HBA London has recently won and been shortlisted in three awards programmes for hospitality projects created by The Gallery, the salon within the interior design practice which focuses exclusively on high-concept, bespoke schemes for clients seeking to achieve one-of-a-kind guest experiences. SBID International Design Awards 2011
HBA London’s design of the restaurant and cocktail bar Améthyste at the InterContinental Phoenicia in Beirut was honoured with the top prize as Overall Winner in the SBID Awards (Society of British Interior Design). Once known as the “Paris of the Middle East”, Beirut’s resurgence as a glitzy and vibrant destination is epitomised by The Gallery’s transformation of this once-famous hot-spot into a brilliant new destination. Nostalgic aspects, such as the poolside projection of vintage black and white films depicting Beirut’s legendary panache, have been layered with a “story” derived from the 1001 Arabian Nights folk tales and the amethyst stone. “We were instantly captivated with the jewel-toned purple colour that seemed prevalent throughout various illustrations and interpretations of the tales,” says Inge Moore, Principal of HBA London. “Thus, purple became our signature colour and everything started to work around this element”.
In addition, the team’s design of the ESPA at the Istanbul Edition was shortlisted in the Best Interior Design, Best Commercial Design and Overall Winner categories. The first SBID International Awards 2011 ceremony was held at design exhibition Maison & Objet in Paris last month.
Continued on page two…
