Grandeur in the Orient

Grandeur in the Orient

Jan 23, 2009

The Hong Kong office of HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates has blended Portuguese and Chinese influences in its design of the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel Macau, Cotai Strip, in southern China. Inspired by Macau's ornate colonial architecture, the luxury property showcases the rich culture and history of the region with details such as blue and white replica 18th-century tiles and six oversized Portuguese-inspired lanterns custom made in China. A carpet inspired from an original Portuguese 15th-century arraiolos (needle-point tapestry rungs) found in a Lisbon museum serves as a focal point in the large rotunda, which is framed by two grand staircases that meet in the center of the lobby and lead to the second level ballroom and entertainment space.

"We mixed historic furniture, art, Chinese decorative textiles, and European grandeur throughout the property to evoke a subtle but classic sense of place, whether in the guestrooms or in the public spaces," says Paulo Dias, a senior designer on the project. Textiles and etchings of the city streets akin to those found in the ancient markets of Macau were hung in the guestrooms; a Ming Dynasty-style console and carpets added to the classic look.

HBA's design evokes the sense of a grand residence. "The lobby lounge was designed to function like the living room of a Colonial Portuguese house, complete with a fireplace, Portuguese lanterns, ceiling fans, and bamboo floor," Dias notes. "The Chinese lacquer screens date back to the 18th century and demonstrate China's influence on trade and design."

www.fourseasons.com/macau; www.hbadesign.com

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