Artiq – creative collaborations in hotel concepts

From historical luxury and boutique experiences to inclusive design and community spaces, the landscape of hotel design is rich with innovation and creativity. These concepts are not just about providing a place to sleep, but about crafting unique experiences that cater to an increasingly diverse range of preferences and lifestyles. Through intelligent design and attention to detail,  it is becoming increasingly invaluable that the art collection communicates the brand’s values and reinforces the overall vision.

This is a specialty of the Artiq – at the heart of its work, the team interpret brands through the lens of contemporary art, translating origin stories and local histories into art collections that seamlessly merge with the interior narrative.

Raffles at The OWO

This is perfectly demonstrated by the recent Artiq collection for Raffles London at The OWO. Built on the historic royal site of Whitehall Palace and witness to world-shaping events of the 20th Century, the contemporary, five-star hotel is the first UK home for the global luxury hotelier.

Image caption: Artwork by Phoebe Boddy | Image credit: Will Pryce for Raffles London at The OWO

The hotel’s concept centres around its rich historical narrative, blending the building’s architectural and political past with its vibrant future. In this historically male-dominated space, the art strategy was used to communicate an intentional shift in narrative that empowered female histories throughout wartime. The result is a meticulously curated art collection, designed, procured, and curated by the Artiq team featuring 1,200 artworks by over 50 artists, many of whom are women-identifying.

The collection reflects the historical heritage and significance of the building while showcasing the best emerging talent in London. For guests at Raffles London at The OWO, this results in a unique hotel experience that tells an intricate story of the area – past and present.

Belmond Splendido

From central London to coastal Italy, the bespoke art collection at Belmond’s Splendido is another example where art and brand strategy go hand in hand. Perched upon the Portofino hillside, Splendido is a jewel of luxury tranquillity. Steeped in the cultural prominence of the Cinque Terre region, the property is as charming in its interior as its exterior.

The sun-drenched walls of Portofino and the hues of the Mediterranean are harnessed in the art collection to accentuate the fine details and textures within the hotel. Installed across the reimagined guest suites, the collection is curated as a group exhibition, showcasing an ensemble of bespoke works created for the brand. Within these spaces, the art collection has evolved alongside the hotel’s phased program of interior design changes, led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. At the core of this phased process is a desire for authenticity, something Artiq and Belmond both strongly believe strengthens the value and impact of art within hotels.

As The OWO and Splendido illustrate, considered approaches to interiors and finishes have always been prominent in the hospitality industry, but these principles have also extended into the residential sector, blurring the lines between luxury accommodations and upscale living. In a changing market, developers must create homes that offer amenities and perks similar to those expected from luxury hotels.

A prime example of this evolution is The Whiteley, a historic landmark in Bayswater. Reimagined to meet the demands of 21st-century living, its 139 residences are seamlessly integrated with the UK’s first Six Senses hotel and a wide variety of restaurants and retailers. The first show apartment, designed by renowned New York-based designer Kelly Behun, has been crafted to resemble a luxurious hotel stay. Speaking on the concept behind the residence, Behun said “In today’s world, people want a home that feels like a sanctuary, a place that brings both solace and joy”.

Image caption: Artwork by Makiko Harris | Image credit: Paul Raeside for The Whiteley London

Like the interiors, the art collection focuses on sophisticated aesthetics and refined practices, balancing sleek and luxurious finishes with an eclectic yet personable feel. All elements together, this carefully curated space tells the story of The Whiteley’s location and heritage while putting contemporary creative talent to the fore.

Drawing inspiration from hospitality leaders, workplace developers are increasingly designing offices where employees can rest, relax and recuperate. A workplace borrowing principle from hospitality design is Fivefields. A pioneering purpose-driven co-working space by x+why, Fivefields has prioritised inclusivity and accessibility at every stage of designing the guest experience.

Image caption: Artwork by Nuria González Alcaide | Image credit: Artiq

With an emphasis on accessibility-led design; colours, patterns, and textures throughout each of the five floors have been thoughtfully chosen to have a calming impact on its guests. Aligning to this commitment, the curation process for the art collection followed a similar framework, undergoing review by an external body through the lens of neurodiversity and potential triggers; an approach that ensures an equally enjoyable and understandable viewing experience for all. Each artwork tells a compelling story of empowerment, meticulously balanced for aesthetic appeal.

As concepts previously considered exclusive to hotels and other hospitality venues are becoming more prevalent in alternative spaces, they present an exciting challenge for the hospitality industry: how to continually adapt and innovate to offer unique spaces and experiences. The crossover into residential and workplace environments highlights the powerful influence of cutting-edge hospitality design. As an industry capable of transforming how we experience comforts and luxury in everyday life, hotels must now ponder a critical question: where do we go next? This evolution calls for ongoing creativity and foresight, ensuring that hotel design continue to set the standard for exceptional living, working and guest experiences.

Artiq is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image caption: Artwork by Karen Loader | Main image credit: Will Pryce for Raffles London at The OWO