Wheat Youth Arts Hotel: A Unique Blend of Hospitality and Art

Xiang Li's Innovative Design Approach Transforms Hotel Experience

The hotel's design is inspired by the city's rich history and modern civilization. The designer's aim was to create a space that would excite tourists about their trip to Hangzhou from the moment they book their stay. The hotel's name, "Mai Jian (Wheat)", is displayed on a small, simple, and white door. This leads to a small lobby, which then opens up to the main hall. Instead of traditional decorations, the end of the lobby features a vertical display of all necessary supplies for a hotel guest room, all painted white and sealed behind glass, creating a unique showcase.

The lobby itself is designed to resemble a study and a living room. Bookshelves line the four walls, and a glass folded-paper styled partition separates the resting area from the books. A large dog statue stands in front of the bar, acting as a hospitable steward welcoming guests. The hotel's international appeal is highlighted by a world map decorated with Chinese checkers, symbolizing the hotel's welcome to guests from all over the world.

The corridors are designed to be concise but powerful, with paintings and graffiti adorning every corner. Part of the ceiling is decorated with colored Chinese checkers, adding a playful touch. Each floor features a piano in the corridor, allowing guests to share their musical talents and fostering a sense of community among strangers.

The hotel's design encourages interaction and creativity. Humorous greetings in Chinese pronunciation are used to express French words, creating a sense of caring and communication. The walls themselves interact with guests, making the hotel feel like a gallery. This design approach creates an environment where guests feel comfortable singing a song or drawing a painting for others.

The Wheat Youth Arts Hotel is a testament to innovative design and was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. Xiang Li's design for the Wheat Youth Arts Hotel embodies extraordinary excellence and significantly impacts the world with its desirable characteristics.