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| The criteria for bedrooms seems to be that they are fun and fashionable as well as comfortable. Rollover to contrast W Times Square with W Union Square (above) |
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:: Panoramic Views
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The designers for the W Union Square are the well known New York practice of David Rockwell, involved in architecture, interior design and theatre design, so it is not surprising that there is a large element of the theatrical in the interior. The designers, who have their office diagonally across the Square from the hotel, have taken cues from the Union Square Farmers’ Market in their introduction of grass into the entrance areas. The use of grass on the reception desks and on the spectacular curving staircase down from the conference areas is not just a witty reference to the Farmers' Market, it also injects an element of humour into the interior, making it feel more relaxed immediately - a relaxed feel that is enhanced by the apparently effortless operation.
The grass comes in similar aluminum trays to those used in this interior, sold in the Union Square market by a farmer from upstate New York, who told me that New Yorkers buy it for their cats, which penned into their high rise apartments, do not enjoy the same freedoms as my own moggie. Here the trays are replaced regulary to keep the bright green accents fresh -and the grass alive!
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The three areas around the lift and staircase core hold the reception desk with its grass on top(right), the lobby lounge, here looking towards the main entrance doors (rollover above for detail of the signage at the end, behind a screen of bamboo) and (lower right) the bar and restaurant areas. Bottom is the view to the Concierge desk past the grass enhanced elevators. The bar is very popular locally, and lounging on the window seating is the place to be seen as a 'Friday night millionaire'...
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The Union Square building was originally an insurance company and banking hall, giving a grandeur still evident in the conference area and the wonderful marble of now back of house staircases. It has given tall ceiling heights on the ground floor. The space has been used effectively and theatrically to create a sense of presence in the hotel. Rockwell are a local practice, and with a local designer consciously referencing the interior to the local community it is not altogether surprising that the hotel has been adopted as a favourite destination to see and be seen, a stopping off place after work that fills the lobby lounge and restaurant with a predominantly young/middle aged group of trendsetters.
The public areas are very successful in creating a sense of place, with simple booths shielded by weighted sheer curtains to provide a semi private dining experience in the Restaurant (see the panorama). A spectacular bar provides a strategic port of call inside one of the two main entrances. Used for breakfast as well as other meals the restaurant is stylish but with a slightly decadant feel contained within the design. The carpets, for example, look assembled and the panelled nature of the window sheers give the feel of a slight blowsy French brasserie to a sophisticated restaurant.
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