Image Credit : Photo Courtesy of HOK © 2016 Eric Laignel Photography
Project Overview
Global architecture and interiors firm HOK was charged with the redesign of the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel, an 87-year-old property located in Midtown Manhattan built by the Vanderbilts. The project involved implementing major architectural and FF&E modifications to the entire 39,000-square-meter, 701-key, 16 floor property including guestrooms, lobby, reception, lounges, meeting & ballrooms, public areas and food & beverage outlets. HOK’s interior design was inspired by elements from the property’s past that are integrated throughout the hotel in a creative and original execution. As a result of this £138 million interior upgrade and redesign, which spanned nearly 20 months, the dramatically transformed, reimagined property is now able to meet the needs of today’s business travelers, meeting planners and tourists seeking an inspired hospitality experience in the heart of New York City.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
HOK Team:
Interiors Principal in Charge: Christina Hart
Project Manager: Migda Colon
Construction Administration: Jennifer Kim
Senior Designer: Caroline Bertrand
Designer: Rachel Mongeluzo
InterContinental Hotels Group Team:
Les Falk: Design Solutionist – Capital Projects & Development Support
Lisa McClung: Design and Construction (Americas)
Project Brief
From point of entry to dining areas, meeting spaces and guestrooms, visitors to the InterContinental New York Barclay will be reminded that they are visiting one of New York’s classic old guard hotels. In its dramatically refreshed and upgraded state and appearance, guests are certain to be impressed and enchanted in its newly conceived design.
From the captivating bird cage at the revolving door to the bespoke furnishings of the public spaces, to the comfortable and intimate scale of the meeting and ballrooms as well as the original custom designs and art work found in the guestrooms, the InterContinental New York Barclay has experienced a major transformation that is beyond cosmetic and reflects a new and grander vision than in its previous version.
The client has reported that the hotel’s guestrooms are not only fully occupied since its opening in April 2016, but that the meeting rooms and special event spaces are also fully booked and new groups are continuing to seek out this unique and reimagined historic 420,000 square foot property that is equipped to meet the demands of New York City’s varied tourist and business travelers.
Project Innovation/Need
The design incorporates key features that define and celebrate the InterContinental New York Barclay as a signature brand with custom unique furnishings, textiles, lighting, and a distinctive art program that allows it to stand apart from competing midtown properties.
The property tells a unique story of the Birds, the B’s and the Eagle as well as the grand style and speed of the railroad. The design team took inspiration from these icons, and incorporated them as recurring themes throughout the interior. In addition, a major re-design of the public spaces helped to improve the hotel’s operations and event capabilities, as well as general orientation and flow of guests through spaces.
Design Challenge
The design team was faced with the following challenges:
• How does a design firm update and elevate a historic Manhattan property with an illustrious and revered past that harkens back to the 1920's through a new and compelling design?
• Moreover, how does the new design respect the hotel’s past and tradition and also win over new out-of-town visitors and in-town aficionados seeking a modern, upscale midtown Manhattan alternative for lodging, business, pleasure and celebrations?
Sustainability
Not Applicable.
Interior Design - Hospitality
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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