Modern hotel trend leans toward minimalism

PLANTERS, a leading interior landscaping firm, recently created a contemporary and sophisticated look for the Fairmont Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE, complementing the hotel’s modern design and refined atmosphere.

Simple green foliage plants were used to create elegant lines and balancing the artistic plant containers, according to Jonathan Pardoe, managing partner, Planters.

“As the hotel is very light with many glass panels and a minimalistic design, the containers chosen were, in contrast, unusual shapes and striking colours. The use of strong bold coloured plant containers helped achieve the required effect complementing the interior design,” he said.

Earlier, Planters completed a modern plant installation at the Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

“Together with the uniform, simplified planting style, Dracaena Marginatas, Aspidistras and Zamioculcas were used to create the wow factor,” said Pardoe.

The Radisson Blu and Park Inn enjoy a prime location on Yas Island. Situated seven minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the hotels have stunning views of the sea, golf course and Yas Marina Formula One circuit making them a regular haunt of young business types. With a sophisticated and progressive appearance, Planters’ challenge was to develop a concept for the plant installation that would complement the hotel’s up-to-the-minute appearance.

Working closely with the hotel manager and housekeeper, Planters was able to create a fitting design with modern, crisp and colourful natural points of interest within the hotel spaces by incorporating some of the latest designs in plant containers together with vibrant colours.

Pardoe said: “The modern hotel trend leans toward minimalism. This requires an artful eye to maximise the effect of fewer but strategically placed planting displays in order to give a ‘wow’ factor without overstatement. We are confident that on this project, we have achieved this.

“You can see the high quality of the plant containers, softened by simplified plant arrangements. Each display was carefully selected to match and complement its surroundings.”

“For example, in the main lobby, the silver wire planters with Dracaena Marginatas were chosen to line the glass wall to give a prestigious and eye-catching display to guests entering the hotel,” he added.

Planters has been internationally recognised for its work on this project receiving the Principal Award winner at the 2011 British Association of Landscape Industries (Bali) Awards.