Vitae ‘Alternate Reality’ Hotel Design
Vitae represents ‘life’ in Latin, is a residential hotel chain in the proposition of future pandemic era, with the goal of creating flexible timezones for international remote work and study. Through adjusting each individual’s space setting and focusing on the physical and mental needs, Vitae helps people live different from local timezone to have a healthier body clock and provides a spirit shelter.
It locates globally, directs a new possibility for analysis and execution of the inhabited spaces; a new concept between hotel and home for people to stay for months, reconstructing the working, living and dining spaces.
Exterior View
The exterior form is inspired from the gravity waves. Space and time are merged together into a unified framework known as space-time, which isn't just a fixed stage but bends and flexes in response to the presence of matter and energy. The concept of ‘alternate reality’ is denoted by two mirrored gravity waves.
The entrance is a circular panoramic elevator that connect the lowest point of upper part and the highest point of below, means to cross the zone between reality and virtual reality. Volumetrically, people will have the breathtaking experience of in between the two ‘gravity waves’
Section 1
Reception & Lobby
The reception and lobby continues the idea of ‘reverse’, through the use of light and mirror reflection, material’s choices of ancient and modern, the space brings the alternation of virtual and real. It’s also a homage to the movie ‘Blade Runner 2047’.
Individual Office
The offices are fragmented into 16 individuals for each guest to ensure the private working experience.
Each working unit’s lighting can be set up by the preference of the current owner, depends on what time of the day they prefer to work. The U shape working desk maximizes the working space while equipment for virtual meetings are provided. The Omni-directional surround glass partition functions as a ‘window’ for people to see through and relax, and the green plant behind it brings lively atmosphere for the work space.
Public Office
Acoustics became a very important item, as the open spaces for stimulating creative interaction and optimal usage of space was required. This led to the use of felt.
After crossing the glass brick partition, the area is transformed from serious environment to cafe-style working.The overall atmosphere is differentiated by the materials that add a sense of comfort and neutralize the overall calm tone of the space.
‘Along the river’ Corridor
These ‘time travelers’ come here like nomadic fish in the flowing river but their sense of belongs are attached to themselves. This concept led to the floor texture of flowing river. Each room is an independent unit and has a separate entrance to ensure the private experience.
Guest Room
Light detection through the eyes sets the internal rhythm to the day-night cycle, so the guest room creates a simulated lighting environment throughout the day by controlling people’s exposure to the light and the lighting color.
Guest Room Plan
The guest room is mainly divided to three proportions, the resting area, bathroom and one empty space to be customized. The approach to create the sense of belongings is to see the room more as an apartment during their visit. This area could be for professional usage or personal interest.
Like on a moving train, what do you expect to see when you look outside of the window?
The large horizontal ‘window’ in the room is actually a digital screen that you can customize and shift the scene to different countries. It creates the realistic visual experience and also brings vitality to this enclosed space.
‘Head In The Cloud’ Restaurant
The most precious thing in modern life is to steal a moment of freedom and free ourselves. Here cloud is the key of release, of fantasy, ands dream. ‘Head in the cloud’ restaurant uses the form of cloud to match the theme of ‘daydream’. Stainless steel and glass are combined to form the floating clouds in order to enhance the light reflection and create the illusion of extending.
Section 2
The dome structure forms an artificial sky that splits the space into two equal parts of day and night. The ground floor serves as both dining area and the lifted cloud floor are for lounge(day) and bar(night) that has more of cultural and social character.
Dining Area - Night
The variety of seating serves different groups of people, complementary to one another both in size and in function to the activities. In the night mode the overall appearance almost looks like a white castle that people are invited to have dinner.
The upper floor on the ‘clouds’ functions as lounge area and bar divided by high, arc-shaped walls represents the eaves.
