best of competition hotel: best of category Project W guangzhou Where guangzhou, china Designer yabu pushelberg A modern take on traditional Chinese elements served as the design inspiration for the W Guangzhou hotel by Yabu Pushelberg, Contract's 2002 Designer of the Year. Both theatrical and intricate, the public areas of the hotel feature sculptural elements that play with color and texture, while guestrooms are designed to be soothing retreats from the excitement. Vertical movement emphasizes soaring ceilings in the lobby, which is divided by partitions of milk glass and gold-tinted glass, while calming areas like the spa and wet rooms are moody and sensual. -Cody Calamaio corporate space small: best of category Project international investment firm shanghai office Where shanghai, china Designer robarts interiors and architecture A bold onyx reception desk in the entranceway sets the tone for the entire design of an investment firm office by Robarts Interiors and Architecture in Shanghai. Stone is used throughout the office as part of different design elements, including vertical slats that encase the corners of three conference rooms that are uplit from recessed LED lights. A single circulation spine organizes an arrangement of enclosed offices and open workstations, broken up by a central staff pantry that is flooded with natural light. -Cody Calamaio 90 contractdesign.com april 2014 photography: courtesy of iida competition: iida best of asia pacifichttp://www.contractdesign.com