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The Rich Palace & BMW Gallery at Surabaya designed by Moehammad Iqbal Al Madani 2019. Located in a striking tower in the bustling commercial center, this upscale hotel and convention center is situated 2 km from Bukit Darmo Golf, 6 km from Surabaya Zoo, 4 km from the toll road,and close to the city center of Surabaya.

 

The building faces southwest, capturing prevailing winds from east to west for natural ventilation,while eastern areas receive morning sunlight and western areas enjoy afternoon sunlight. However, due to its orientation amidst streets, the building experiences high noise intensity. Vegetation on-site serves multiple functions as shade, wayfinding elements, and aesthetic features, predominantly utilizing Japanese grass plants, with green open spaces utilized as gardens and relaxation areas, including art sculptures.

 

Design Base: Ideation

Surabaya, known as the ‘kota pahlawan’ due to the battle on November 10, 1945, embodies the history of the struggle of the Arek-Arek Suroboyo in defending Indonesia’s independence from colonial attacks. Surabaya is synonymous with resilience and hard work.

 

The site chosen for the building is located on Jl. Mayjen HR. Muhammad, a bustling area surrounded by office buildings and skyscrapers, making it a commercial zone. Observing this environment, workers from out of town as well as tourists require a suitable place for their stay. The space designed in a hotel should prioritize comfort, functionality, privacy, cleanliness, accessibility, technology integration, versatility, safety, and sustainability to ensure a satisfying and memorable guest experience.

 

Space & Activity

Space is the cornerstone of interior design in ensuring visitor comfort during hotel stays. Careful consideration of space layout, furniture arrangement, lighting, circulation, and acoustics is essential to create a welcoming atmosphere conducive to various activities. The lobby serves as the central hub connecting all hotel spaces, directing visitors to various facilities. On upper floors housing guest rooms, the focus shifts to providing more private spaces for relaxation. Through thoughtful design, hotels can offer satisfying experiences for their guests.

 

Concept : Imperial Opulence

‘Imperial Opulence’ serves as the concept applied to this project where the experience of imperial luxury can be felt, something new and unprecedented in the Surabaya area. Ethos, cozy, opulent, and sustain are the main keywords representing this concept, allowing guests to experience a new sensation akin to kings and queens enveloped in warmth and comfort.

 

Firmitas : immense, erect, bowed

Each space within this luxurious haven is a testament to firmitas —strength and durability, showcasing towering structures that exude stability while embracing the fluidity of curved aesthetics. Bold architectural statements meet the delicate elegance of curves, creating an ambiance that is both powerful and inviting.

 

Venustas : low-light, repetition, exquisite

Embracing the allure of low-light ambiance, each space exudes an intimate and enchanting atmosphere, inviting guests into a world of refined tranquility. Repetition dances gracefully throughout, weaving a seamless tapestry of harmony and continuity.

 

Utilitas : solace, enduring, feast

Step into Utilitas, where every corner is meticulously crafted to evoke solace and enduring beauty. This design seamlessly blends tranquility with timeless elegance, creating a haven that transcends fleeting trends.  

 

Material

For a hotel, the elements utilized are those frequently encountered by humans every day: vertical and curved lines, textures that are natural —neither rough nor soft. Reflective materials like mirrors and glossy materials that reflect light abundantly are extensively used here. The selection of these materials goes beyond aesthetics to contribute to the functionality of the hotel. A methodological approach categorizes materials based on their interaction with light: emitting, enhancing, and reflecting. This not only enhances visual dynamics but also aligns with the dedication to energy efficiency, showcasing a holistic commitment to sustainability.

 

Color Concept

The color palette is drawn from Surabaya’s lush surroundings. Natural green hues evoke Indonesia’s verdant landscapes, seamlessly blending with cool blues and grays representing the essence of the surrounding environment. Gold and yellow tones complement each other, reflecting the warmth of the Indonesian sunlight. Red serves as the primary color, symbolizing the imperial opulence concept, prominently featured in public areas like the lobby and restaurant, while neutral tones are prevalent in guest rooms to create a soothing ambiance. Green, known for its calming effect and ability to stimulate harmony in color psychology, is also used as accents and in indoor plants throughout the space.