Hilton Hotel Shanghai Zhangjiang Science City, China

The lighting design for this project goes beyond mere illumination, serving as a powerful and integral force that elevates the architecture and choreographs the user’s journey. By seamlessly integrating light into the very fabric of the building, the design creates a series of refined and elegant experiences, transforming each space into a unique destination. The project’s holistic approach ensures that every environment, from grand public spaces to intimate guest areas, contributes to a cohesive and memorable sensory narrative.

A core philosophy of the design is the sophisticated layering of light to evoke specific emotions and guide the user. This is immediately evident in the dramatic public areas. The lift lobby’s backlit “starry night” ceiling and the reception’s dynamic “breathing” wall act as captivating focal points, providing visual drama and a sense of expansive height. This grand scale is further explored in a spectacular, sculptural staircase, where integrated lighting highlights the bronze materiality and fluid form. These theatrical installations are balanced by meticulous cove and linear lighting, which washes surfaces in a soft glow to define spatial boundaries, highlight luxurious finishes, and provide a sense of comfortable enclosure.

Technically, the project is defined by its custom, high-performance features that ensure both aesthetic excellence and functional versatility. The ballroom’s magnificent ceiling, for example, features a dynamic composition of geometric backlit panels, providing a modern, architectural statement while allowing for a full range of lighting scenes. In the all-day dining area, a seamless integration of linear lights into the unique, geometric ceiling works in harmony with natural daylight to ensure consistent brightness and a welcoming ambiance. The design’s creativity also extends to utility spaces, with a large, diffused backlit ceiling panel creating a serene glow in the locker room, and a serene, linear cove lighting scheme defining the atmosphere of the indoor pool.

The design’s success lies in its ability to masterfully balance creative vision with stringent technical requirements. All illumination is discreetly integrated into the architecture and furniture, ensuring a clean, minimalist aesthetic without compromising on functionality. From the strategic use of decorative fixtures in the meeting rooms to the comfortable, layered approach in the guest rooms, the project demonstrates a holistic commitment to design. This thoughtful approach, which also adheres to strict LEED standards and leverages natural light to its full potential, ensures every space is not only visually stunning but also highly functional and emotionally resonant, establishing a new benchmark for sophisticated hospitality design.