Senior Thesis Volume II - Hotel Syncopate

VIRGINIA TECH INTERIOR DESIGN SPRING 2022

SET 1

THESIS FOCUS + DESIGN CHALLENGE

PROBLEM STATEMENT

This thesis project consists of a 36,000 square-foot four-story boutique hotel located in Melbourne, Australia. The hotel aims to create a sustainable environment that promotes occupant well-being through sustainable design decisions and the WELL Building Standards. The space will elevate the guest’s mental, physical, and emotional health. This boutique hotel will be a destination spot for guests to immerse themselves in a creative, sophisticated, and swanky experience.

This project will implement the importance of sustainable design within the built environment and why it is beneficial to the building’s health, site location, and occupant well-being. Understanding human behavior and the effects of both color and materiality, the hotel will create an environment that is comfortable, lively, and relaxing for each guest, while enhancing their health and wellness.

DESTINATION

Melbourne, Australia NEIGHBORHOOD SITE

Located in the Central Business District

LOCATION

350 William Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia

The locals are known for their creativity expressed in the arts, music, design, fashion, and theatre. Melbourne has a lively and diverse artistic culture. All over the city, you will discover the skill and innovation of local artists and designers around markets, jazz clubs, hole-in-the-wall galleries, and theatres.

Jazz music plays a key role in Melbourne’s rich music culture and history. Across the city, you will find various jazz venues, clubs, and festivals where artists come to play and enjoy their love for jazz.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Gardens

Gardens

River

Dock

Marvel Stadium

- Hellenic Museum

- Queen Victoria Market

- Baillieu Library

Melbourne Central Railway Station

Existing Windows + Natural Light Summer Solstice Winter Solstice

Existing Column Grid + Building Geometries

The building for Hotel Syncopate consists of four levels totaling up to 36,000 Sq Ft. The asymmetrical column grid presented a unique design challenge in order to create a functional space plan. Two egress exits exist on the original building shell. Two additional exits with fire-rated stairwells were added to meet the necessary building codes, located on the eastern and northern walls.

Level 1 Egress Circulation Plan

A skylight was included to increase the natural light through an atrium within the building. Solar panels and a “Green Roof” were incorporated on the roof to reduce energy costs and consumption , helping to create a more sustainable hotel. The Green Roof also helps to improve the air quality in the surrounding location.

THE TOURIST / SOLO TRAVELER

• Excited to explore the city and stay in a creative, sophisticated boutique hotel

• May be more active in social and community spaces to meet other guests, travelers, and locals

• Expects high quality amenities and single bedrooms

THE LOCAL

• Familiar with the area, looking for a relaxing getaway from routine life

• Melbourne is a melting pot for creativity and inspiration, many locals will be creative individuals such as artists, designers, musicians, and actors

• Wanting to immerse themselves in a creative atmosphere, spend time in the gallery space, and enjoy live music

THE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

• In and out of meetings and stress-induced environments, this guest is looking to relax and unwind after a long day

• Expects strong internet connection and spaces to work and socialize

• Frequent visitor; travels for work often

THE MUSIC LOVER / VACATIONER

• Eager to explore Melbourne, the hotel, and its tribute to Jazz music

• Expects spacious rooms with Queen, King, or multiple beds

• Looking to have fun and make memories during their stay

• Expects a stress-free environment with high quality amenities for a relaxing, comfortable experience

Hotel Syncopate is located in Melbourne, Australia in the heart of the Central Business District. Melbourne is a diverse, artistic, and cultural city filled with creative individuals. One of the most popular and influential music genres in Melbourne includes Jazz Music, specifically the Bebop style. Bebop revolutionized the face of jazz originating in the 1940s to express artistic innovation. Hotel Syncopate connects guests to the local history and culture of Melbourne through its tribute to Bebop Jazz. Additionally, this music style is recognized on a global scale, giving context for visitors from around the world to have a more personalized experience during their stay.

Bebop Jazz is predominantly characterized by its unique use of syncopation. This means the music consists of sudden chord shifts, irregular rhythms , deliberate distortions, and interruptions of the steady beat. It emphasizes the weak notes and softens the strong notes while continuing a quick tempo of energetic momentum. Bebop challenges conventional methods by taking something familiar and turning it into something new, to create a shared and personal experience. Hotel Syncopate aims to echo the foundations of Bebop by using a combination of pattern, texture, scale, and contrast to create a dynamic, bold, and sophisticated space. The moody and visually energetic environment enables hotel guests to immerse themselves a swanky jazz experience.

The parti diagram is inspired by the “interruption” of the steady beat found within Bebop. A central atrium is used to interrupt the building structure with the addition of a skylight on the roof. The void establishes moments of shift and change. The bold, dramatic circulation path surrounding the atrium symbolizes the “melody” that undergoes deliberate “distortions,” or shifts. The path uses curvature to speak to these distortions while flowing with a sense of purpose, helping to define the zones and establish clear wayfinding for an engaging user experience.

Upward progression through circulation and sightlines speaking to the “forward momentum” in the tempo of Bebop

Void introduced through building floor plates, creating atrium symbolizing the “interruption” of the steady beat

The circulation path surrounding the atrium that echoes the ceiling curveature symbolizes the dynamic, unpredictable “melody” within Bebop Jazz

Each level re-inforces the curveature creating a layering effect and cohesion throughout the hotel. The guests embark on an experiential journey as they wind through the bold, dynamic corridors

SET 2

As guests enter Hotel Syncopate, the space evokes their emotions and senses, creating a unique experience one has not seen or felt before. The rhythmic curvature, dark color palette, and bold lighting design work together to create a dramatic extravagance that possesses charm and sophistication. The carefully curated experience immerses guests in the local culture while exploring the warmth, creativity, and unpredictability that makes Hotel Syncopate a one-of-akind destination.

Guest comfort and well-being remained a top priority when designing the spaces, amenities, and features. The hotel’s sustainable design decisions incorporate the WELL Building Standards to enhance the health and wellness of every guest and reduce the overall environmental impact.

Enjoy Your Stay. . .

W ELL B UILDING S TANDARDS

The WELL Building Standard is a rating system that measures the attributes of buildings that directly impact occupant health and well-being through seven factors. It is designed to address issues relating to the health, comfort, and knowledge of building occupants.

Buildings should be developed with the user’s health and wellness at the center of design. WELL uses a holistic approach to health in the built environment addressing behavior, operations, and design

The Seven Concepts of WELL AIR WATER NOURISHMENT

Design the space to optimize and achieve indoor air quality through the removal, prevention, and purification of airborne contaminants

Optimize water quality while promoting accessibility by removing contaminants through filtration and treatment

LIGHT

Encourage healthy eating habits for guests by providing healthier food choices, behavioral cues, and knowledge about nutrient quality

Design the space to minimize disruption of user circadian rhythm. Provide lighting control options and appropriate illumination levels to improve energy, mood, and productivity

FITNESS COMFORT MIND

Encourage physical activity and movement through building design technologies and knowledge based strategies. Allow occupants to accommodate fitness regimens within their daily schedule

Create an interior environment that is distraction free, productive and soothing to enhance occupant comfort and satisfaction. Incorporate thermal and acoustic controllability and prevent known sources of discomfort

Design to support mental and emotional health, providing the occupant with knowledge and feedback about their environment through design elements, relaxation spaces, and state-of-the-art- technology

PLAN NOTES - WELL Building Standard

PLAN NOTES - WELL Building Standard

+ Guest suites each located along existing windows for access to natural light and outdoor views

+ Two ADA suites per level

+ Centrally located staircase and elevators

+ Each suite allows for optimal comfort and control through guest regulation of thermostats and energy-efficient dimmable LED lighting. All suite walls are insulated to help reduce unwanted noise, creating a more relaxing stay.

+ Water efficient systems integrated in all bathrooms to help conserve water without distrupting comfort or lxuury

RECEPTION

LEVEL ONE

As guests enter Hotel Syncopate, they are immersed in a dramatic, creative, and exciting atmosphere. The space creates rhythmic energy by using bold curves reinforced with LED lighting. Various patterns, textures, and scales create contrast and visual momentum, speaking to the energetic unpredictability of Bebop.

CENTRAL ATRIUM

The central atrium creates an inviting, fun community space for guests to feel welcomed into the Hotel. A large mural of abstracted jazz band players grounds the atrium, adding an artisitc element that keeps the hotel feeling modern and alive. The bold curves are seen on different planes, as well as above through the atrium on each level. A grand piano allows local and regional musicians to play live jazz music every day and night, elevating the overall vibe.

Skylight Feature

Solar Panels

Green Roof

ATRIUM AXONOMETRIC NTS

BAR + LOUNGE

The Bebop Bar + Restaurant is a moody, swanky spot for guests to socialize, grab a drink, or enjoy a meal. The Art Deco influences paired with red mood lighting and dark-toned materials create a luxurious atmosphere designed for relaxation, socialization, and enjoyment. The space is optimized for comfort through round, cushioned seating and a custom built-in booth seating option that encloses the space for increased privacy and noise control. The overall lighting is dimmable, allowing the space to adapt into different moods.

BAR ELEVATION NTS

BAR BOOTH SEATING

BEBOP RESTAURANT

GALLERY + BOUTIQUE SHOP

Hotel Syncopate includes a gallery and boutique shop as a space for local and regional artists to display their artwork, sculptures, hand-made items, and photography. The gallery connects the hotel to the surrounding location and community. The shop also allows guests to buy any hotel merchandise, such as bathroom products, hats, robes, or even beautiful wine glasses with the logo. The space is located next to the reception desk and lobby, making it easily accessible for anyone in the area to come in and enjoy, rather than exclusive to guests only.

The Beverage Station is a unique feature that offers complimentary water, tea, coffee, and healthy snacks, such as fruit and nuts. A water bottle re-fillable system is integrated above the water fountains for guests to conveniently refill on the go. Re-usable aluminum water bottles are given to each guest upon arrival, encouraging them to use less plastic and stay hydrated. The station is centrally in the atrium, making it easy and accessible for all guests.

BEVERAGE STATION

LOUNGE

A small lounge is included on the first level to offer a space of relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy the lounge by reading one of the books off the shelf, socializing with others, or taking in the outdoor views with a cup of coffee from the Beverage Station nearby.

The lounge is designed to create a more personal, quiet space that feels elegant but comfortable.

GUEST SUITE

ROOM AMENITIES

Each guest suite is designed to maximize comfort to ensure relaxation and luxury. Insulated walls help reduce unwanted noise from other spaces within the hotel, as well as outdoors. Various energy-efficient lighting options are included that have motion sensors and dimmers. Large windows allow for natural light and outdoor views, two important factors that increase the overall well-being of guests. The shades can increase their opacity to serve as blackout shades when desired. A speaker and smart TV are included to allow guests to feel at home. Soft, organic materials and linens elevate luxury and reinforce sustainability. Plants are found in every room to connect guests to nature and help purify the air.

Other features include a lounge area, desk, large dresser, kitchenette + espresso machine, and a closet + safe.

BATHROOM AMENITIES

The bathrooms are spacious that include a large custom-built counter top with two vanity sinks. Pull out drawers allow for convienent storage with a shelf right below. Towel hooks are dispersed throughout the room and a large copper towel heater adds another layer of luxury. LED, dimmable lighting allows guests to take full control of the pace to meet their needs. Guests can indulge in relaxation by turning on the rain shower head with different water pressure settings. Soft cotton robes, slippers, and towels are included to create a spa-like environment for every guest to feel at home.

Water saving devices are used such as low flow showerheads and aerators in sinks. These systems reduce water consumption and energy costs without reducing water pressure. Dual flush and 1.6 gallon water closets are also in every bathroom.

BATHROOM ELEVATION NTS

ENCORE

MATERIAL S ELECTIONS

In order to create a space filled with energy and momentum, various patterns, textures, and scales were used. A black and white color scheme dominates the space accented by pops of maroon shades, gold, and grey-blue tones, inspired by significant colors found in the instruments and Jazz clubs. Each material has a sense of rhythm, creating rich contrast that becomes a tactile and visual experience for the guests. A moody, creative, luxurious atmosphere is experienced here at Hotel Syncopate.

All materials were selected with sustainability in mind. Some of the environmental benefits of these materials include natural materials, locally sourced, containing recycled content, bio-based, PVC free, carbon neutral, recyclable, contribute to LEED, and are Greenguard Gold and HDP certified. 9. Grey Natural Stone 10. Lorca Grey Stole Flooring 11. Epoque Oval Ceramic Tile 12. Black Laquer Gloss Tin Ceiling Tiles 13. Black and White Pattern Ceramic Tile 14. High Line - Bordeaux Suede Textile 15. Mauve Wallcovering 16. Black Grey Stone Tile 17. Grey Blue FLOR Carpet Flooring 18. Brass Metal

1. Cadence Textile - Amethyst 2. James Dunlop Suede Textiles Bespoke - Crimson 3. Bexhill Textile - Amethyst 4. Mirroflex Bamboo Embossed Wall CoveringBrushed Onyx 5. Gray Krater Natural Stone 6. MirroFlex Sonic Embossed Wall Covering - Cal cutta Black 7. Persian White Classico Natural Stone 8. Art Deco Striped Square Carrara & Black Marble Polished Mosaic

furniture pieces for the hotel were selected for their curvature and sense of flow, speaking to the rhythm and tempo characteristics of Bebop. Each piece tells its own unique story, adding dimension and visual interest to the space. The furniture selections are bold and dramatic, reflecting the concept with an Art Deco flair. Additionally, they ensure comfort for the guests while maintaining a level of luxurious sophistication.

Key cards are used to enter guest suites that can be synchronized with a smartphone to help reduce plastic use and consumption while enhancing convenience.

Luxury products are included in the hotel’s brand to provide guests with an elevated sense of comfort, relaxation, and efficiency. Products use only natural ingredients from sustainable brands to enhance the health and wellness of the guests.

All towels, robes, slippers, linens, and eye masks are made from soft organic materials. Bamboo biodegradable and naturally derived bathroom toiletries are included in every bathroom to reinforce the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Diffusers are placed in the suites that allow guests to choose between various essential oils to meet their needs, whether it’s lavender for enhanced sleep, or grapefruit oil to energize your day while reducing stress and anxiety.

When guests check into the hotel, they are each given a complimentary reusable water bottle to reduce the use of plastic while encouraging healthy habits. In addition to the purified sinks and water fountains on each level, the beverage station located in the central atrium makes it easy and convenient for guests to fill up whenever they desire.

Sustainability reminder cards are placed in each suite bathroom to encourage guests to reuse towels and do their part to help the environment.

CURTAIN CALL

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) | ICC DIGITAL CODES. (n.d.). Codes.iccsafe.org. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IB C2021P1

Greening Your Building. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2021, from https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/ greening-your-building-toolkit.pdf

Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Building Materials in Australia. (n.d.). Www.superiorenergyrating.com.au. https://www.superioren ergyrating.com.au/blog/eco-friendly-and-sustainable-building-materials-in-au/

IMAGES

Daily Painters Abstract Gallery: “Jazz Kings” Original Abstract Jazz Painting Music Art by Texas Artist Debra Hurd http://dailypaintersabstract.blogspot.com/2016/01/jazz-kings-original-abstract-jazz.html

Jazz Art | Jazz Art Prints| Jazz Wall Art| Music Wall Art| Black Art (kerreamjones.com) https://www.kerreamjones.com/products/low-blow-1

John-Richard Collection Free-Form Sculpture | Horchow https://www.horchow.com/p/John-Richard-Collection-Free-Form-Sculpture-cprod97970001?ecid=HCCS__GooglePLA&utm_source=google_shopping&ad pos=1o1&scid=scplpcsku74130002&sc_intid=csku74130002&gclid=CjwKCAiAlvnfBRA1EiwAVOEgfMOGCtegMkHBXpBbvLWnbdcx45Sr9oRGKUJ3L8y q1LeEfdcoiUKgSBoCt5YQAvD_BwE

Drummer Art | Jazz Art | Jazz Wall Art | Kerream Jones https://www.kerreamjones.com/products/fine-art-print-african-american-art-black-art-print-home-decor-wall-art-living-room-wall-art-art-print-jazz-musi cian-jazz-drummer?variant=34684526985367

Debra Hurd Original Paintings AND Jazz Art: Abstract piano art painting keyboard painting music by Debra Hurd http://debrahurd.blogspot.com/2012/07/abstract-piano-art-painting-keyboard_08.html

Saxophone Sculpture by Edgar Harutyunyan | Saatchi Art

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Sculpture-Saxophone/997166/3673021/view?epik=dj0yJnU9a2lsaFBoM2R0WDdxS19oamVJUl9jNmFsdnFRal h6WlgmcD0wJm49VDBZUjNmVjZyODNuV0hGSkU4aUpQUSZ0PUFBQUFBR0pVcHpN

Black and White Tibetan Wool and Silk Area Rug By CARINI 8x10 For Sale at 1stDibs https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/rugs-carpets/central-asian-rugs/black-white-tibetan-wool-silk-area-rug-carini-8x10/id-f_7861003/?epik=dj0yJnU9ZV JlSXlKakVCX0VseU9ZdjJHNDVxV0Fvc2p5V1BhdlAmcD0wJm49aWdJV0piVkotMjlZeHAxalVVSTVPdyZ0PUFBQUFBR0pVcDVJ

Lungo drom | Paco Giménez (pacogimenez.com)

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pacogimenez.com/gallery/lungo-dron/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1651188947065587&usg=AOv Vaw03GZ6NY9EtfL-5MSHXoaiO

Lungo drom | Paco Giménez (pacogimenez.com)

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pacogimenez.com/gallery/lungo-dron/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1651188947065587&usg=AOv Vaw03GZ6NY9EtfL-5MSHXoaiO

bebop jazz photos - Bing images

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=GUdE55gG&id=C982CEB4DBA9C8C80CB930AE9BAAAEC4214B758A&thid=OIP.GUdE55g GDUZa6cwlUJTwmAHaE7&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.194744e798060d465ae9cc255094f098%3frik%3dinVLIcSuqpuu MA%26riu%3dhttp%253a%252f%252f25.media.tumblr.com%252f4381d3011aabdfbb58c1268d78ddf1a9%252ftumblr_mktpayoGSF1qz4txfo1_1280. jpg%26ehk%3d%252f2GmMY9pnf4siSd4WJu7%252bWG4zEjk9XCMx0IUtWzRgdU%253d%26risl%3d%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0&exph=666&exp w=1000&q=bebop+jazz+photos&simid=608023466523962006&FORM=IRPRST&ck=FE21C65EF1E0EF314921C108DE290F90&selectedIndex=5&ajax hist=0&ajaxserp=0

Swing – Heritages Art

https://heritagesart.com/products/swing-keith-mallett?variant=59097029003&utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social

https://www.jorgearevalo.com/imagen-para-el-festival-de-jazz-de-madrid-2019/

Picture Of A Continuous Line Of Trumpet Musical Instruments, Song, Player, Art PNG and Vector with Transparent Background for Free Download (pngtree.com) https://pngtree.com/freepng/picture-of-a-continuous-line-of-trumpet-musical-instruments_4167763.html

Bamboo Bathroom Products Archives - Eco Friendly & Bamboo Products (bamboodu.com)

Thank You for Your Stay Come Again!