London Design Gold

2025

Convergence of Waters, Crossroads of Cultures

Entrant

CIDA

Category

Conceptual Design - Hotels & Resorts

Client's Name

Country / Region

China

Our design scheme originates from the “Yellow Crane Tower”- themed concept assigned to the lobby during the layout planning stage. From an architectural perspective, we extend outdoor design thinking indoors to perpetuate the core architectural vision: leveraging skylight illumination and "scenery borrowing" techniques, we have created a grand, eye-catching, one-of-a-kind installation that aligns with the interior’s theme and style.

This installation draws inspiration from Wuhan’s historic Gude Temple Main Hall—a structure that inherits traditional Chinese architectural essence while integrating Western stylistic influences. It embodies the collision and fusion of dualities: Chinese and French aesthetics, classicism and elegance, Wuhan’s heritage and Sofitel’s sophistication.

From an interior design standpoint, we employ conflicting elements to break away from conventional five-star hotel paradigms. The clash of Chinese and Western motifs fosters differentiation, creating contrast with other lobby spaces and enhancing guest experience and interaction. A water curtain "drama" unfolds across the atrium’s four glass walls, with customisable projections (tailored to operational preferences) that embody Sino-Western cultural integration. Ceiling and floor ripple patterns echo each other; walls resonate with the water curtain—forging a cohesive spatial dialogue with striking visual contrasts between day and night.

Credits

Design Partner/CIDA
BEI YANG
CIDA
Lihua Sheng
CIDA
Yihong Lyu
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