We were involved in a project that included seismic reinforcement of an old, 50-year-old prestigious hotel and interior renovations covering approximately one-third (2000m2) of the total area. Our main responsibility was designing the model for the ground floor hall, café lounge, and newly added guest rooms. We had to achieve a harmonious balance between the renovated and non-renovated areas while incorporating a sense of freshness for the Reiwa era. Unlike a complete renovation that inserts new spaces by stripping the interior to its skeleton, our challenge was to seamlessly connect the hotel’s beloved existing areas, cherished by local residents and regular guests, with the new areas, ensuring a cohesive spatial experience for hotel visitors.

In our planning process, we incorporated design motifs inspired by local landmarks, allowing employees to share stories and connect with the renewed spaces. By doing so, we envision that people from various backgrounds will be able to share, cherish, and create new moments within this hotel, fostering a sense of attachment and community as we move into the future.