1. What was the brief from the client? And how did you achieve the same intertwining of your style?
Located in close proximity to the Mumbai International Airport and also in the same precinct as other elite hotel brands, the client was cognizant of the property’s surroundings and the challenges of visual identity and user experience it would face. An edgy yet simple design that adheres to Fairfield by Marriot’s guidelines had to be conceptualized for the project in order to make it stand out from the rest. This very much aligns with the design philosophy of Designers Group, which is achieving luxury and sophistication through simple yet elegant designs.
2. How did you bring the best of the hospitality brand- Fairfield by Marriott through your design?
Bleisure travel is the new norm, it’s a combination of business and leisure travel. Hence, the major focus was on creating an environment that would cater to the needs of bleisure travellers. The design intent brings out the right mix of luxury and comfort blended with the hospitality brand’s charming appeal.
3. What are the environment-friendly initiatives taken for this project?
Fundamental sustainable design techniques like energy consumption reduction and wastewater management have been incorporated in the building. Smart lighting solutions to control artificial lights have been deployed throughout the facility.
4. Can you give us insights on the selection of furniture and finishes of the project?
The furniture and furnishings have been parametrically installed to break up the linear design and add an intriguing character that is aesthetically pleasing. By promoting abstract paintings that showcase Mumbai’s heritage, the configuration gives visitors a brief overview of the city’s landmarks. The artworks mainly reflect the lifelines of Mumbai, such as railways, roadways, and the ubiquitous black and yellow taxis that ply the streets, providing visual cues of the city’s sights and sounds. The water and beaches of Mumbai, with their strong presence, also find a subtle reference in the artworks.
5. What were the difficulties, or first setbacks encountered?
Pertaining to Airport bye-laws, new restrictions and features on nearby buildings are regularly being updated and added. Hence, the main challenge was to make certain that the hotel design is fully compatible with the airport bye-Laws.
6. If you had to name the design style used, what would it be?
Contemporary-minimalism is the design style that has been adopted. Integrating local and cultural influences into this setting, the design style encapsulates the brand’s design language, and at the same time, the urban fabric that surrounds it.
7. What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?
Enhancing bleisure travel experience was the key concept of the design development. The bar area was made accessible from the lobby to seamlessly facilitate the transition of work and drink for the guests. The artworks emphasize the lifelines of Bombay, which is a great tribute to the audacious aspirations of city lovers, a documentary of untold stories spanning centuries, and an insight into the coastal tides that have shaped modern-day Mumbai.
8. What is your favourite element of design in the project?
Every detail in this project has been thoughtfully curated, and there is no singular favourite element. The use of parametrically designed leatherette panels as a backdrop in the reception area and banquet hall is a standout feature of the project. Also, to capture the city’s nautical spirit, a colour scheme ranging from white to blue and everything in between was meticulously chosen.
9. If you had to describe the project in 2-3 words what would it be?
Lifeline of Mumbai.
10. Explain the use of colors and/or other details to add value to the design.
Different hues of blue have been used in the design to signify the blue waters that embrace the city. The different colors and varying shades of blue create a tranquil atmosphere in the interiors.