Philippe Starck's Miami hotel uses bespoke design to celebrate 'the memory of gesture'
by Kim Megson | 02 Nov 2016
Credit: Jikatu
– Philippe Starck
Designer Philippe Starck, architects Arquitectonica, hospitality group sbe and developer Related Group have joined forces to launch a “poetic” new hotel in Miami’s burgeoning Brickell neighbourhood.
Arquitectonica have designed the building for the SLS Brickell – a 55-storey tower with a faceted bas relief pattern – on the bustling South Miami Avenue. Starck has designed its 124 hotel rooms and suites and 450 condo residences.
“The materials used in the SLS Brickell have been crafted by the human hand,” Starck said. “We tried to keep alive the memory of gesture. Hand-broken stone, unfinished bronze leaf covering, purposefully non-straight stripes, hand-sculpted pottery. We have kept the trace of humanity alive.”
He added that the overall aesthetic “is one of timeless elegance with a small drop of humour, a drop of poetry and a huge drop of life.”
Leisure amenities at the hotel include a Sky Roof, featuring panoramic city views and a pool deck with alfresco dining and eight private cabanas. Wellness facilities include three swimming pools and a hot and cold plunge pool, a Ciel Spa and a fitness centre. Guests wanting to explore the city can drive the hotel’s house BMW within a three mile radius of the building.
“SLS Brickell epitomises what we stand for: an uncompromising yet modern approach to luxury, infused with playfulness, spirit, creativity and world-class cuisine and design," said sbe founder Sam Nazarian.
Related Group chairman Jorge Perez added: “The hotel is envisioned as a sophisticated and contemporary urban paradise, and serves a pivotal role in reshaping Miami's financial district with tremendous culture and hospitality.
"I'm extremely pleased with our debut SLS branded residences and excited for our partnership with sbe to grow with forthcoming ventures, including an SLS LUX Puerto Madero in my hometown of Buenos Aires."
Arquitectonica, who are based in Miami, are responsible for another of the city’s new design-led hotels, having just collaborated with Clodagh Design on EAST, Miami, the first Swire Hotels property in the US.
Philippe Starck SLS Brickell sbe Related Group Arquitectonica architecture design Miami
Guest rooms have a view out towards one of Miami's most vibrant neifghbourhoods Credit: sbe
The hotel is designed for both business and leisure travellers and long-term residents Credit: sbe
The aim of sbe was to create 'an uncompromising, yet modern approach to luxury' Credit: sbe
04 Aug 2016
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FEATURE: CLAD people – Philippe Starck - Designer
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