Page 42 - I-Plants Magazine special 2021 Biophilic Design Awards issue - regular res

Bronze Award 42

Hotel Pools and Resorts
$30,001-$40,000

Project:
Marriott Hotel

Redesign

Congratulations to:

NPK Associates, Inc.

Chicago,Illinois U.S.A

The story behind this design and installation:

The Marriott Hotel organization contacted our design team to collaborate
on the interiorscape design needs for their pool and lobbies. They were
embarking on a transformative transition of the hotel decor from bright,
harsh 90s colors to a softer, more on-trend natural pallet. The architect’s
vision board included the title line “Nature in Balance”: a place where
nature and industry co-exist in balance. Our initial presentation included
inspiration images of past projects and images of elements that would
bring nature indoors. We Bring Life Into Buildings, so our creative team
had the unique challenge of satisfying the hotel’s request of creating a
“contemporary landscape” with a limited budget.

The use of birch poles and river rock
allowed us to create the illusion of a
natural forested river bed. Negative
What makes this design biophilic? space and repetitive use of other
design elements helped achieve the
client’s vision for their space and stay
The initial phase of the re-design removed the harsh, cold blue within their budget parameters.
painted concrete edges by cladding the planters with wood. The
presence of natural light and water in the pool were obvious ele-
ments already existing to bring “Nature in Balance” with the in-
door environment. Our goal was to add to the human response
by introducing other biomorphic patterns and elements that
you would see in nature. Natural birch, river rock, moss, assorted
textures, and a pop of color enriched the human experience.
Even the use of faux plant materials that mimic nature added
to the physiological and psychological benefits of the biophilic
design created for the pool.