Wilson Associates brings a revolutionary new design to the lobby at Swissôtel The Stamford in Singapore with the launch of Asia’s first self-check-in table, which marks a significant innovation and technology achievement for the region.
Weaving together Swiss typologies and Singaporean cultural influences, the redesigned lobby now has a fresh, contemporary identity and is a bright, open and inviting space for the guest check-in experience.
Swissôtel The Stamford boasts a prime location in the heart of Singapore. It was an important element of the design brief for Wilson Associates to not only accentuate local inspiration as seen through the selection of artworks but also to integrate Swiss design hallmarks into various aspects of the overall design. “We crafted a new, highly modern realization of the traditional Swissôtel lobby concept and repositioned the brand through three strong design pillars which are represented by the classifications of individual, intriguing and indigenous,” shared Aldwin Ong, Design Director and Principal in Wilson Associates’ Singapore office.
Individual
In today’s lobby landscape, connectivity is one of the key social requirements in the concept of “meetovation” within a hotel setting –– bringing together all participants in an exciting and engaging way to ensure better meeting outcomes. Wilson Associates created different categories of seating zones –– a communal table, individual seating pods, and a group seating area to cater to individuals or larger gatherings for a variety of meeting and discussion requirements. Multiple device charging stations are also integrated into each area to meet the needs of modern day travellers.
One of the most common stereotypes of Swiss typology is the classic Swiss watch box where every item is fully encased and protected. Wilson Associates meticulously thought through every piece of equipment installed, from the coffee machine to the technology applications necessary to house each in individual compartments in various parts of the lobby.
Intriguing
To re-invent the spacious Swiss atmosphere into the existing footprint and cater to more than 1,200 guests, Wilson Associates challenged the traditional check-in experience by creating a striking self-check-in table design. This 10-meter-long table utilizes Microsoft’s newly launched Surface Pro, which allows a PC-less system and a flat panel to be lowered down and fitted into the tabletop to create the longest floating self-check-in table in Asia, a highly impressive engineering statement. The design team at Wilson Associates were also able to expertly integrate Singapore’s architectural landmarks and the Swissôotel brand identity hallmarks through the application of individual hand painted iconic circular tattoos on top of the reception table.
Indigenous
Influenced by Singapore’s rich culture, the entire lobby atmosphere replicates the destination’s melting pot of nationalities. The eclectic styles of the seating areas with the varying application of raw materials utilized is a direct reflection of the architectural language of each culture. The lobby offers a variety of local F&B outlets for travelers to choose from, as well as the well-known Singaporean tea house TWG.
Wilson Associates also made sure to bring Singapore’s natural lush, tropical greenery indoors through the careful positioning of planter boxes and curated arrangements to surround the reception table. Interactive LED panels highlight hotel events and key activities within the city, re- creating the energy and high technology advancements found in the city outside the hotel. Curated shelves create semi-transparent porticos within the lobby, housing original aspects such as pineapple planters, ice cream uncle carts, and a quirky collection of books, from Singlish dictionaries to the local’s favorite children’s tale, “The Three Little Pigs.”
Understanding the needs of the market, Wilson Associates has set a bold precedent with Swissôtel The Stamford that demonstrates an exemplary hi-tech and groundbreaking design with an exacting intricate attention to every detail and design element.
The lobby renovation is the second phase of a multi-phase renovation Wilson Associates is creating for Swissotel The Stamford. The guestrooms of the landmark hotel received a fresh, contemporary makeover earlier this year, and an executive lounge renovation is forthcoming.
