Four Seasons Hangzhou – a design inspired by Hangzhou’s waterways

A saying praises the natural beauty of Hangzhou, likening them to a slice of heaven on Earth. Water, the soul of the city, reflects the aesthetic of its people, from the renowned West Lake to the legendary man-made Grand Canal. Like a mirror, Four Seasons Hangzhou captures the fascinating reflection of the city. With water as the central theme, the overarching concept of ‘The Theoretics of Water’ draws one into a reflective and meditative mood, producing a soft and peaceful setting, and creating an immersive journey through water.

Image credit: Seth Powers

The design by Avalon Collective embraces a modern approach, seamlessly blending the essence of water with the evocative atmosphere of Hangzhou’s iconic waterways, expanding the themes through design with a focus on Interconnected (Lobby Spaces), Layered (Function Venues), Refelction (Recreational Areas), and Light and Shadow (Accommodations)— resulting in a tranquil sanctuary designed to cater to both weekday business stays and weekend getaways.

The Arrival and Lobby area acts as an interconnected hub, much like a canal junction where multiple pathways intersect, facilitating navigation and interactions among individuals, ideas, and activities. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an entrance adorned with suspended lamp art featuring leaves of a willow tree, complemented by a discreet concierge. Adjacent to this, a standing lamp reminiscent of a lotus found along the Grand Canal serves as a guiding element, leading guests along their journey through the waterways.

Infused with elements of traditional Hangzhou craftsmanship, the lotus lamp showcases intricate pleats akin to those seen in Wang Xing Ji Fan, imbuing it with cultural significance. These standing lamps, reminiscent of lotus flowers, could be found throughout the hotel directing guests along the journey. The entryway is further adorned with floor patterns that reflect the rippling waters of the canal. Moving towards the lift lobby, guests encounter a gracefully curved arch adorned with layered waves, evoking the fluid motion of undulating waves.

Image credit: Seth Powers

At the lobby, guests are welcomed by a soaring double-height ceiling adorned with a captivating overhead art installation reminiscent of Wu Guanzhong’s Jiangnan architectural eaves, shaped like a wave. The artwork depicts misty waves gently swaying amidst an azure sky, with buildings and palaces silhouetted against the evening sun. Centrally positioned, the seating area resembles a boat on a canal, overlooking the discreetly located reception at the far end, enveloped by undulating wave-like contours. The floor tiles mirror the gentle waves of the canal, setting a tranquil tone for the beginning of a journey on water, evoking a scene akin to a first encounter with the West Lake beauty—soft and enchanting.

The Function Venues and Club Lounge features a muted canvas layered with subtle patterns inspired by undulating waves, designed to cater to a variety of activities, from lively social gatherings to quiet moments of reflection. The pre-function area includes a glass conservatory that allows natural daylight to filter in from above, creating a bright and welcoming space. This area features scenes from Bai Juyi’s poem “Spring on the Lake” (春题湖上), depicting the layered mood of spring on the lake.

The contrasting terrain, both flat and smooth, is created using furniture, lamps, and wall curves. The colours of the carpet and greenery reflect the poem’s imagery: the blue carpet edges draw early rice shoots, green silk sashes unfold new reeds. Across from the conservatory, varying heights of curved arches cast unique shadows onto the carpet, mimicking the irregular light reflections seen on shimmering water surfaces. Low-standing lamps scattered throughout the pre-function area evoke the line from the poem: “The moonlight dots the heart of the waves like a pearl.”

Image credit: Seth Powers

In the ballrooms, graceful meandering waves adorn the space, evoking a feeling of tranquillity and balance. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels provide sweeping views, enhancing the serene ambiance. The blue carpet extends into the ballroom, mirroring the mood of the pre-function area. The crisscross chandelier in the ballroom creates a modern layering of waves, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The meeting rooms also feature a muted canvas layered with subtle wave-inspired patterns, maintaining a cohesive design theme throughout the venue.

The Club Lounge, a distinct area within the hotel, has been meticulously designed with a focus on layering and intricate detailing. Ceiling lighting is curved to create a unique illumination. Guests experience seamless transitions and thoughtful seating arrangements as they move through the Club Lounge. Each seating cluster resembles boats gently floating along a canal, while low lanterns provide soft illumination, reminiscent of boat lamps. The layered layout enhances contrast and fosters a cozy atmosphere, making the Club Lounge ideal for intimate meetings.

Image credit: Seth Powers

The Recreational Area includes a brightly lighted Changing Room, Gym, and Pool, contrasted with a darker spa venue. These spaces draw inspiration from the reflections on water during both daytime and dusk, aiming to evoke a tranquil and revitalizing atmosphere. During the day, the Changing Room, Gym, and Pool area are bathed in serene reflections, offering guests a refreshing and contemplative ambiance.

As guests transition from their daily routines to wellness activities, they are enveloped in a soothing atmosphere created by the gentle interplay of light on the water’s surface. The Changing Room and Gym seamlessly integrate with the Pool area, fostering a harmonious environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. The low scallop ceiling and low-lying day beds further enhance the calming atmosphere, providing a peaceful retreat for all guests.

In contrast, the Spa area draws inspiration from the reflective qualities of water during dusk, evoking a sense of tranquillity and depth. Here, guests unwind and indulge in luxurious spa treatments amidst an atmosphere enhanced by deeper shadows. These shadows create a grounded and calming mood, immersing guests in a truly relaxing experience.

Image credit: Seth Powers

The guestrooms are meticulously designed to create an atmosphere where the interplay of light and shadow allows guests to fully appreciate every moment of the day. Inspired by the quote “On the mist-covered lake, where ripples gently sway, water and sky blend into one,” the design seamlessly integrates elements of water, lakes, and canals. Upon entering the guestrooms, guests are greeted by an artwork of West Lake displayed on the bathroom glass screen. At night, this screen lights up like a lightbox, offering a unique feature that showcases the West Lake Broken Bridge.

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Moving into the bedroom, guests first encounter the bed, followed by the study area. The lamps are strategically placed at the same height, creating a serene atmosphere along the canal. The bedroom is adorned with shades of salmon at dusk and turquoise reminiscent of water. The study table, positioned at the room’s end, provides guests with scenic views, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a cup of Longjing tea.

By seamlessly blending the exploration of Hangzhou’s waterway and culture, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou City Centre embodies the true essence of modern Hangzhou. Here, guests embark on a distinctive journey through the soul of the city — its waters.

Main image credit: Seth Powers