Renaissance Downtown Phoenix Research, Program, Concept I Rutuja Chittekar
Executive Summary Renaissance Downtown Phoenix is one of the oldest luxury hotels in the Phoenix. The original Adam’s Hotel was built in 1896. It has gone several renovations over the years since then and has a great significance in the Downtown Neighborhood. It is in close proximity with many offices, cultural centers, Museums and Phoenix Convention Center. This brings lot of visitors to the hotel throughout the year. City of Phoenix initiated the project of activating two blocks between Central avenue and 2nd street on Adam’s Street. It is a pedestrian corridor which connects front of the convention center to rest of the downtown Phoenix. Research study provided by Gensler and initiative from the owner of Hotel Renaissance has made easier for the City of Phoenix officials to make this project a success so far. The scope for this project is to rethink the lobby of this hotel along with bar and the coffee shop that opens up to a landscape corridor on Adam’s street. This connection to the outdoor space will play a crucial role in addressing the new design. Initial research for the project background lead to two main case studies based on the typologies. The study of indoor-outdoor spatial relationships at AZ 88 in Scottsadale and functioning of a lobby in The W Scottsdale. These two studies provided good insights on hospitality experiences and the local culture that is followed by the industry. The project objectives and Renaissance brand formed an user experience from a local as well as visitor’s perspective. This initial research coupled with the idea of discovery from the Renaissance brand, formed the idea of wanderer in Downtown Phoenix and what would be the possible discoveries. The most prominent and exclusive one was the Mural art on the walls and alleys of Downtown neighbourhood. The architecture of the facade tells a beautiful story of bridging “old and the new”. This project will explore the surroundings and bring that character of Downtown Phoenix inside to make it a memorable experience.
Table of Contents • Site background
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• Case Studies
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• Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis 22 • Context Diagram
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• Concept Statement
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• Precedent Images
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• Sustainability Goals
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Site Analysis
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Site Background Downtown Phoenix has its own and unique identity which stands out from the surrounding buildings, landscape, people and culture. The area holds many financial, local, state and federal government, business and other corporation offices. Even though the Downtown Phoenix is located from 7th street to 7th avenue, the real concentration is in the area of Central avenue and Washington street. Majority of Downtown Phoenix is moving towards a pedestrian oriented zone where people can walk comfortably between their offices and surrounding amenities. It is one of the vibrant areas in terms of art, dining, retail and which is available in abundant quantity within short walking distance. New innovative technologies are being introduced in buildings and landscapes. The convention center brings lot of tourists and visitors to the downtown area and it has thus become a strong center of attracting people. Welcoming people to the dessert and giving them the real idea of what is it like to be in the valley of Arizona has been a big goal for Downtown Phoenix. Thus, public spaces play a vital role in the downtown area for being a place to gravitate people and create activities that will make them stay in Downtown Phoenix little bit longer. Light rail has been a key component in the development of Downtown Phoenix. It connects this business district to the residential and other commercial parts of Phoenix, Tempe until Mesa. It has made the commute lot easier and comfortable for people who do not own cars. Interesting light rail stations, its innovative design and typical shading function of it is helping increase the pedestrian traffic in this area. As it runs on the main areas of downtown, people catch the beautiful surroundings, attractions and entertainment spots while they are on commute. This corridor is surrounded by designed landscape, mixed use buildings and important connections. During major sport events, concerts people prefer taking light rail because of its accessibility and comfort.
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1910
Current
1975
History Renaissance Downtown Phoenix is a brand of Marriott and is company’s largest lifestyle brand which offers distinguished service to people who travel for their business. This brand is about discovering new every time for people who are looking for new experiences in life. Renaissance’s motto is “work to live” that suggests providing moments during business trips which will be remembered. In other words, people who seek for discoveries in their work will find something unique at Renaissance Hotel. Wanderer, explorer, traveler, tourist, visitor, backpacker, commuter many words defining only one idea to ‘discover’. The idea is to be curious enough to find something unique and unexpected. Those ‘aha’ moments in everyone’s life that changes one’s life are worth celebrating. Hotel Renaissance brand understands the importance of all these positive moments in people’s life and lifts up to give an unique beautiful experience to its guest. Hotel Adams was built in 1896 by J C Adams. In 1910, the hotel burned down and was rebuilt completely. The new hotel was 5 storey fire proof building until it was torn down again in 1973. The current ‘cheese grater’ building under the name of Renaissance was built in 1975. A contemporary style building that is designed to provide a suitable environment inside. The current building is owned by Renaissance and is undergoing renovations in lobby and exterior facade along with the street improvements.
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Adam’s Street Activation Project Renaissance Downtown Phoenix plays an important role in the context of Adam’s street activation project. In the Downtown, this particular corridor falls between the light rail stations on west, newly developed convention centers on east and surrounded by several hotels, restaurants and a cultural center. City of Phoenix started this project in order to activate two blocks between Central avenue and 2nd street. It is a pedestrian corridor which connects front of the convention center to rest of the downtown Phoenix. The former dull and dead walkways were intended to be lighten up with landscape and other amenities. The study showed up some vital elements in this activation such as creating activities which will invite people to the Adam’s street, enhancing systems that support pedestrians and the proposed activities and the ability of these two blocks to sustain and hold successful events on its own Owners of the hotels on this street and City of Phoenix are aiming to generate the revenue which will create higher tax dollars and improved perception of Phoenix. Convention center opens up to this street and thus is an important location for people from all around the world who come to Phoenix for their businesses and thus come out during lunch breaks after hours for dinner to eat and relax. After the study provided by Gensler, City of Phoenix realized that it was not a great Phoenix experience for visitors. This activation project will address to the issues of connection of outside to inside spaces and programs of the building. Adam’s street activation project brings a positive opportunity to this hotel itself.
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Site Observations Retrofitting and Renovation of hotel’s façade is meant to help Adam’s street activation project as well as a way to generate revenue for the its own. The proposal is almost about to be done and ready to use. The hotel has opened its arm to the street and created an inside-outside space for retail. This semi outdoor space blends in with beautiful landscape which takes the advantage of the good weather Arizona receives for most days of the year. The shade for this space is completely in new form of steel members and opposite of the existing façade but does perfect job of bringing new addition to the building. Garage doors for retail shops is in fact a welcoming gesture of outside space and landscape into the inside and giving a good peek of hotel for people walking on the streets. These retail shops which open on Adam’s street is way to invite everyone whether they are guest staying in the hotel or not. This connection of urban fabric to the interiors of the hotel is a key factor in this project. Celebrating the Downtown Phoenix in Renaissance brand’s own way creates a special feature. Hotel Renaissance’s another important characteristic is the celebration of local environment and retaining the surrounding culture which becomes a great opportunity here if tackled carefuly through design. This Project is highly challenging in terms of context, existing conditions and the brand’s idea of discovering new experiences. A good combination of all three will bring successful solution - first to Hotel Renaissance and thus to the ultimate goal of Adam’s street project. The perfect blend of urban design and interior fabric will create a new identity for Hotel Renaissance in Downtown Phoenix. This is not only a hospitality project but an urban deisgn issue and a new approach towards the interdisplinary solution catering to give comfort, experience and a new inspiration for local public as well as visitors.
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Existing Conditions Alley
To the Ballroom
First Street
Main Entry
Lobby
Tertiary Entry
Secondary Entry
North Central Avenue
To Restaurant To the hotel
Bar
Starbucks
Adam’s Street
N
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Site Analysis
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AZ 88 Background AZ 88 the bar is located in Scottsdale Civic Center mall that holds Scottsdale city hall, the “Love” sculpture, and outdoor amphitheater, Museum, shops, restaurants, Civic center library and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. It is very famous for its ‘$8 Martinis’ across the Valley. It was opened in March, 1988. Inspired by the good food, drink, conversation, and warmth of family gathering at the home of his mother, Karl Kopp determined to create a bar and restaurant that would be so distinctive in its quality and style as to become a Scottsdale landmark. It is a very hip and modern youthful style of` bar. It has a full bar, good lounge and regular seating and a space that opens outside to the patio looking over the landscape of Civic Center mall. A well designed outdoor patio can bring a boon for restaurants. It becomes a great opportunity for holding a big party and events too when needed. The dynamic orange color leaf like installation that is placed above your head is eye catcher from outside. It certainly plays a vital role in inviting guest to this place without even putting a big name plate anywhere. This place could be a spontaneous visit because of its chic looks and vibrant colors from outside.
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Design Language As you enter through the patio inside the small waiting area with glass walls on four sides it gives you the clear picture of the entire restaurant for you to choose your own space. The seating inside and outside is bit cramped and on the weekends can become very busy. When you sit yourself anywhere inside, your eye catches the bar distinctively, it being very brightly lit compared to the rest of the space and an art installation behind the bar. Currently it projected a beating heart that beats with rhythm of the loud music. It certainly does not get unnoticed from anywhere. Another Interesting feature this bar has is in its red-pink color around the seating area inside. As you enter this becomes a bit overwhelming with bright colors accenting on the edges with an otherwise dark environment. But it does an amazing job of distinguished ambiance as you get comfortable. This also continues inside the restroom. Restroom that looks very dull from outside looking at the door, feels completely different as you enter. It gives a fancy look with bright red, pink lights that control the environment. Art Installation on the wall behind the bar compliments the context it is situated in surrounded by many art buildings. They change these art installations from time to time which becomes an interesting attraction for customers. Clear full height glass walls and doors that open to outside patio is one of the interesting feature of this restaurant. The connection of outside to the inside space is about a transition that influences human emotions. This threshold releases the tension between two distinct spaces which has very different function. Interior spaces are controlled in terms of physical elements like lighting, sound, temperature. However outside spaces are more natural, organic and free minded. AZ 88 does a good job of connecting the elements of their design with simple clear glass wall.
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Inferences
Bar/ Resturant (enclosed)
Threshold
AZ 88 the bar was mainly studied for the connection of indoor-outddor spatial relationship. This case study was a good example of what simple glass as threshold can do to the building and environment. An indoor space creates differnt effect on human behavior than the semi and outdoor space. The bridging of these three spaces is important in terms of design.
Patio (semi-open)
Outdoor (open)
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The W
Background The W is a luxury hotel is one of the chain by Marriott that started in 1988. It has an youthful style compared to other Marriott brands. It has its own brand language which can be seen as a common thread in their hotels. Lobbies are commonly known as ‘Living Room’. Another interesting concept Hotel W follows is the use of letter ‘W’ in various ways. For example; swimming pool is called “Wet”, concierge is “Whatever Whenever”, laundry room as “Wash”. The W hotels are contemporary luxury designs that intend to give extra ordinary experience. Each hotel is unique to the location with a play or work style during the day and very high energy spaces at night. They give really fresh, dynamic and comfortable experience just as if the guest is to live in their own living spaces. Hotels across the world are very much synthesized with the first one from New York city – energetic, vibrant and progressive. The W Scottsdale is located on East Camelback Road, 6 minutes from Scottsdale fashion square which has many restaurants and bars. Scottsdale is a very youthful and vibrant area of Maricopa County in Arizona having plenty of late night partying and buzzing hotels around. It sits between the Phoenix on one side which is a business hub for Arizona and Tempe on southern side which has one of the big campus University of Nation. Scottsdale is famous for its rich quality life.
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Entry Sequence The entry sequence to this hotel is very dramatic. A very huge entrance with a columnar installation right in the center where across is the entry door to the hotel. You seem to get so attracted to this piece of art that you forget to look at the door when you are walking. And it becomes very obvious if you are in car to go around this piece of structure to the valet. This is a huge space for arrival and receiving above which is open pool deck. On the right side you can see the Sushi Bar which compliments with the language of the building. After this dramatic entry you enter into the lobby that takes your breath away with its dynamic and vibrant interiors. The first thing your eye catches is the Blue back lit Reception straight ahead and you immediately know where to go. While you walk towards the reception, there is a retail store on your left and the bar, lounge and stairway up to the pool on your right. The entry sequence is very thoughtful and well-designed that does not need signage or wayfinding boards to move around the lobby. It is very simple and easy to comprehend. The language of design is very simple, elegant yet very youthful and vibrant that suits the Scottsdale style. Even though there are many elements in the space, they all go hand in hand with each other and complement each other. Bright blue color is very noticeable and gives the spaces an energetic and soothing feeling.
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Lobby Layout - The W Retail Store
Concierge
Spa
Sushi Bar
Bar and Lounge
Restrooms
Stairs up to pool deck
Arival/ Valet
Lobby
Lobby Corridor
Meeting Rooms
Elevator Lobby
Reception
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Bar and Lounge The connectivity from the Lounge is well planned and thought out. It is a straight simple corridor with connecting areas and spaces like branches. Ceiling helps connecting the two ends of the lobby when you look across from the entrance. The branches or spaces around are very highlighted with color, lighting and design that gets noticeable easily. One of the great things about this lobby is it give you a small, chic retail store, spa entrance and an internal entry to the sushi bar form the lounge. A really vibrant bar compliments the lobby of this hotel. This beautiful bar sits below the staircase with a back lit blue textured wall. The stairs have their own unique strong style of design that does not overpower the bar at all. Two of them with their own design language that holds a good tension in the space. The stairs in fact give a double height open space to the bar counter which does a good job of opening up some room during the rush hours. The lounge is very chic with its modern furniture. It is well lit on one side and also gives some dimly lit dark cozy spaces on the other side of bar. Bar and lounge has various styles of seating to give different experiences to the guests. This connects to the restroom and the other entry for the outside Sushi Bar. Stairs create a beautiful place for taking pictures which has become an important part of the Hospitality design these days especially for young crowd.
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Restrooms Restrooms is one of the areas which you will distinctively remember. In any hospitality project, a well-designed restroom defines the hotel’s classy style. This hotel does a very good job of giving a luxurious and modern style restroom experience to its guests. Even though the entries for male and females are different you essentially enter the common vanity space that has shared washbasins. This highlights hotel’s dynamic, contemporary and progressive thought process. It perfectly speaks to the young generation of today who believe in equality to promote gender neutral restroom idea. On the contrary after this surprising vanity experience you enter the cubicles area which is very calm and composed with traditional style. The entire restroom experience is dramatic to create a set of different emotions for people. Communal sinks are very modern, black with form oriented design of its own. This is a good example how a space can change human behavior and plays an important role in influencing the society.
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Decorative Elements Once again, the cohesiveness shows prominently within the space through decorative art pieces on the sides of the long lobby corridor to the elevator lobby. Flooring and ceiling of this corridor is very clean beige and simple that does not overwhelm you while you walk. This gets your attention to the left side towards these dark black sculptures that look like human figures in an artsy form with a different chair in every little block. These leather chair catches your eye and you momentarily linger around these art pieces. Placement of this is very perfect and it accents the wall in way to be appreciated well.
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Inferences Lobby of Hotel W Scottsdale brings a sensory environment experience for the people around the valley and visitors who come for business trips. It is indeed an extraordinary and exclusive experience designed for people that look for high end energetic time. The brand clearly speaks through elements, service and design of the space. It serves local culture in the neighborhood of Scottsdale giving a destination for social gatherings.
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Project Goal
This project will explore the the redesign of the hotel’s lobby and its connection to the surrounding neighborhood through the concept of ‘discovery’.
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Quantitative Analysis (Programming) Alley
From the Ballroom
From Restaurant From the hotel
To Central Avenue & Melinda’s Alley
Bar
From Phoenix Convention Center
First Street
Lobby From Adam’s Street
North Central Avenue
Reception
Coffee Shop
Space
Sq Foot
Entries to the lobby 16522 + 602.75 Adam’s Street
N
Main Lobby
3982.33
Reception
1470
Bar
2128.60
Coffee shop
1474.5
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Qualitative Analysis (Brand Experience)
Brian is a software developer from a company in Seattle. He is visiting Phoenix for a business his company is looking forward to. He goes straight to the conference from the airport in the Phoenix Convention center in Downtown Phoenix. In the afternoon, he decides to move towards Hotel Renaissance for the stay because he is very much familiar with the brand from all around the world. When he Commences the hotel, he is satisfied to find that essence of the brand where he feels comfortable. He wanders in the lobby to reach near the reception area to seek help for further procedures.
Brian - Visitor
Anna and Chris are taking an afternoon walk in the downtown area after a long time since they moved to Tuscon. Talking about their old days in downtown, they enter Adam’s street and see a beautiful coffee shop over by the sidewalk. As they enter the coffee shop, they sit themselves near the garage door. Unwinding into the surroundings, they are take in the outside street and immerse into talking. They wonder how they have never noticed this Renaissance hotel before. Anna suggest to go in after a cup of coffee to take a look. Chris agrees as he looks across towards the live and vibrant hotel lobby. As they are wandering in the lobby and appreciating this new discovery today, they meet Brian in the waiting lounge. After brief introductions, Brian mentions that it’s his first time in Phoenix and he is looking forward to spend some time around before he flies back. Anna and Chris suggest some places to go around and urges him to explore some nature as its beautiful weather. Brian waves a goodbye to them and smiles to see beautiful sunny day outside across the bar. All of them are happy to have discovered something new today.
Chris and Anna - Locals
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Context Diagram 10
4 mi
nu
5
1. Hotel Hyatt
te
s
2. Phoenix Convention Center
9 5 minutes
7
Site
6
3. Hotel Palomar
1
4. Park
2
8
5. ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus
3
6. Herberger Theater Center 7. Orpheum Theater
10 2
8. Symphony Hall 9. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Basilica 10. Talking Stick Resort Arena
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Mural Locator 1
2
5
6
1. Roosevelt and 7th Avenue 2. Roosevelt Row 3. 1st and Adam’s Street 4. Melinda’s Alley on 1st Ave 5. North 2nd Street 6. 6th Street
3 4
Site
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Mural Examples
1
2
3
4
5
6
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Concept Statement Murals are means of communication tool to express social, political and cultural opinions. Sometimes it also becomes an aesthetic element for the neighborhood as a form of public art. Roosevelt Row holds beautiful Murals by best known artists in Phoenix. Roosevelt Row Art District is a walkable, creative district in the urban core of downtown Phoenix that is nationally known for its arts and cultural events, award-winning restaurants, galleries, boutiques and live music Whether a local or visitor, it’s an interesting walk in the downtown to explore new murals every often. Most of the Murals are Mexican-inspired which brings a unique character to Downtown Phoenix. Locals as well as visitors find this art form to be an element of exploration as artist keep chnaging the artwork very often. These little discoveries are worth looking out for when walking in the neighborhood. Exploring the Downtown Phoenix through these beautiful murals around that define neighborhood’s alley culture to bring it inside the Renaissance Downtown Phoenix Hotel. This will give a unique local character to the hotel and a new brand experience for customers that visit.
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Precedence Pictures Clear
Gritty
Urban
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Sustainability Goals This project will follow LEED and WELL building standards in design and execution. For LEED, the important factors being material selection, indoor environment quality, energy efficient equipments and resources, use of natural daylight and good acoustic balance in the environment. For WELL building standards, the project will seek comfort, mindfullness, light and air quality throughout the design. This is important in terms of the quality of life inside the building for the users. The project will focus on overall sustainable bulit environment on a larger scale that will enhance the building life cycle.
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