Page 133 - AIT0623_E-Paper

Foto: Wikipedia, Bundesarchiv

Historische Eingangssituation • Historical entrance situation Imposante Strukturen und Details nach der Entkernung der Bausubstanz • Imposing structures and details after gutting the building fabric

Wandabwicklungen • Wall elements

A carefree, eclectic mix of a variety of style elements from Art Deco, Bauhaus and Art Nou-
veau. The furnishing style is therefore not a clearly defined style in the actual sense, alt-
hough it is also based on certain common principles, but refers to an entire epoch, which
means that the interior looks like a "grown" structure. The hotel has around 100 rooms
and suites. The lobby and entry hall offer inviting seating, a sushi bar and fascinating
glimpses of the visually striking bar and restaurant beyond. The "Root" restaurant is lo-
cated in one of the two former inner courtyards. It was covered with an elaborate glass
construction and laid out on several different levels. These merge into one another and
are differentiated by different covering changes on the floor, as well as by different fur-
nishings. Despite the enormous size and imposing ceiling height, different areas are crea-
ted under the glass roof. Everything follows the design motif of an orangery, which is un-
derlined by the lush plants. Glass lights designed by an artist float above the guests and
create the illusion of a starry sky shining under the glass roof. A special, obvious feature
in the public areas of the hotel is the integration of the renovated historical pneumatic
tube system, a technical monument that was still used in the GDR until 1977.

Historical character and sophisticated redesign

In the design of the rooms, superficial décor such as patterned wallpaper or fabrics was
deliberately avoided; the high quality and, at the same time, technically sophisticated
workmanship of the materials and surfaces are revealed in the feel and in the “use”,
whereby well-thought-out detailed design solutions are convincing. By exposing the ori-
ginal brick walls and barrel vaults, it was possible to combine the historical character of
the building with the sophisticated redesign. Artists from Paris, Lisbon, Porto, London and
Japan provide contrasting perspectives: they combine the historical with the contempo-
rary. Art is thus an essential part of the overall concept. Grundriss Erdgeschoss • Ground floor plan

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