RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL

SPECIAL REPORT RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL

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RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL: SYMBOLISM IN DESIGN

By Stacey Rowan

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Being spoilt for choice, guests can enjoy a cocktail on the outdoor pool terrace.

Given the crucial nature of its locality, The

“Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is designed ac-

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, located in the

cording to a train theme. The floor colours

heart of Sandton next to the Gautrain rail

with red levels and yellow levels symbolise

station, bears symbolism in its design.

different train routes. The lines on the car-

Based on the theme of a train station, the

pet represent a railway and at the end of

concept of the hotel design is represented

each corridor a picture of a train, subway or

through the many train-like design symbols

a train station can be viewed. The room

used within the hotel, with every element

numbers on the door are designed as a dig-

‘talking to’, and giving reference of, the

ital clock, similar to those in trains, and on

Gautrain that faces opposite it.

the 3rd floor next to the guest lift a different

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design, influenced by a subway, was used.

MKV Design, also contributed to putting

This all keeps in line with the Gautrain

this design concept on the fast track. Ac-

theme and it promotes rapid link,� says Jes-

cording to Maria, the use of a local theme

per Henriksen, General Manager, Radisson

should never be unoriginal. If it is, then the

Blu Gautrain Hotel.

hotel itself risks becoming just an imitation of the Gautrain, failing to celebrate the

For the architects – Tower Design Studio Ar-

theme itself. Cleverly, MKV Design made

chitects, led by Werner Alberts – the design

their design for the hotel reference trains,

had to draw people in from the train station,

but in the most subtle way. One example of

whilst capitalising on the idea of the inter-

this entailed the parquet flooring, used ex-

national traveller who is used to the idea of

tensively throughout the public areas using

public transport.

an African teak, being laid in the manner of railway tracks and sleepers instead of con-

Not only were the architects responsible for creating this symbolic design, but international interior designer Maria Vafiadis, of The interior, with its elegant furniture, is sophisticated, modern and avant-garde.

ventional straight-laid planks.

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SETTING A NEW ARCHITECTuRAL STANDARD IN THE SOuTH AFRICAN HOSPITALITY INDuSTRY

through to the trendy décor, the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, managed by Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, sets a new architectural standard in the South African hospitality industry.

Tower Design Studio Architects can take ownership of this new achievement. The brief given to the architects entailed de-

The five distinct brands under the prestig-

signing a high rise, mixed-use development

ious international Rezidor Hotel group

that could accommodate a hotel, a retail

sport a unique style and feel – from world-

component as well as office space. In order

class luxury at Regent; a fashionable stay at

for this to be achieved, the design had to be

Hotel Missoni; cosy hospitality at Country

flexible enough to accommodate all these

Inn and dynamic ambiance with Park Inn –

aspects, together with underground parking

and the Radisson is no exception. From the

garages.

architecture with its classic, clean lines right

EXCELLENT CUT DIAMONDS. AFRICA’S FRIST LUXURY

HQ Store: 150 West St CNR Maude St, Sandton Shop 16, Sandton Eye, CNR West & Rivonia Rd, Sandton T: +27 11 384 5600 www.africanromance.com

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A central core (or rigid spine) within the

demand and in short supply in Johannes-

building was created, which is used to sup-

burg, roof space has become an architec-

port structural columns which flow to the

tural trend. Cleverly, the Radisson Blu

perimeters. Due to budget limitations, pre-

Gautrain Hotel quickly followed this trend,

cast panels for the exterior of the new hotel

with its creation of ZAR, a funky new bar

were put in place. With all this structural

venue, located on the top of the hotel.

mass, and the building’s high density bulk, the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel may be de-

It is through these achievements, amongst

scribed as masculine, bordering on impos-

many others, that the Radisson Blu Gautrain

ing. However, with the architectural design

Hotel has now set a new architectural stand-

of the hotel being of a simple, clean, mod-

ard in the hotel industry – all this being ac-

ern and plain style, it creates for a contem-

complished within two years, from design to

porary feel, decreasing its heavy appear-

completion.

ance on its surroundings.

Another unique architectural feature of the hotel is its roof space usage. Being both in

Sumptuous cuisine is provided for at the up-market restaurants within the hotel.

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ORIGINAL INTERIOR, INTERNATIONAL BRAND Even though the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel belongs to the Rezidor Hotel group (which holds similarities throughout its hotels), it was important for MKV Design to achieve interiors that are original and distinct. Through viewing the inside of the hotel, with its glazed elements and flow of public spaces, it is evident that the flow and movement of the station areas is picked up in the interior design. According to Maria Vafiadis, the Radisson Blu Gautrain is sophisticated, modern and avant-garde. MKV Designs used a monochromatic colour palette together with modern classic furniture, which adds a distinctive elegance.

MKV Designs made sure that the new experience of this hotel had its own authentic story; that it works as a hotel and that it has its own “soul”.

The Radisson Blu Gautrain, although being created from an international brand, with a European perspective, had to still integrate local South African culture and heritance within it. This was achieved through placing local artwork pieces within the hotel, which were created entirely by local artists. The ‘proudly South African’ artwork, a mix of different media as well as conventional paintings, aides in combing the international brand with its local setting.

Guests can also relax in style at the lobby bar.

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LAHOM Clothing Concepts

R

FROM POLOKWANE TO SANDTON Lahom Clothing Concepts was established in 2005, its head office is in Polokwane at Standard Bank Square Cnr Thabo Mbeki and Hans Van Rensburg Street.

South African men are fashion conscious, sophisticated and discerning when it comes to quality, image and style. We make sure that each master piece reflects every person's self image, lifestyle and personality.

We have 100% cotton shirts, super 120s to super 180s suits (fine wool) with drops 4, 6 and 8 and genuine leather shoes that fits every wearer like a made to measure.

Lahom Clothing Concepts is a long awaited gift for Gauteng , visit us at Sandton Eye Cnr Rivonia and West Street.

Shop no 11A, Standard Bank Square , C/o Thabo Mbeki & Hans Van Ransburg, Polokwane Tel/Fax: 015-295 5099. & Shop no 17 , Sandton Eye , Cnr Rivonia and West, Sandton Tel/Fax: 011-783 3294 Cell: 082 883 4396. Email: beglobal@ webmail.co.za

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SPOILT FOR CHOICE WITH WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES

For those just wanting to relax in their rooms, 216 – Maria Vafiadis designed – contemporary rooms, all with breathtaking views over Sandton, are available. “We have a penthouse, standard rooms, business

With all the world-class amenities that the

class rooms, a junior suite and a corner suite

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel offers – includ-

available.” Modern amenities such as free

ing a fitness centre; cocktail lounge; bou-

high-speed wireless Internet are available

tique retail emporium; up-market restau-

within the rooms. Not forgetting a break-

rants; haute couture clothing boutiques; a

fast buffet after a good nights rest.

relaxing spa; trendy hair salons and ZAR, guests are spoilt for choice. With sumptu-

For those on business time, the Radisson

ous cuisine provided by Central One Bar &

Blu Gautrain Hotel offers its business visi-

Restaurant and cocktails by the outdoor

tors versatile conference spaces, seating up

pool terrace, in addition to all of the other

to 235 delegates, and state-of-the-art meet-

offerings, guests needn’t leave the hotel.

ing facilities which include free high speed internet and the latest audio-visual equip-

Visitors are ‘spoilt for choice’ because “…

ment. This hotel provides for both business

We’re a multipurpose building with a variety

and leisure.

of options under one roof,” says Jesper.

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216 Maria Vafiadis designed contemporary rooms, with breathtaking views of Sandton are available.

SHOP WITH FuLL WALLETS Not only is the hotel a success in itself, but, equally important, the retail arcade, within the hotel complex, has proven to be a success as a high end brand in its own right.

The shopping arcade, consisting of stores that range from exclusive coffee shops to high end luxury goods stores, is a crucial aspect of the whole architectural design.

Like the hotel, the arcade was also designed with the ‘train’ theme in mind. The entrance of the shops sits directly opposite the road from the station, and as such, the high end stores had to appeal to international travellers who wanted to shop in

a hurry. Fundamentally, the shopping space, in terms of design, had to echo that of the hotel – to create a cohesive whole.

Guests can now shop with full wallets using ATM’s, within the hotel, supplied by ATM SOLuTIONS, the proud preferred ATM supplier of choice. More and more South African hotels and hospitality groups are installing ATMS due to the safe, convenient and instant access to cash they provide for the hotel’s guests. Aside from the convenience of cash, their ATMs add value to any location, like the Radisson, as they are designed and manufactured to be visually appealing.

ATM Solutions, leaders in ATM operation and deployment, installs bank branded ATMS for eight of Southern Africa’s largest banks and has been in the industry for over

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ten years deploying over 4000 off-premise

In addition, departing from the O.R. Tambo

ATMs to date, which are supported through

International Airport and travelling by

a dedicated network of service centres and

Gautrain at speeds of up to 160 km/h, visi-

technicians throughout the region.

tors to the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel will take only 15 minutes from the airport to

EASY REACH

reach the hotel’s doorstep. This is another

Apart from these fantastic amenities, the

other hotel with the hotel group.

factor that makes the hotel unique from any

hotel’s prime location, situated on Rivonia Road, allows guests to enjoy visiting Sandton City, multinational corporations, Nelson Mandela Square, the Sandton International Convention Centre, Gautrain Station, various shopping upmarket shopping malls and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, all of which are in walking distance.

The outdoor terrace and pool with a view of surrounding Johannesburg.

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“YES I CAN!” As part of the Rezidor Hotel Group, guests to the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel not only enjoy all that the hotel has to offer architecturally, but they are also assured of impeccable treatment and attention based on the Group’s worldwide “Yes, I can!” service excellence philosophy.

“Yes I Can!, the service culture that has become a way of life to those that work there, has built service excellence within the Rezidor Hotel Group and has been proven to successfully contribute to a proactive, creative service performance and to higher guest satisfaction. This makes Radisson, in terms of its service, different from any other hotel. As Jesper mentioned: “Yes I Can!” embodies the vision and philosophy of Radisson SAS – being the cornerstone of the hotel’s commitment to building one-on-one relationships with our guests and a personal

unique service approach. The ‘H.E.A.R.T. of Radisson SAS’ underlines the approach that it all comes from positive attitude and from the heart – being the abbreviation for Host, Engaged, Always, Responsibility and Teamwork.’ All in all, the hotel offers excellence, both in the spheres of excellence and in architecture.

When considering the response from guests who have stayed at the hotel, Jesper concludes: “There has been a positive response from guests who find the new age accommodation vibrant; the location convenient and the service to be excellent, of which we pride ourselves for.”

RIGHT: The red carpet colour, combined with its straight lines, represent a train route - another feature contributing to the symbolism in design.

LEFT: Artwork pieces, by local artists, are placed throughout the hotel, integrating South African culture and heritance into the hotel.

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