Ahmedabad Hotel / Studio Symbiosis

Designed as an iconic building in Ahmedabad, the hotel proposal by Studio Symbiosis focuses on interweaving the concepts of waves in nature. Using fold lines as movement trajectories and perception along with programmatic requirements, the project’s form demonstrates a sense of elegance with soft, subtle touches. Seamless waves flowing on the landscape and flowing on the façade are the focal point for this full service five star property. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Courtesy of Studio Symbiosis

The different functions in the building with different programmatic requirements are blending together thus resulting in this iconic building. The building comprises of three waves which are very carefully translated into dramatic key spaces on the lower floors and on the upper floors they translate into room grids with focus on standardized room sizes. These waves emerge effortlessly from the landscape creating a sense of harmonic relationship with the ground. The profile of the building has been designed with keen emphasis given both to the smooth transition from the horizontal landscape to the vertical building and to the standardization and repetition of the façade components.

Courtesy of Studio Symbiosis

The façade is designed as an intricate part of the building. The entire façade system feels the reverberation of the slightest of change in the external skin due to flux in the internal spaces. This interdependent relationship between the skin and structure of the building makes the system a very coherent one.

Courtesy of Studio Symbiosis

The entry to the building has been marked with a column less cantilever that creates a dramatic entrance space. The guests are welcomed by the architecture of the canopy that follows the seamless nature of the design proposal, emerging from the ground and morphing back into it. On the lower three floors the proposal consists of reception lobby, shopping area, banquet hall, meeting rooms, restaurants, lounge space and service areas. All these elements are tied with a coherent design language of natural canyon like formations. The spaces are carved out using the same design principles with which a wave carves out a canyon. This helps in connecting the various public functions into one space visually which still have the capability of functioning independently.

Courtesy of Studio Symbiosis

A spill out space in the landscape has been provided for the banquet hall whereby adding to the experience of a celebration. Thus helps in creating an animated landscape which has a direct use and is actively used and enjoyed by the guests. The restaurants are located amidst splendid view of the green with the fascinating façade wrapped around the restaurants making it a unique experience. The all day dining is designed in a way to create a more open feeling where the buffet would be the main attraction. As well as being visible form the main Lobby. In contrast the specialty dining is located one floor higher with an introvert character. This restaurant is about an intimate play between the senses, the space and the food, to create this sense of very intricate relationship it has zones of small and bigger more private areas.

Courtesy of Studio Symbiosis

The roof and the last habitable floor house the spa, gym, saloon and the swimming pool. The swimming pool is located on the terrace with breathtaking views of the city. Alongside a sky lounge has also been provided here which will help guests relax, unwind and absorb the beauty of the city and the building itself.

Architects: Studio Symbiosis
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Principal Architects: Amit Gupta, Britta Knobel Gupta, in collaboration with Vandana Sehgal
Project Team: Dharampal Singh, M. Shaique Uddin, Mayank Ojha, Mariia Nazarenko, Rishi Sapra, Rakesh Mathur, Pancham Pathania, Avishek Das, Arunima Sen
MEP: Apostel Design Studio
Structure: Acecon
Facility Managers: HPG Consultancy
Facade Consultants: Priedemann
Site Area: 6860 sqm
Built-up Area: 24,000 sqm
Start Date: April 2012
Completion Date: June 2014