Xiaobing Yao, the creative mind behind the Ufia Hotel, drew inspiration from the city of Chongqing itself. Surrounded by water on three sides and nestled against a mountain, the city's cascading buildings and winding roads paint a unique picture. Yao incorporated elements of water and water drops throughout the hotel, creating a design that is as fluid and dynamic as the city it resides in.
What sets the Ufia Hotel apart is its focus on spatial perspective. Yao has crafted a peak shape using plasterboard with black artistic paint finishes that protrudes from the top surface, mimicking the rolling hills of Chongqing. This approach, which emphasizes the spatial experience over the materials of the wall, floor, and rooftop, offers a fresh perspective on interior design. The result is a hotel that embodies the landscape of Chongqing, transporting guests to a rainy autumn night in the city.
The Ufia Hotel's design was brought to life using a variety of materials, including floor carpet, dark gray artistic coating, black high-gloss latex paint, rust-like artistic coating, mirror stainless steel, white latex paint, and black rubber. These materials were used throughout the elevator lobby, reception hall, and hotel corridors, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for guests.
The project, which covers a total of 1200 square meters, primarily focused on remodeling the interior decoration. The design features layers of gypsum board running through the space like a hanging river, with a stainless steel sculpture hanging in the middle, resembling a wave. The silver water drops splashing on the black rubber ground add a striking visual element to the design.
Bringing Yao's vision to life was not without its challenges. The project involved a lot of curved surfaces, making it difficult to lay out the line. However, through careful planning and execution, the design team was able to achieve a visual rendition that closely matches the original rendering. The result is a design that not only offers a comfortable place for tourists to stay but also serves as a tourist destination in its own right, particularly among young people.
The Ufia Hotel's unique design and innovative use of materials have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, it was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. This recognition is a testament to Yao's ability to push the boundaries of interior design and create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply engaging and aesthetically pleasing.
Project Designers: Xiaobing Yao
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Guang Ji, The Reception Hall, 2018.
Image #2: Photographer Guang Ji, Guest Room, 2018.
Image #3: Photographer Guang Ji, Guest Room 2, 2018.
Image #4: Photographer Guang Ji, Corridor, 2018.
Image #5: Photographer Guang Ji, Details, 2018.
Project Team Members: Xiaobing Yao
Project Name: Ufia
Project Client: Xiaobing Yao