Longhu Hotel Design by Fei Hu

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

FH : Dragons and phoenixes are mythical creatures of the ancient Chinese imagination, symbolizing good luck. The dragon represents male energy, while the phoenix symbolizes female energy. Harmony between the dragon and phoenix also symbolizes wealth, prosperity and good luck. The exterior of the building is inspired by a jade sculpture in the form of an ancient dragon, while the interior design incorporates elements of a flying jade phoenix. This kind of external and internal unity reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy of the unity of heaven and man.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

FH : Guests of the hotel enter the lobby as if they have arrived at an art gallery, surrounded by curved matte marble stone walls and curved copper panels, guests can chat or rest in the lobby, which is filled with a warm and quiet atmosphere. The design that integrates technology, culture, art and regional culture will also bring guests an unforgettable art experience.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

FH : Let's hope it gets built.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

FH : about 2-3 months.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

FH : The owner had a very vague concept and needed me to find the most appropriate element among a large number of cultural elements.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

FH : To express Oriental culture with modern means, especially the special aesthetic thought of Zen, is the direction I have been pursuing.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

FH : Tadao Ando and Rafael Moneo are my favorite architects.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

FH : The huge space formed by large-scale curved marble has a kind of utopian fantasy.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

FH : Hand sketching and 3D modeling software.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

FH : Use minimalist materials to create fantastic effects.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

FH : And my professional technical team.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

FH : Technology is the basis on which concepts can be implemented.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

FH : Study and research a large number of hotel cases. Trying to be totally different from them.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

FH : Cost and construction techniques are my biggest challenges.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

FH : I wish more people could see it.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

FH : Stick to your direction, and it will surely yield satisfactory results.