dallasbased Flick·Mars to redefine the interior guest experience with regionally infused design. Solution “This property is located at the epicenter of ‘Space City’ with NASA Johnson Space Center next door. Based on this setting, we derived our design inspiration on the evening sky,” says Kathy Moran, senior designer, Flick·Mars. “The design had to be crisp, edgy, and have a distinct look that spoke to the surrounding area.” Several key influences were identified as defining elements: the starry sky, Hubble imagery, and the lunar surface. “Just like the earth, the lobby experience changes as the day progresses,” adds James Flick, partner, Flick·Mars. During the day, natural light via skylights floods the space. Three new 19-foot diameter custom light fixtures act as canopies that define the new seating areas during sunlight hours. As the sun sets, the lobby transforms as 2,700 individual fiber optic points of light emerge against the darkened background and create an intimate starry experience. “Hubble telescope imagery was used to identify the variations in color found throughout the Milky Way. Obsidian black, midnight blue, and starry white formed the color palette that was the basis of the carpet design and furnishings,” explains Matt Mars, partner Flick·Mars. At the same time, rug insets are framed by Turkish stone flooring selected for its color and visual texture mimicking the lunar surface. The art is presented in a gallery-like setting against the pure white envelope. A local artist was commissioned to create handblown 20-inch glass spheres that were then sandblasted and internally lit to represent the phases of the moon. “This not only created a unique backdrop for the registration desk but also gives the guest a subtle cue to the overall design inspiration” explains Moran. Marla Davis, senior vice president of design and procurement for Remington Hotels, describes the new space as “a perfect blend of unique style and creative thinking that provides a regionally derived experience the traveler expects today. We are very pleased with the well received design direction these new public areas provided as we continue to renovate the guestroom spaces.” i “Just like the earth, the lobby experience changes as the day progresses...” —James Flick partner Flick·Mars. 16 summer 2011 www.newh.org tel 800.593.NEWH http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Summer 2011

NEWH - Summer 2011
Contents
News
Who’s Who
Sustainability
Conference: NeoCon
Conference: Regional Tradeshows
Design 101: Hotel Renovation
Have You Seen?
Product Know-How: Flooring
On the Scene
Cover Story: Lexmark Carpet Mills
Project: Hilton Anatole Atrium II
Project: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Project: Wyndham Vacation Resorts
Save the Date
New Members
Partner Profiles

NEWH - Summer 2011