W Atlanta Midtown: A Luxurious Hotel with a Story to Tell

Recreating Arthur's Estate and Secret Garden

The W Atlanta Midtown hotel, designed by Virserius Studio, offers a unique and immersive experience for guests. Inspired by the fictional character Arthur, the hotel recreates his estate and secret garden, showcasing his extensive collection of art and treasures from his world travels. This rebranding project sets the hotel apart from other W branded hotels, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

The concept behind the design of W Atlanta Midtown revolves around the character of Arthur and his passion for art and storytelling. The hotel's interior reflects his eclectic taste and love for collecting unique items. Each piece in the collection has a story to tell, and Arthur hopes that they will spark conversations and create special moments among friends during their stay.

Virserius Studio took great care in designing the hotel to reflect Arthur's personality and the city of Atlanta. The art collection pays homage to Atlanta as the epicenter of music, entertainment, and sports, creating a strong connection between the hotel and its surroundings. The design team crafted a robust narrative around Arthur, making the hotel a living testament to his adventures and experiences.

The realization of the design involved the use of various techniques and technologies. Bespoke furniture, flooring, and digital wallcoverings were meticulously designed by Virserius Studio to recreate Arthur's living room and botanical garden. The den, inspired by the Middle Eastern folktale "One Thousand and One Nights," features art commissioned by a local artist, painted onto the ceiling. The living room boasts intimate seating arrangements with traditional and bohemian touches, while the flowers on the ceiling are taken directly from Arthur's garden.

The lobby and bar area, measuring approximately 929.0304 square meters, offer a unique space for guests to work, chat, or simply people-watch. The tiered terraces with amphitheater seating can be used for private gatherings or public events, adding versatility to the design.

The W Atlanta Midtown project began in 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and was completed in January 2019. Since then, additional updates have been made, further enhancing the hotel's unique atmosphere.

To create the fictional character of Arthur and the narrative for his estate and garden, Virserius Studio conducted extensive research on the history of Atlanta and the state of Georgia. They delved into the unique nature of the area, as well as the city's vibrant music and entertainment scene. This research helped shape Arthur's character as a well-heeled renaissance man who appreciates the arts, Southern hospitality, and his Atlanta roots.

One of the main challenges faced by Virserius Studio was to cater to a different guest clientele while maintaining the hotel's signature flair and sophistication. They wanted to create a space that gradually revealed the new guest experience, rather than making it immediately apparent upon entry. The design needed to be rich, elegant, and functional, catering to different audiences and offering elements of surprise.

From the moment guests step into the W Atlanta Midtown, they are transported into Arthur's world. The dramatically curved and abstract walls of the entry set the tone for the immersive experience that awaits them. The hotel's design, inspired by Arthur's estate and secret garden, creates a truly unique and memorable stay for guests.

This exceptional design by Virserius Studio has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel, and Tourism category in 2020. This prestigious award acknowledges the hotel's well-designed, practical, and innovative features, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The W Atlanta Midtown stands as a testament to the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive experiences for guests.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Therese Virserius
Image Credits: Image 1: Photographer Michael Kleinberg, 2019 Image 2: Photographer Michael Kleinberg, 2019 Image 3: Photographer Michael Kleinberg, 2019 Image 4: Photographer Michael Kleinberg, 2019 Image 5: Photographer Michael Kleinberg, 2019
Project Team Members: Principal Designer: Virserius Studio Art Consultants: Imaggo Production
Project Name: W Atlanta
Project Client: Therese Virserius


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