Joyce Wang reinterprets colonial architecture in Hong Kong hotel
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark blends Hong Kong's heritage with contemporary luxury.
1Colonial inspiration
Joyce Wang Studio drew from Hong Kong's colonial-era manors for the Mandarin Oriental The Landmark renovation. Terracotta tones and green accents reflect the region's historic brickwork and parks. Custom églomisé glass details complement the modern atmosphere, while handcrafted Fromental wallpapers enhance the luxury feel. The design narrative celebrates the city's architectural legacy without nostalgic overtures.
2Art-integrated spaces
The hotel features custom carpets, tapestries and glass artworks depicting Hong Kong's skyline. Wang curated over 50 interactive art pieces displayed on sculptural plinths. The undulating staircase is flanked by lighting inspired by Yuen Long mansions' domestic fixtures. Each artwork tells a story about the city's layered identity, creating conversational touchpoints throughout the property.
3Material narrative
The lobby combines stone, timber and textured surfaces in a tactile experience. Fluted jade tiles reference traditional rooflines, while tangerine bar chairs create vibrant contrast. Spa areas feature flooring patterns mimicking breath rhythms, complemented by ceiling details inspired by Chinese calligraphy brushstrokes. This materiality bridges heritage with contemporary comfort.
4Residential room design
All 109 rooms and suites feature hand-painted silk wallcoverings and crackled gesso finishes. Custom rugs overlay timber floors with brickwork motifs. The reimagined bar serves as a communal hub with patinated brass panels adapting to day/night use. Chair backs bear crest-like emblems designed as modern family heirlooms, blending personal and cultural narratives.
5Architectural collaboration
Neri Hu's facade redesign emphasizes the hotel's urban context. Founded in 2011, Joyce Wang Studio's London-Hong Kong practice specializes in luxury hospitality. Common Studio's photography documents intricate details. Completed in June 2023, the renovation respects the building's 10-year legacy while establishing new design benchmarks for heritage-informed hospitality.
6Local-global art dialogue
Wang's curation features both emerging and established artists, reflecting Hong Kong's multicultural identity. This approach transforms the hotel into a 'pied-à-terre' filled with collectible objects that spark curiosity. Art bays encourage engagement, with each piece offering layered perspectives on the city's past and present through diverse artistic lenses.
7Spa serenity architecture
Wellness areas incorporate breathwork and calligraphy themes. Dual wood veneers in yoga studios create balanced environments, while decorative screens feature meditative flowing lines. The spa's late 2023 reopening will complete the holistic experience. Design elements literally 'breathe' with guests, from inhalation-mimicking floors to exhalation-inspired spatial sequences.
8Redefining Hong Kong's design landscape
The project joins significant recent design investments like Paolo Ferrari's 'timeless futurism' bar and Wong Kar Wai-inspired Dragon-i club. By transforming colonial references into contemporary aesthetic language, the hotel demonstrates how heritage can inform innovation. This approach positions Hong Kong as a living museum where history actively shapes future design paradigms.