HOTELS & RESORTS
The redesign of the entrance invites the street inside through the integration of a series of colourful art interventions inspired by Toronto ’ s own street art culture . The murals , signed by local artist Alan Ganev , take visitors back to the famous “ Graffiti Alley ”, a street art circuit stretching over a kilometer in the Fashion District .
VIBRANT SCENOGRAPHY The design by Sid Lee Architecture sets the tone for a cinematic entrance on the Toronto scene as the curtain rises on an updated hotel experience in response to the rich culture of the largest and most diverse Canadian metropolis .
The designers used the building ’ s brutalist quality as a neutral canvas and accentuated the different spaces with vibrant scenography . Elements of biophilic design have been integrated with the minerality of concrete , as if nature had taken over the vestiges of the built environment .
While wandering through the hotel , the biophilic elements allow for a constant connection to nature and give a nod to Toronto ’ s famous ravines , which collectively form an urban forest surrounding the city .
THE LIVING ROOM Located on the second floor , the reception area , also referred to as The Living Room ( a W brand signature space ), is housed in a glass cube . It is an urban oasis that allows you to feel detached from the rest of the city , while being surrounded by local references . Its contrasting accents offer a comfort that is amplified with the arrival of snow in winter . Inside The Living
Room , suspended grids , velvet curtains , and lighting that resembles movie projectors give the impression of being backstage . The palette and textures , reminiscent of a theater , paired with prop like furniture and art pieces , emphasize this feeling of scenography and complete the dynamic atmosphere of this liminal space in constant shift . This is a tribute to Toronto ’ s thriving theater and film scene .
A series of strategically-placed gigantic tubes divide the area without breaking up the natural flow of the space , offering moments of intimacy throughout zones of connection and collaboration . A conversation pit set around a bond fire plays with socializing archetypes , while a horizontal mural designed on the roof by artist Kirsten McCrea offers a lively view for the surrounding rooms .
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