In the spotlights of vivacious Los Angeles, the birth – actually rebirth – of the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, a hotel with 878 rooms, completely reimagined by the architects of HBA: “It combines the affordable luxury of JW Marriott hotels with the energy and spectacular atmosphere of the partner AEG,” says Robert MacDonald, senior project designer of the studio. “The city is always crowded and fast, but when people enter the hotel they can still experience the courtesy of personalized care and service.”
The facility is in the entertainment area of the city, close to Staples Center, the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. LIVE and the Grammy Museum: “The location and the diversity of LA have driven the interior design. We have taken elements from JW Marriott as in a luxury hotel, and combined them with an urban vibe, as in the motifs based on graffiti for the carpeting in the hall, with an accent on the light of California, its legendary sunsets, the hues and tones that change throughout the day.”
Prior to the restyling the hotel already had an established identity: “Most people consider it a hub for events, as well as a starting point to discover the city. Certain architectural characteristics had to be left intact, like the particular walls in sequoia wood, the stone floors of the hall and the chandeliers in the public areas. Our objective was to update the hotel so it would embody the original intentions while creating a more modern appeal.”
A delicate task of balancing old and new: “The space is very large, so it was important to create a backdrop, in order to host a variety of individual moments. The architectural palette is in tune with the existing finishes, but it sets a new tone, using calmer neutral hues as a base, changing the rhythm of passage of the guests from the hall to their rooms or to an event.”
The hall and restaurant are cheerful and colorful, while the suites are intimate and relaxing: “The spaces have their own identity, but convey the sensation of being complementary,” Robert MacDonald continues. “Since light was one of the design motifs, each area interprets it in a different way. When the hotel was founded, it had a reception area and lobby in a very bright color, with three floors of windows that open to the mutable effects of the natural light – we have opted for a more residential atmosphere. The corridors of the guestrooms are now darker, for a sense of privacy and tranquility, with a very clean, neutral range of hues for the rooms. We also wanted to trigger a sense of discovery and surprise: for example, the corridors have a deep violet tone for the carpeting, and this tone is very subtly inserted in the gradient in the lower part of the drapes in the guestrooms, not too visible, suggesting a horizon at sundown.”
There is also a tribute to Italy and the Italian way of life: “The Italians are full of verve and grand gestures,” says Jana Dadant, a partner in HBA. “We have applied the audacity of people and culture, the lively colors of the favorite cocktails of Italy, translated into the focal mural of the restaurant, the counters and the colorful tables. At the same time, we wanted the restaurant to fit into the context of Los Angeles. To complete the colorful Italian influence and add a hint of laid-back Californian life, we have filled the space with light and air, in the SoCal spirit.”
Photo © Don Riddle
