Contract Magazine - October 2018 - 47

The new Bowery hotel
from citizenM celebrates the
artistic heritage of the
neighborhood in New York
City. The space is a visual
feast, filled with contemporary
art pieces that bring vibrant
color to every corner. A spiral
staircase leads to the
communal areas, where tables
and plenty of seating are
scattered throughout. At the
the inviting canteenM bar,
guests can take a break
or talk with other visitors.

create a tranquil outdoor gathering place-a rare perk in Manhattan.
"We recessed the building from the street to create a public plaza that
Architect and interior designer
introduces citizenM at street level, and makes a smooth transition
Concrete
between inside and outside," explains Rob Wagemans, founder and
Client CitizenM,
creative director at Concrete. A wood cabinet with pop art and
Voorschoten (NL)
decorative objects extends from the interior to the outdoor areas.
Where New York
A park-like spot located at the front of the building features
What 100,201 square feet on
trees, benches, and tables-a communal respite for travelers
21 floors
and locals alike.
Cost/sf Withheld at client's
"The public plaza is a great spot to have an urban picnic,
request
an informal meeting, or to get inspired by all of the surrounding
art," Chadha says. Once they step inside, guests are treated to even
more contemporary art and photographs, which evoke the kinetic
energy of the '70s and early '80s-a time when the city was known
more for its grit than its glitz. Gone are the subway cars covered
in urban scrawl-but as Chadha notes, "There's still a strong
NYC graffiti community."
The designers strove to evoke a moment in history when
street art was an integral part of the urban landscape. Even though
there are contributions from around the world, most of the work comes
from creators who are based in Manhattan-a true celebration of
local artists. "Some are more established, others started their practice
For its newest Manhattan location-and only its second hotel in the
not long ago," Chadha says.
United States-citizenM's hotel in the Bowery celebrates the history
The artists of 5 Pointz-the group known for the nowof the neighborhood and the artists who have long called it home. Each
demolished graffiti-covered building in Long Island City-were invited
citizenM property boasts its own unique style, and the Bowery hotel is
to citizenM to recreate their work in the hotel's staircase, which now
a departure from the sister location that opened in the bustling tourist
spans all 21 floors. "The results are vibrant murals, which illustrate
mecca of Times Square four years ago.
different decades of the neighborhood and its strong historical
Amsterdam-based architectural firm Concrete, which can
and artistic legacy," Chadha adds.
be accredited with the design of more than a dozen other citizenM
These stylish interior spaces were not only designed
properties to date, was tasked with realizing the 300-room facility.
to create visual stimulation, but also provide an open and relaxed
"There is no solid demarcation of spaces and functions," says Robin
atmosphere that fosters interaction among staff and guests. "As
Chadha, citizenM's chief marketing officer. At 246 feet high, the
you check-in, you overlook the unique social landscape of citizenM,"
building is the tallest in the area, and is complete with rooftop bar,
Wagemans says. "The adjacent double-height space makes a spatial
terrace, and 360-degree views of the city.
connection between the entrance and the lower ground-floor public
The team not only wanted to maximize the sightlines, but also
citizenM Hotel
New York Bowery

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Contract Magazine - October 2018

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