Many architectural endeavors aim to generate the next breakthrough or launch the next cutting-edge trend. But in many cases, it is also vital that the design of new projects respects the heritage and culture of the environments in which they will be located. .
Showing respect for a region’s history and original heritage is more than an honorable act. Owners and developers have long identified that many of the most successful resorts, communities, advertising districts and other housing incorporate original links to the land and indigenous peoples. people who lived there first.
“By allowing the history and culture of the region to be a guiding force in design, we are building a project that enriches the experience and creates meaning for its visitors, while also honoring the local community,” said Scott LaMont, CEO of EDSA, a company more of a planning company, 60-year-old landscaping, architecture and urban design founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “As we incorporate the authenticity and history of design position, there is a deeper point of artistic thinking that translates and resonates with the end user. This makes their delight more memorable and to which they will have to return. . . We tap into a deep appreciation of the local ethos as we integrate original concepts and ecological narratives to create harmonious spaces that have social, cultural, environmental and economic significance.
One of EDSA’s favorite LaMont examples incorporating ancient or cultural elements came in Mayakoba’s design, a personal progression in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. He was challenged to design and build 3 of the 4 hotels and a golf course on the 620 acres. Of progression, the EDSA team encouraged through the ancient Mayan peoples of the region.
“From there, we were able to create a complex and complementary model of ecotourism, where waterways restored surrounding wildlife and herbarium topography advanced the guest experience,” LaMont recalls. “This procedure has allowed the herbal and synthetic systems to be absolutely intertwined. “
For example, at Rosewood Mayakoba Resort, hotel plots were deliberately located at the back of a mangrove slope to ensure a nonviolent balance between wildlife and guests. “This context and disposition honors the Historically inland Mayan settlements,” LaMont said. From cramming the waterfront with dense structures, the low-rise suites were raised on stilts with a more natural and pristine sensibility. This low-impact form has become an environmentally friendly design model.
winning draws
When New York-based Champalimaud Design was commissioned to design the recovery of the famous Raffles Hotel Singapore, the hotel’s mythical history contributed to its modern reinvention. The Raffles Hotel is one of the most beloved and identifiable places in Asia.
Champalimaud took on the challenge of creating a design that revered the history of the place, while meeting the needs of the most exclusive globetrotters of the time. “Singapore is a melting pot and our design reflects influences from cultural and ornamental traditions,” says Ed Bakos, CEO of Champalimaud Design. “Guest bathrooms feature waterjet cut mosaic floors inspired by Peranakan patterns. And we have created a place to eat that celebrates the Indian Tiffin tradition. We’ve also worked hard to maintain some of the captivating details, modernizing the original electrical switches to supply the dimming and controls expected by today’s clientele.
A reputation for design responses encouraged through the nuances of one has allowed SB Architects, 62, to carve out an international reputation. The company has won awards for works such as Conrad Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. and above all a tranquil tropical oasis, the hotel will pay homage to the heritage of the Huichol people, while highlighting their veneration for the herbalist world.
“Design that captures the underlying history and spirit of a place can motivate knowledge of history and elicit emotionally resonant stories for visitors, hitting them on offer and connecting them to a place’s resilience and inimitable character,” said Scott Lee, president and CEO of SB Architects.
“An original connection to the stall instills a deeper appreciation and sense of interest in hotel guests, creates a lasting impression and contributes to a sense of timelessness in the property. “