DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
are the colours selected to be the background and palette of the new hall . Local materials and ancient techniques , such as the use of Venetian brocatelle weaving , the Rosso Verona and Fior di Pesco Carnico marble , and the hand-decoration of the wooden parts , characterise the spaces in the hall , the side rooms and the staircase .
Stepping through the wooden doors of the original entrance hall , one is greeted by a ‘ theatrical ’ space : a sumptuous chandelier in precious Venetian crystal with aquamarine hues is the main actor , while an iridescent carpet , matching the glass pastorals , recalls the ripples and colours of the Trieste sea . In search of a new symmetry , the design redefines the geometry of the perimeter columns , clad with inlaid Rosso Verona marble like the pilasters of the building ’ s façade , which are placed on the original walnut parquet floor by means of brass joints . In the background of the lobby stands the historic wooden bar , a legacy of the Ciga management , restored to its former glory with a baked glass top with golden and bronze reflections , the same flickering reflections of Trieste ’ s lights on the sea .
Particular attention was given to the lighting design , which was supervised by lighting designer Bianca Tresoldi . Lighting tends to emphasise the forms of architecture and materials with extreme refinement , also analysing the physiological and psychological effects of light , without neglecting its main function of enabling vision . By shaping brilliance , color , and intensity , the lighting designer designed a light that would immerse guests in the architectural-historical space while trying to give them a unique experience that tells the story of the place . The entire lighting system is managed by a control system that allows the lighting atmosphere to vary according to precise times of the day .
To the sides , the lobby opens into two symmetrical rooms . On the right is the exclusive Svevo room , embellished with a red brocatelle from the historic Venetian weaving mill Bevilacqua that covers the walls and ceiling with a soft veil . A carpet with golden reflections dictates the position of precious furnishing elements , which create a small conversation room , enriched by the brass bookcase made to measure and arranged in the niche of the room . To the left of the hall is the Club dei Club , a room used by the starred restaurant , its walls covered with green brocatelle . The guest ’ s / spectator ’ s gaze is stolen and entertained by the “ ballerinas ”, custom-designed tables that seem to hover in space thanks to the soft light shining through the tulle that underlies the top and wraps around the central leg . The space is pervaded by a background sensuality .
One of the objectives of the project was to open up the life of the hotel to the city . The entrance is defined on the sides by two wooden showcases , one will tell of the excellence of the Grand Hotel Duchi d ’ Aosta ’ s offer , the other showcase will tell the life of Trieste and its events . The staircase of the building has been transformed into an unconventional art gallery . Taking advantage of the half-floor offset between the body of the building facing Piazza Unità d ’ Italia and the body at the rear , an exhibition route has thus been created around the lift body and on the floor landings .
The intervention on the staircase body has maintained the original restored wooden steps , enriching the landings with satin treads that serve as a backdrop for the artworks that temporary exhibitions will
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