Search

×

HOTELS Interview: Andre Fu on design trends

When The Upper House opened in 2009 in Hong Kong, its design made waves — an impressive debut hotel project for Andre Fu of AFSO, a young designer who moved back to his native Hong Kong only five years previously.

Fu had designed hotel restaurants, such as Nadaman Japanese Restaurant for the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo and Cassia Chinese Restaurant at Capella Resort in Singapore. His portfolio also includes the lobby of JIA Shanghai and actress Michelle Yeoh’s private residence. HOTELS caught up with Fu to get his take on current trends in hospitality design.

HOTELS Magazine: What do you see as big trends right now in hotel design for public spaces, food & beverage, and guestrooms?

Andre Fu: The trend is towards a greater sense of personality. I trust the new generation of hotels ought to be much more personalized to its specific target market in its total offering. I should also wish to see a growing number of smaller hotels, hotels that are stronger in the sense of intimacy and comfort.

HOTELS: Is there a particular trend that you wish would just go away?

Fu: The stereotypical hotels that are soulless.

HOTELS: What do you find challenging or rewarding about hotel design, as compared to other projects?

Fu: To me, hotels are capable of offering the ultimate hospitality experience — an experience that is holistic in all aspects. Be it the proportions of the spaces, the carefully selected artwork or even the scent, all of which are combined to conjure up a bespoke experience.

HOTELS: You are perhaps best known for your work on The Upper House. How did you go about determining which elements of Hong Kong to incorporate into the design?

Fu: At the Upper House, the city of Hong Kong forms as a backdrop to the design concept. Ultimately, the hotel is designed to reflect two keywords, comfort and calm, which in many ways contrast to the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city. It is this contrast and interplay of dynamics that make The Upper House distinct.

HOTELS: What are you working on now?

Fu: I am collaborating with trendsetting lifestyle store Lane Crawford on a 25,000 sq ft concept, namely, The Shoe Library. It’s a new in-store concept that shall be unveiled fall this year at their Canton Road store. Also, later this year, the IFC Residences, a 260-apartment residence designed to encapsulate the spirit of a modern Chinese mansion.

The sky lounge at Hong Kong's The Upper House, designed by Fu. Photos used courtesy of The Upper House
The sky lounge at Hong Kong’s The Upper House, designed by Fu. Photos used courtesy of The Upper House
A typical bathroom at The Upper House looking out on Victoria Harbor.
A typical bathroom at The Upper House looking out on Victoria Harbor.
Lawn stairs at The Upper House.
Lawn stairs at The Upper House.
The Upper House hotel lawn.
The Upper House hotel lawn.
The main dining room at The Upper House.
The main dining room at The Upper House.
Comment