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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. W Hotel Osaka in Japan by concreteJune 4th, 2021 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: concrete Every W hotel is designed for its specific location with foreign designers invited to offer the fresh perspectives of an outsider. For W’s first hotel in Japan, Sekisui House and Marriott International called on the Amsterdam’s Concrete Architectural Associates challenging designers from one of Europe’s most famous harbor cities to discover inspiration in an ancient harbor city on the other side of the world.  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners
 Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners The sprawling metropolis of Osaka was once the imperial capital of Japan and the country’s economic hub. At its heart, the wide Yodo River flows into a harbor bustling with trade. Throughout its history, visitors contributed their cultures and technologies to the city creating a prosperous port with an extroverted, lively and somewhat rebellious culture. All of this energy attracts international businesses and visitors. Concrete’s team of Dutch designers explored Osaka’s past, present and future, its urban and natural landscapes, and its fascinating culture. Visually, they discovered that Osaka is water and nature but also neon and bright colors. They were struck by the contrast between the aesthetic of Japanese minimalism and the extravagance of an urban world saturated with colors. Especially in downtown Osaka and Dotonbori Osaka’s nightlife district – the display of flashing neon is breathtakingly vivid and joyful.  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners Then there’s the simple beauty of nature. The pink of the much-loved cherry blossoms and the golden yellow of the ginkgo trees in autumn which line Midōsuji Boulevard, where W Osaka is located. The goal was to share the spirit of the city with the guests of W Osaka. And let the interior of the hotel tell a story that is truly Osaka. Celebrating the opposing yet complementary forces of extravagance and simplicity. Some sources of inspiration Being outsiders, Concrete Amsterdam absorbed the sites, sounds, flavors and thrills of Osaka – and found inspiration in both the simple and traditional, as well as the modern, obsessive and extravagant. These include: Circles, dots and balls – the beauty of simplicity. As seen in enso, the art of drawing a complete circle in one stroke, and the Japanese flag, with its crimson red disc and white background. As well as the polka dot-obsession of the avant-garde contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama, and her infinity rooms.  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners Pachinko – an arcade game using played in colorful, noisy parlors that are a world unto themselves. The small, shiny steel balls are simple and without color, but reflect the shapes and colors around them. Asanoha – a traditional Japanese geometric pattern based on a hexagon, often used in fabrics or wood carvings for wall panels and screens – and which symbolizes health and protection from harmful spirits. Cherry blossoms – and the country’s deep respect for, and love of nature and celebration of seasons. The lovely sakura pink is appreciated by men and women alike.  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners Tattoos – surprising designs and color, carefully hidden beneath clothing until revealed in intimate situations. A touch of secret extravagance. Origami and kirigami – the art of folding (and in the case of kirigami, cutting) a simple sheet of paper into endless variations of 3D forms. Taken to the extreme, as with contemporary Japanese paper artist, Nahoko Kojima. Or the delicate use of pleating in Issey Miyake’s fashion. Ginkgo trees – with their unique fan-shaped leave. Hundreds of ginkgos line Midōsuji Boulevard, and shift from green in summer to gold in autumn, and are covered with colorful lights in winter – a popular site during these dark months.  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners  Image Courtesy © Nacasa & Partners
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