Located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake is the second Canopy hotel in Asia. Unlike traditional luxury hotels, it offers a unique blend of guest-directed service and local culture. The design team drew inspiration from the local Hangzhou culture, incorporating elements such as the Osmanthus flower and heron light sculptures, inspired by birds found at the adjacent Jinsha lake.
The hotel's unique properties lie in its thoughtful integration of local culture and innovative design. The lobby features a pendant inspired by the Osmanthus, a local flower traditionally planted in front of homes to welcome guests. Behind the front desk, waves of the Qiantang river are revealed via hidden LED lights. Other decorative wall panels feature aquatic plants and marsh birds, immersing guests in the nature of Hangzhou.
The realization of this design was made possible through the use of energy-saving LED lights with a high color rendering index. These lights are dimmable and have a warm white color temperature in public areas, and a slightly warmer color temperature in guestrooms. This lighting strategy helps to create a comfortable environment for guests and highlights the unique, distinctive, and iconic canopy bed frame.
The design project began in May 2017 in Hangzhou, China, and was completed in November 2019. The lighting design was a significant part of the project, with the team recommending specific lighting fixtures to the client, including detailed information such as beam angles, wattage, and color temperature.
One of the challenges faced by the design team was to incorporate local cultural elements into the hotel's lighting design. This was achieved by featuring a pendant in the lobby inspired by the Osmanthus and heron light sculptures inspired by birds found at the Jinsha lake. In guestrooms, the iconic canopy bed frame virtually detaches itself from the wall and ceiling through hidden lights.
The design of Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake is a testament to the innovative and culturally sensitive work of Lighting Design Partnership International Co., Ltd. It serves as a shining example of how design can seamlessly integrate local culture and innovative technology to create a unique and memorable experience for guests.
Project Designers: LDPi (China Branch)
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Gao Han, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake, 2020.
Image #2: Photographer Gao Han, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake, 2020.
Image #3: Photographer Gao Han, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake, 2020.
Image #4: Photographer Gao Han, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake, 2020.
Image #5: Photographer Gao Han, Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake, 2020.
Project Team Members: Interior design: Wilson Associates
Lighting design: Lighting Design Partnership International (China Branch)
Project Name: Canopy by Hilton
Project Client: LDPi (China Branch)