This aqua dream underwater fantasy project transforms the existing Fairmont The Palm hotel into an extraordinary underwater fantasy-themed escape, merging luxury with the enchanting depths of the ocean. This refurbishment involved critiquing and reimagining the hotel's design to a new concept of our own. We began by visiting the site, sketching and coloring the original floor plan, followed by developing a new concept that elevates the space to a five-star underwater haven.
HOSPITALITY DESIGN
FAIRMONT ORIGINAL FLOOR PLAN
REVISED FLOOR PLAN
Falling under the AccorHotels group, Fairmont The Palm is a luxury hotel and resort brand located on The Palm Jumeirah, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. After visiting the hotel and critiquing the lobby there are a few design-related issues we felt we needed to address in our new design: the first being a confusing Reception layout The lobby featured two reception areas on either side of the main aisle, creating confusion for guests unsure of which direction to take upon arrival. Hidden elevators, the elevators were positioned away from the main lobby, making it inconvenient for guests who typically prefer direct access to their rooms after traveling, and lastly distant washrooms, the washrooms were located too far from the lobby, posing an inconvenience, especially for arriving guests.
our refurbishment plan focused on enhancing the lobby's functionality and guest experience. We repositioned the reception area directly in front of the hotel entrance, creating a clear focal point that eliminates confusion and guides visitors seamlessly upon arrival. To further improve accessibility, we added two cylindrical glass elevators near the reception, serving as captivating design elements pr providing a unique "time travel" experience, we introduced a distinctive design feature along with a virtual reality station and interactive screen to engage guests and modernize the space. We placed a live performance area opposite the central feature, providing entertainment and enhancing the waiting area's ambiance. we relocated the washrooms closer to the main lobby for increased accessibility and convenience. These thoughtful changes transform the lobby into a dynamic, inviting environment that elevates both form and function.