Located in the historic Drechsler Palace, the W Hotel Budapest reinterprets its legacy with a lighting concept that blends classical elegance with a contemporary vision. Once home to the Ballet Institute, this iconic building revives its artistic spirit through a choreography of light and color, a rhythmic expression that interacts with its architectural heritage without losing its essence.
The lighting concept is based on the duality between classicism and avant-garde, creating a visual balance where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Inspired by the grace of ballet, the lighting design enhances the spaces with a cadence of brilliance and shadows, highlighting the architectural details of Drechsler Palace while complementing the new interior proposal based on contemporary arabesque geometries. This play of contrasts—between delicacy and precision, tradition and modernity—results in a bold and unique hotel identity.
The design approach respects the architectural heritage while introducing a fresh perspective through state-of-the-art LED lighting technology. The light, subtly integrated like a jewel set in precious metal, does not seek to dominate but rather to enhance the space with a luminous quality that provides comfort and sophistication. This way, every corner of the hotel is illuminated with precision, inviting contemplation while maintaining a dialogue between the original structure and the contemporary intervention.
Every lighting detail has been carefully designed to enrich the hotel’s atmosphere. In the common areas, rooms, and spa, the lighting adapts to the functionality and character of each space, creating light scenes that immerse guests in a sensory experience. The warmth of golden glows and vibrant tones creates an enveloping ambiance, where light not only illuminates but also evokes emotions and transforms the perception of the environment.
One of the most emblematic elements of the project is the luminaire designed for the eye of one of the hotel’s main staircases. Inspired by a classical musical score, this one-of-a-kind piece becomes a symbol of the fusion between tradition and innovation. Its structure and rhythmic illumination evoke the movement of a dance suspended in the air, paying homage to the building’s history while illuminating it with a contemporary language.
W Budapest is not just a hotel—it is a sensory experience where light and color take center stage in a visual narrative that is constantly evolving. Through its lighting design, the project succeeds in capturing the essence of the past while projecting a bold vision for the future, setting a new benchmark in the interaction between heritage, design, and technology.
