Gather Boutique Hotel
Created using Auto Cad, Revit, Photoshop and Procreate (Presentation not to scale)
Concept
Location
Site Analysis
Target Demographic
Gather is a unique boutique hotel located in Edmonton Alberta on 104th Street. Edmonton is the capitol city of Alberta, and it is well known for its natural scenery, culture, universities and indoor and outdoor entertainment. Although Edmonton is known for its entertainment industry, the city does not have a very young demographic. Gathers mission is to provide a versatile space aimed toward young people in order to boost the success of businesses around the hotel as well as the city itself. With the building being located right down the street from both Rogers Place, and the McEwan University campus, this place will be the perfect spot for youth to gather and enjoy Edmonton.
Gather will take inspiration from Art Deco design patterns by including geometric motifs, rich colors and streamlined forms. Although this style was first seen in the 1920's, the design will take a youthful approach and will stand out amongst other places within the city. An elevated experience will be achieved by including a restaurant and bar as well as open socialization areas within the hotel. Line and shape will be seen heavily throughout the design to create motifs, and a dynamic use of light will also be employed in order to generate depth and interest within the space. The mixing of patterns will be a focal point within the hotel, and a vibrant color scheme made up of burnt oranges, deep turquoises and forest greens will be seen throughout. Each of these design elements will make the space feel artistic and individualized.
Overall, the design aims to give young people a place to gather within the city. The building will offer a space where people can enjoy themselves comfortably, and eat, drink and socialize amongst new and old friends. Gather will provide unforgettable and timeless experiences to its patrons.
Edmonton is known for its natural beauty, culture, history and attractions/entertainment. Edmonton is the capitol city of its province which makes it an attraction in itself. The downtown area is very modern but beaux arts style architecture can be seen as well as 19th century brick buildings; which can be seen through the exterior of gather boutique hotel. Edmonton has a blooming culinary scene which includes craft breweries, bistros, indie bakeries and restaurant's. The downtown area is a hub for sports and entertainment with Rogers Place being in the core. West Edmonton mall also adds to the indoor entertainment scene being the largest mall in north America. Gather Boutique Hotel is located in Edmonton Alberta on 104th street in the cities downtown core. Some important businesses adjacent to this location include Rogers Place, McEwan University Campus, Norquest College Campus, the Edmonton Milner Library, the Neon Sign Museum, the Royal Alberta museum, the Art Gallery of Alberta as well as a large variety of restaurants and bars. From this information it is easy to conclude that this location is surrounded by entertainment, art and history.
According to Edmonton's downtown neighborhood profile, 40% of those living in and frequenting downtown Edmonton are people aged 20-29. This makes the target demographic of this project young adults. The site for gather boutique hotel as explained above is located in Edmonton's city center. The city has a successful and expansive transit system which provides numerous amounts of stop all around the city specifically downtown. This would be easily accessible by those staying in the hotel. Along with this, the city has a light rail transit system which operates exclusively in the downtown area. This system has stops at McEwan University campus as well as rogers place and 102nd street so this is accessible for those staying at the hotel as well. Along with these forms of transportation, the city is also extremely bike friendly and offers bike paths and bike rental shops all over downtown. Sidewalks are wide for walking, and of course there is a parking lot located right beside the building there for driving is an option as well.
The intended user for this space are young people aged 19-29 who are visiting Edmonton to visit friends at university or to experience the entertainment that Edmonton has to offer such as a concert, sports game, the art gallery or just the budding culinary industry. Although the hotel is directly targeted to this age group, the hotel is still inclusive of those of all ages and lifestyles. In addition to this people of any race, gender, sexual orientation and physical ability are to be welcomed within the space and feel included. When researching my target demographic it became obvious that millennial/gen Z travelers want 3 things when it comes to a hotel experience. These being, customized experiences, "Instagram-able" moments and digital convenience. These aspects will be combined with the inclusion of the local arts industry to make Gather Boutique Hotel unique and interesting. Customized experiences and instagram-able moments will be met through the overall design of the public areas as well as the unique rooms. The design of the space will take art deco inspirations which make for a chic and fun design. This is a design style which most young people do not see often and there for will feel like an escape from regular life. Each room will display a different monochromatic experience through the use of color and texture. Digital convenience will be used in the space through the use of in app ordering and digital room keys. Each room key will be paired with a traditional looking key, there for combining the history of the design style with the convenience of technology. An app can be used to order drink from the bar making the experience seamless and easy. Some other amenities which will be included within the space include a bar and lounge, a stage for live music by local artist's, a games room and lounge, an elevator as well as 2 accessible rooms.
First Floorplan
Second Floorplan
First
Floorplan RCP
Front Desk Elevation
Double Volume Elevation
Hallway Elevation
Typical Suite Elevation Bed
Typical Suite Elevation TV
Bar Perspective
Furniture and Accessories
Lighting
Materials
This elevation gives the client a feel of how the monochromatic design looks. This is an example of a green queen room. The wall behind the bed has been covered in wainscotting and acts as a built in headboard. The linens on the bed match the colour of the wall in varying shades. The inclusion of monochromatic suites offers the user an individualized experience and may provide them with an "Instagrammable" moment which is important to the target user.
As the user walks into the space they are immediately greeted with tall ceilings in the lobby and reception. This area includes seating for 6, as well as a custom and accessible reception desk. Some important adjacencies to this space would be the staff only area which right behind the reception desk which includes bag storage for early check in/out, as well as the bar/lounge, washrooms and elevator/staircase. As the user continues through they space they will notice the artistic bar/lounge which perfectly encompasses the surrounding location and its bustling entertainment scene while also extenuating local artists with the inclusion of a stage for live music. If the user is looking to access their individualized monochromatic room/suite they are able to take the staircase/elevator upstairs or simply walk straight past the washrooms and through the door which leads to the lower level rooms.
The reflected ceiling plan for the first floor displays an overall neutral and simple ceiling design. The purpose of this is because of the vibrant colours and motifs which have been displayed throughout the floorplan. It was important that the ceiling was more simple in order to offset this as well as accentuate the interesting design happening below. Although the ceiling may look simple, the lighting fixtures which have been chosen compliment the art deco inspired design and become the focal point on the ceiling.
This double volume elevation displays the reception area as well as a look into the bar + lounge. Wood strip room separators have been used to separate the different areas while also making it feel open. This view gives the client a better look at the three glass chandeliers which fill up the 21' ceilings
This perspective gives a further look into the bar and lounge. The stage is visible here which offers local artists a place to share their work. Socialization is important in this area and a variety of seating has been offered to aid this.
The second level of the hotel continues to offer the guest with entertainment as well as comfort. Once the user walks up the stairs/takes the elevator to the second floor they are transported into the extended lounge/games room. This space offers a variety of casual lounge seating as well as a pool table. This space is connected to the environment below through the double volume area. Bar seating is located along the railing so guests are able to be a part of the activities or enjoy the live music happening below. This space is adjacent to two more washrooms, as well as the rest of the guest rooms/suites. Similar to the first floor, each room is individualized by including a monochromatic design.
This elevation of the reception desk is the first thing that guests will see when entering the space and there for it was important that it sets the right mood. The custom reception desk includes a lowered section which has been included for accessibility. A turquoise wainscotting detail can be seen along this wall, paired with an art deco inspired wallpaper strip as well as 5 arched mirrors. Wainscoting has been used at various points within this building so including it on this wall was important to tie everything together. The arched mirrors further open up the space and adds a grand feeling.
This elevation shows how each hallway within the building has been designed. Turquoise wainscotting has been included here matching the detail in the reception. Each door has been painted a certain colour which matches the monochromatic theme of the room within.
This elevation is another view if a green queen room. This displays the wall across from the bed. A scalloped green wall detail has been added to tie in the colour green onto this wall. A custom desk has been tied in with millwork below the TV. This desk may be used for cosmetic or work purposes.