Hotel News Now: What is the most innovative hotel design in the world?
Roger Hill, CEO, and Duk Kim, principal, both of The Gettys Group: “The Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore is one hotel that comes to mind.”
HNN: What makes its design so innovative and influential?
Hill and Kim: “The hotel building itself is iconic and has completely transformed the Singapore skyline. The building’s sweeping forms and three colossal towers connected by a rooftop infinity pool makes this hotel easily recognizable, unlike some of the high rises that have recently been built. The hotel pool is the world's largest rooftop infinity pool, stretching 150 meters across Sands SkyPark with panoramic views of the city. The Las Vegas Sands Corporation built the Marina Bay Sands Hotel as a destination for Singapore, and it is just that.
“The horizontal structure that rests atop the three towers also represents Singapore’s wealth, which is built on the shipping industry.”
HNN: Have you seen its influence play out in other properties?
Hill and Kim: “Absolutely. There seems to be a trend in Asia, in particular, where hotels are built into iconic buildings that are very sculptural. However, The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is different because it is known as a hotel, not just a building with a hotel.”
HNN: How does the hotel’s design enhance the overall guest experience?
Hill and Kim: “Being able to stay within the sculpturally majestic structure is an experience itself. It informs other aspects of the guest experience. For example, the view from the rooftop infinity pool is breathtaking.
“The hotel’s restaurant, Adrift, also offers an unmatched dining experience between the menu and Ginza-like bar design, which was inspired by Chef (David) Myers’ travels in Asia.
“Additionally, the hotel features a brightly-lit glass façade, highlighting the casino as well as a state-of-the-art convention center and a 250,000-square-meter shopping mall. Everything about the design is grandiose.”
HNN: How does the hotel’s design speak to the era of hospitality in which it was built?
Hill and Kim: “There seems to be a trend of hotels being housed in iconic buildings. This is continuing to this day in Europe, Asia and other locales. However, in this case the icon is the hotel. It really is an architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the ever-changing need for bigger and bolder forms of entertainment within the hospitality industry.”
Roger Hill’s expertise and influence have helped place The Gettys Group among the most recognized and published firms in the hospitality design industry. With expertise in design, procurement, branding and consulting and offices in six locations around the globe, The Gettys Group is able to help any client, in any location, with their project needs.
A born collaborator, Duk Kim believes in the power of open and effective communication. China, Manila, Seoul, Dubai the U.S. His work spans the globe, while his designs can be found in everything from hotels and resorts to casinos, spas, restaurants, serviced apartments and retail developments.
They can be reached at info@gettys.com.
