In Middle Eastern culture, geometric shapes and repetitive patterns are used as an artistic expression on decorative motifs, tapestry and buildings. The exploration of this arabesque style, amid a delicate manipulation of light, shadows and reflection, forms the interior concept for the newly opened Pearl Rotana Hotel by Miaja Design Group.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s business district, the Pearl Rotana is a luxurious business hotel. As you enter the exquisite hotel lobby, you are welcomed with strong, grounding architectural lines and the main art pieces; “Tessellations I-IV.”
These impressive arabesque copper installations create a play between light and shadow, and ‘reflections’ of these geometric patterns become part of the design language of the hotel.
Throughout Art History, the use of light and shadow has been revisited as a medium to create mood, tone and atmosphere.
Contemporary artist James Turrell, who is known for manipulating light and shadow as both subject and medium said: “Light is not so much something that reveals, it is itself the revelation.”
A similar parallel can be made about Isabelle Miaja’s design. She comments: “The design is a reflection onto itself and becomes a new dimension.”
A combination of glass, stone, metal and wood finishes with earth tones create a natural elegance within the design. Subtle, flowing patterns reproduced on the walls, floors, fabrics and art pieces throughout the hotel, quietly echo the arabesque concept.
The movement, repetition and continuity of the shapes produces a new facet in the manipulation of materials and linear form. By the main counter in the lobby, luminous stainless steel sculptures by French artist Guillaume Roche are inspired by natural movement within the transformation of raw materials, and the contrast between raw and polished minimalist shapes.
The main guest rooms have sweeping views of the Capital Centre, while the premium rooms overlook the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Inside, the graceful décor is light, fresh and uncomplicated. Stylish, comfortable furniture make the rooms a perfect space to relax and unwind with the comfort of the best in-room entertainment, technology and connectivity.
There are plenty of options to ignite the culinary interest of the guests, with beautiful restaurant design concepts to match. In the all-day dining restaurant ‘Saffron’; there are live cooking stations serving international cuisine and made to order dining options, creating a lively, buzzing atmosphere.
Here, handcrafted ceramic textile wall art by Fabienne Auzolle finish the chic, modern look of the restaurant, and once again they pay tribute to the rhythmic use of patterns of the Middle East.
In ‘Dino’s Bistro Italiano’, contemporary Italian artist Sebastiano Navarro leaves his stamp with his bright pop art paintings. These dazzling pieces award whimsical European notes to the ambience and stay coherent with the strong lines and geometrical themes present in the carefully selected Art curation for the hotel.
The hotel amenities were designed to suit business executives, families and leisure travellers alike. There are seven fully equipped meeting rooms within the business centre, with contemporary furnishings, and the best in technology and event services.
The hotel amenities were designed to suit business executives, families and leisure travellers alike. There are seven fully equipped meeting rooms within the business centre, with contemporary furnishings, and the best in technology and event services.
The ‘Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club’ boasts a fully-equipped gymnasium with a personal trainer on request, sauna, steam room and massage rooms. Outside, the ‘Aquarius’ rooftop open-air pool and bar is a final highlight.
The success of the design can be measured in its harmony. There is an ideal balance between business and leisure, modern luxury and tradition, ‘Hotel Space’ and ‘Art space’.
By borrowing inspiration from Middle Eastern culture and history, but also internalising her ideas, Isabelle Miaja has crafted a contemporary hotel that anchors itself in the local area and pays tribute to its past.
She said: “I infuse Art, and this is the Miaja Signature, but not in a specific style, rather the design should vibrate with the space and become an identity in itself. As the designer, I leave a piece of myself in each project, in every location that I work in.”
Article by: Sophia Smith.