The St. Regis Tianjin, set to open in October 2011, has unveiled design details of what will be Tianjin’s newest landmark. The St. Regis Tianjin is located in the prestigious Heping District, the financial heart of the city considered the “Jin Men” – or “gateway” – to Northern China. Showcasing architecture by the world-renowned architecture firm of Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) and interior design by KCA International, the iconic newcomer to the rapidly evolving Tianjin skyline is destined to become an architectural landmark while setting new standards for luxury and bespoke service.Constructed of steel and glass, the iconic 18-floor building rises from the river in the shape of a hollowed cube, further enhancing the concept of Jin Men. The building’s distinct design is modern, cosmopolitan and glamorous, reflecting the marriage of past and present that is indigenous to both the St. Regis brand and Tianjin, historically one of China’s most international cities. The bold shape redefines the city’s skyline and reconfirms Tianjin as China’s gateway. Project architect, SOM has designed many signature projects over the past two decades that have redefined China’s urban landscapes including the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, the China World Trade Center in Beijing, the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center as well as Hong Kong’s International Airport, the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, and Tianjin’s new Financial Center.
Taking their cues from the glamorous days of the early 20th century, when the flagship St. Regis in New York was in its early heyday and the city of Tianjin was a bustling center of shipping and finance, the interiors feature strong influences of Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Step into the hotel’s enormous grand lobby and the opulence of the era is on display both in the premium quality of the materials used and the meticulous craftsmanship. The lobby floor is made from hand-selected pieces of rare Calacatta marble that have been painstakingly bookmatched to form continuous patterns. Several larger-than-life chandeliers feature intricate decorative glasswork. Tianjin’s shipping history is reflected in elaborate Chinese navigational star map designs on the wool carpets, leather reception screens, and the soothing water feature.
The lobby also features “The Golden Times” by Zhu Legeng, one of the most famous ceramicists in China who created the world famous “Rhapsody of Time and Space” found in the Miral Concert Hall in Seoul. The centerpiece of the St. Regis Tianjin lobby, “The Golden Times,” is comprised of 230 hand-made ceramic pieces vividly depicting waves, ripples and cobblestones – unique features found throughout Tianjin and the Heping District. The nautical theme of Tianjin’s history is echoed in many of the hotel’s public spaces. The elevator lobby features a custom bronze etching depicting historic Tianjin maps, historical interests and modern Tianjin. Photos and ephemera from Tianjin’s turn-of-the-century heyday as a major port are on display as well.
Continued on page two…
