The World of Hospitality Issue 37 2020 | Page 57

ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIORS ENTRANCE LOBBY 1 As part of a detailed space planning exercise carried out by AJI, the main staircase was repositioned in a new location towards the rear entrance of the hotel, this alteration not only provided a zone for an intimate feature seating group at Ground Floor Level, but also created additional usable space in the Pre-Function Room on the level below. The eye-catching reception desk is a unique piece, formed from specially selected marble from Verona in Italy, the rich gold veining of the stone appears to melt into the gold leaf THE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY 57 effect on the plinth of the desk, evocative of the molten core of a volcano, referencing back to the ancient dormant volcano of nearby Mount Ararat. Behind the reception desk is a feature white leather effect wall, this signature geometric pattern is used many times throughout the hotel in different ways, it provides a dramatic back drop to the reception desk, whilst also assisting with the acoustics of the space. AJI also commissioned specially designed feature lights, manufactured in Austria by Lights of Vienna, the lights over the reception desk represent rings of fire, whilst the large chandelier over the lounge group reflects the emanating rays of the sun, a pattern used in the gold decorative pendant light suspended over the main stairwell.