DESIGN
Bar Moxy The Moxy Times Square opened in September .
DESIGN CHALLENGES There were two challenges : “ One , of course , is the size of the rooms ,” says Yabu , who describes the aesthetic as urban camping – cozy rather than claustrophobic . “ It ’ s the overall aesthetic of emotional , atmospheric comfort in the rooms that you wouldn ’ t find in , say , a capsule hotel .” That meant choosing materials and sizing them carefully – vanities were mounted on open frames rather than millwork and had narrow tops with room for toiletries .
The other challenge , Yabu says , was attracting people who appreciated the value but really checked in to hang out with their tribe in the ample public spaces . Those spaces include a lobby where a three-story atrium skylight , flexible seating and communal tables allow co-working by day , lounging by evening and clubbing by night . A mobile shaped like a bear hovers over all .
Luring guests out of their rooms involves a “ differentiated collection of F & B experiences ” that would appeal to them and to the thousands walking through the neighborhood , says Shawn Sullivan , partner and studio leader at New York-based Rockwell Group , which designed three of
“ Cheeky ” topiaries line the rooftop bar , the Magic Hour .
44 hotelsmag . com December 2017