URBAN SANCTUARY
hospitality design for hotel capitol kuala lumpur
Project Brief
To design a sustainable hotel with a concept of “forest in the city”, with the site located at Jalan Bulan, off, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Client Brief
Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur is one of the 14 hotels owned by Federal Hotels International which is established on 28th August 1957 (3 days before Malaysia’s Independence Day). The Group opened Hotel Capitol, in the Bukit Bintang area, in 1997. Hotel Capitol also pioneered the 10 rooms concept, which is based on the understanding that there is a class of discerning hotel guests traveling on business or pleasure, who desire a more unique experience when they book a hotel room. Each of the 10 rooms is unique in size, layout and décor.
The client is the owner of the hotel which is Federal Hotels International where they have been around for over 6 decades in hotel management business, and own hotels both in Malaysia and Sydney. Federal Hotels International (FHI) with its head office in Kuala Lumpur, is the leading hospitality company offering services from mid and upper scale hotels to an impeccable style of loft style living comfort. FHI established in 1957 to manage the first international class of hotel namely The Federal Kuala Lumpur which opened its door on 28 August 1957 to house all the foreign dignitaries in time for the first Merdeka Celebrations.
site analysis montage- hotel capitol kuala lumpur
Site Issue: High Traffic Area which results in Noise Disruption
As known the site Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur is located at Bukit Bintang, which is a busy area that has The main factor for my design is the high traffic area around the site which may cause a problem of noise disruption.
Drivers honking the horn, groups of workers drilling the road surface, aircraft flying over us in the sky, cities have now become the epicentre of a type of pollution, acoustics, which, although its invisibility and the fact that coronavirus crisis reduced it until almost yearn it, is severely damaging to human beings. Not only does it hurt humans, it is bad for animals, too. According to the National Park Service (NPS) in the United States, noise pollution has an enormous environmental impact and does serious damage to wildlife. Experts say noise pollution can interfere with breeding cycles and rearing and is even hastening the extinction of some species.
Design Proposal
The idea is to design a hotel that is like a tropical island among the modern city, so that people can have a relaxing experience with no distractions. It could also be a easy escape for people without needing to travel far away the city. Also due to COVID-19 situation people are unable to travel much. In such it would be to implement the concept or look of tropical retreats which are found commonly a beaches or countryside far away from the city center. This could be an attractive point for customers as they could enjoy the feel of nature while also go sightseeing within the city.
Other than that, due to the global pandemic and development nowadays nature is a crucial factor and issue among people. This idea could also implement green architecture concept which helps to benefit the environment and for us to strive and achieve a sustainable design approach.
The main focus of the design proposal would be to overcome the problem of noise disruption due to the site locating at a high traffic. The aim is to create an oasis that thoroughly shields the interior space from the noise of the outdoors and achieve the peacefulness that is able to be found by the beach sides.
conceptual board
Concept
This concept attempts to create a forest-like atmosphere in urban areas with significant traffic and noise pollution. A proposal was made to create an interior sanctuary that enables people to feel teleported to the beach, making it pleasant and peaceful.
The basic concept is based on soundwaves since noise is the fundamental issue in this project. The concept is developed using three keywords: overlapping, waveform, and undulate. Creating courtyards is one example of how architecture can disrupt sound. Courtyards create a shielding effect that reduces outdoor noise. The idea of using building shapes to fill in the courtyard. Moreover, the idea of bringing tropical forest within led to the picture of a flowing silhouette of tree shadows while beneath the tree. Therefore, it may be made into various void shapes.
Other uses for the keywords include overlaying soundwaves/waveforms with wooden strips to generate a pattern that may be used as a divider or decorative feature. Interior components like sound waves and natural elements that depicts water flow and wind movement will also employ the concept of waveform.
3D Visualization
1. Reception Lobby
The reception lobby on the ground floor is the main entrance for guests, here plenty of greeneries are used to mimic the forest like feeling for guests as if they’re walking into a new dimension where it is a total sanctuary and creates contrast with the city life.
2. All-Day Dining Area
The all-day dining area is an opened space where guests are able to enjoy their buffet breakfast. At the side it has a void opening overlooking the garden on the ground floor giving a more forest like feel.
3. Studio Double Room
The most common type of room type that is able to occupy two person max. The room has a more toned down colour tone with natural materials and green as accent to show the characteristics of plants.
4. Infinity Pool Area
Located at the 10th floor together with other facilities such as the gymnasium and lounge area. It is in organic space to apply the concept of curves and the open space allows airflow with splendid view overlooking the city.
5. Family Suite
The family suites are only available on higher floors that have better views. It comes with largest room space compared to others as it have a living area, kitchen set and 2 bedrooms connecting them.
6. Premium Room
The premium room compared to the studio units have larger spaced and is equipped with a small kitchenette for guest to make small meals indoors
7. Spa Relaxation Pavilion
The 19th floor where it is dedicated to Spa and relaxation has a pavilion with the footbath area surrounding it, overlooking the greeneries of the courtyard below.
8. Private Treatment Room
Also on the same floor at level 19 the private treatment rooms are for guests to have more privacy when doing their treatment.
9. Rooftop Garden Lounge
Locating at the highest floor which is the open space garden filled with various greeneries and plants for the forest like feeling. The plants are also able to help in relaxation and make guests more comfortable.
10. Rooftop Bar and Lounge
The bar area is right beside the garden where there is also outdoor lounge where guests are able to have the feeling in the nature while having small drinks.
