The World of Hospitality Issue 49 | Page 27

DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
The contrast between the characteristic cold weather and the hotel ’ s warm hospitality is materialized in the spatial experience through the use of organic forms , desaturated colors , and reflective finishes as well as by the use of natural materials such as wood and stone . The beautifully crafted interiors also include many nods to the Saint Lawrence River as well as the neighboring gardens , as if to extend their visual traces into the heart of the building .
The Château Champlain has been reimagined as a nearby refuge in the heart of the city — a comforting , harmonious environment that encourages taking in views of the city , all year long .
PUBLIC SPACES At the hotel ’ s entrance , porcelain and finely veined white stone with the appearance of icy surfaces were carefully selected to cover the arches and floor . On the lighting fixtures and in integrated furnishings , golden accents reminiscent of bare branches punctuate the space with warm touches , evoking reflections of light on the snow . Behind the reception counter , an art piece designed by Sid Lee Architecture , in collaboration with MASSIVart and executed by artist Pascale Girardin , rises delicately and sets the tone for visitors ’ experience of the hotel .
The open , multifunctional Greatroom permits visitors to wander around as they would in the city , discovering references to the organic world outside in its design details . Wooden openwork architectural screens evoke the ambiance of the mountain , giving way to spaces that are intimate without limiting the flow of light within the space . These fluid spaces were conceived to be continuous in order to facilitate wandering or pausing to eat , drink , work or have a conversation throughout the day . from bright light in the morning to a subdued twilight ambiance at the end of the day .
The exclusive “ M Club ” accessible from the Greatroom stands in contrast to the surrounding design with its walnut wood paneling and more somber color selections . Prized by its members , this section includes a lounge and workspaces , as well as a dining room featuring a sophisticated , modern design that offers an elevated experience in keeping with Marriott ’ s highest standards .
In the public areas , certain elements were preserved — such as a picture of Samuel de Champlain himself , recalling the original designers ’ fascination with this figure — in order to underscore the property ’ s historic foundations .
PRIVATE SPACES Throughout its 614 rooms , the design was revamped to give the window the importance it deserves through the use of soft shapes and complementary colors . The carpeting , wall coverings , and integrating furnishings designed by Sid Lee Architecture and produced by local company Meubles Saint-Damase adorn the rooms , evoking a sense of comfort .
The challenge in redesigning the rooms lay in preserving their existing partitions .
Convivial as well as enveloping , the restaurant is notable for its compositional style reminiscent of the interior promenades . The subdued lighting simulating skylights tracks the progression of the sun , changing
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