Hotel Marriott Atrium

The hotel's generous atrium was originally conceived as an interior space with mature greenery. In addition to trees, shrubs and other plants, it also consisted of lianas around tall concrete columns. Due to costly and complicated maintenance, the lianas were removed and the greenery was limited to smaller plantings in front of the hotel room windows and on the area to the sides of the passageway from the elevator to the fitness room. Compared to the mature lianas, however, the atrium space looks empty and has no clear use.

The space of the atrium is interesting in its generosity, high concrete columns carry a roof made of grey skylights bringing plenty of daylight into the atrium. In the design we use the height of the space to emphasize its uniqueness. At the same time, we highlight the central part to create a lively space. To preserve the privacy of the hotel rooms, we leave strips of greenery along the facades. To this we add long "curtains" that visually separate the central common area from the privacy of the hotel rooms.

The main element of the design is a wooden deck, which holds together the otherwise rather rugged and hardly usable space of the atrium. It creates a flat, clearly defined area for variable use. The deck is placed over the existing elements, eliminating the need for structural intervention in the existing structure to a minimum. The design retains a skylight to the lower floors. At those locations the deck is made of walkable glass panels.

The perimeter of the deck has a railing that is similar in appearance to the existing railing in the atrium. The new design will thus fit in better with its surroundings. Towards the elevators and the gym, the platform is accessible by comfortable wooden steps. Optionally, wheelchair access can also be considered. A ramp with sufficient slope and a platform can be placed on the access path from the elevators. However, it would need to be fitted with additional railings.

The greenery in the deck area is greatly reduced and placed in bulky planters. These take advantage of the raised deck level above the existing atrium structure and are partially concealed in the space that rises between the existing floor and the new deck. This space can also be effectively used for irrigation distribution and drainage of excess water from the planters.

In order to provide sufficient substrate for the selected greenery, the pots are also "pulled" above the deck surface to a height of approx. 45 cm and are also fitted with a rim that can be used for seating. In strips along the façade of the rooms, low vegetation is chosen to avoid shading the atrium windows on the lower floors.

The foliage of selected trees and plants is coloured red all year round. They fit the colour palette of the elements on the wooden podium.

Apart from the planters, everything on board is furniture, the layout of which can be changed in various ways. The furniture is dominated by two canopies designed for special programs. To illustrate them, we have placed a mobile café, a reading room and a small bar under the canopies. These can be in operation at selected times of the day or used for selected events. Any potential re-wiring of the canopy equipment can be easily routed through the space between the deck and the existing atrium structure.

Comfortable armchairs, cushioned stools, low café tables as well as swings and hammocks offer a variety of ways to rest and relax. The deck space can also be complemented with exhibition panels suitable for displays of themed photographs and other surface artworks.

The furniture, including the vegetation, is of a uniform colour, deliberately contrasting with the rest of the atrium. This creates an exclusive and special atmosphere. It brings a new experience to the interior of the hotel.

Suspended glass or acrylic luminaires are arranged in different positions and heights above the atrium deck. They form a kind of light cloud. The soft, pleasant light emanating from the tinted glass allows for a relaxing atmosphere on the deck.

Copper chain curtains clearly separate the deck area from the quiet zone between the atrium and the rooms. At the same time, they maintain transparency and visual contact between the different parts of the atrium. The copper colours the deck area in soft warm shades. The approach to the deck from the direction of the elevators is highlighted by a symbolic, welcoming gesture - the open chain curtains, the gateway to the atrium.