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The Rich Palace & BMW Gallery in Surabaya, designed by Moehammad Iqbal Al Madani in 2019, is an elegant hotel and convention center located in a prominent tower within the city’s busy commercial hub. It lies 2 km from Bukit Darmo Golf, 6 km from Surabaya Zoo, 4 km from the toll road, and is close to the city center.Rizal

Oriented southwest, the building benefits from natural ventilation, catching winds from east to west. The eastern side enjoys morning sunlight, while the western side gets afternoon light. However, the surrounding streets contribute to high noise levels. The landscaping, featuring mostly Japanese grass, provides shade, serves as landmarks, and adds visual appeal. Green open areas function as gardens and relaxation spaces, also showcasing art sculptures.

 

Design Base: Ideation

The building is strategically situated on Jl. Mayjen HR. Muhammad, a busy and vibrant area known for its dense concentration of office buildings and towering skyscrapers, firmly establishing it as a key commercial zone in the city. This prime location is frequented by both out-of-town professionals and tourists, highlighting the growing demand for suitable accommodations that meet their varied needs.

When designing a hotel in such a dynamic area, the focus must go beyond just aesthetics. It is essential to create a space that caters to the comfort and functionality required by guests who seek a relaxing retreat after long workdays or busy sightseeing schedules. Privacy should be a top priority to provide a sense of exclusivity and retreat, while maintaining high standards of cleanliness to ensure a healthy and pleasant stay. Accessibility is crucial, ensuring ease of movement for all guests, including those with disabilities.

Furthermore, modern hotels must incorporate technology to enhance the guest experience, from high-speed internet to smart room controls, while remaining versatile in layout and services to accommodate business travelers, leisure guests, and even events. Safety, both in terms of physical security and hygiene protocols, is essential to fostering trust. Finally, sustainability should be woven into the design and operations, reducing environmental impact and appealing to the eco-conscious traveler, all contributing to a satisfying and memorable guest experience.

 

Space & Activity

Space is a fundamental element in interior design, especially in hotels, where it significantly influences guest comfort. A well-planned spatial layout that considers furniture arrangement, lighting, circulation, and acoustics can create a welcoming atmosphere conducive to various activities. The lobby, serving as the hotel’s central hub, should seamlessly connect different areas, guiding visitors to various facilities. On upper floors, guest rooms should offer private spaces for relaxation, with thoughtful design elements enhancing the overall guest experience.

By meticulously planning the arrangement of space, furniture, lighting, and acoustics, hotels can ensure a comfortable and satisfying stay for guests. Such design considerations not only meet functional needs but also contribute to the hotel’s aesthetic appeal and the overall experience it offers.

 

Concept : The Aristocrat of El-Dorado

‘The Aristocrat of El-Dorado’ is the guiding concept for this project, offering an unparalleled experience of elite luxury that is fresh and groundbreaking for the Surabaya area. Key elements of this concept include grandeur, elegance, and sustainability, creating an environment where guests can indulge in an ambiance reminiscent of royalty, enveloped in both lavishness and comfort.

 

Firmitas : repetitive, pneumatic, angular

For a hotel, firmitas (structural strength) can be achieved by using repetitive structural elements to evenly distribute loads, incorporating pneumatic designs for lightweight durability and adaptability, and employing angular forms to optimize load distribution and improve resilience, particularly in challenging environments.

 

Venustas : glamming, distinctive, opulent

For a hotel, venustas (beauty or aesthetics) can be expressed through glaming elements that create a luxurious and visually striking ambiance, distinctive design features that set the building apart with unique character, and opulent materials and finishes that evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication, enhancing the overall guest experience.

 

Utilitas : unite, duties, festive

For a hotel, utilitas (functionality or utility) can be achieved by uniting spaces to encourage seamless flow and interaction, ensuring that the layout efficiently supports the duties of staff and guests, and incorporating festive elements that enhance functionality by promoting lively, engaging experiences within the hotel environment.

 

Material

In a hotel, the design incorporates familiar elements: vertical and curved lines, along with natural textures that strike a balance between roughness and softness. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and glossy finishes, are widely used to amplify light. The choice of these materials serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. A strategic approach classifies materials by how they interact with light—whether they emit, amplify, or reflect it. This not only adds visual depth but also supports energy efficiency, demonstrating a comprehensive focus on sustainability.

 

Color Concept

The color palette for this project draws inspiration from a sense of regal luxury. Rich gold tones capture the opulence and grandeur, while soft beige hues add warmth and sophistication. The gold symbolizes the essence of elite elegance, reflecting a sense of grandeur, while beige creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. These colors are prominently featured in public areas like the lobby and dining spaces to convey a sense of lavishness. Neutral beige tones are used in guest rooms to foster a serene and comfortable environment. Together, gold and beige create a harmonious blend of luxury and tranquility, enhancing the overall aesthetic and experience of the space.