The Gracechurch, London

Old is good, and time has substance - The Gracechurch, London Aging gracefully and developing personality over time Renovating old buildings is like dealing with the elderly, who also want to be "modernized" and "trendy," although certain insurmountable inherent ideas have been formed in the baptism of time, just like the fashion of old buildings in their era. This Grade II listed building was originally built in 1913 as the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in the City of London. Its design adopts a decorative but industrial art style, which is an important part of 19th-century architecture in Europe and the Americas. Working with historical buildings is always a delicate dance between preservation and innovation. For us, preserving key architectural elements is not only a heritage consideration, but also a design opportunity to be eye-catching. The Beaux-Arts structure has a sense of grandeur, which is increasingly rare in contemporary hotel design. We are determined not to let the modern aspects overwhelm the history, so we designed suitable woodwork to complement rather than compete with the original materials. Winding benches and free-standing seats in pink and blue tones. Brushed brass rails with clothing-like translucent curtains wrap the space, cleverly defining areas without intrusive partitions. The concept is influenced by the history of tailoring in the City of London, which predates the area's current reputation as a commercial district. Sisal carpets add texture, while neutral-toned walls are decorated with vibrant prints by pop art pioneer Eduardo Paolozzi.