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W Hotel - SOL37

Atelier I-N-D-J

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L37 Main Space - Boris Shiu
L1 Lobby - Ian Douglas-Jones
L1Facade - Boris Shiu
L37 Main Space - Boris Shiu

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Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
Restaurant
7.55
7.45
7.40
7.20
7.4
Sonya Simmonds
Sonya Simmonds Global Head of Design & Build at Spotify
The apartment looks well thought th...
6
7
6
6
6.25
Hans J. Galutera
Hans J. Galutera Founder and CEO at HG DesignWorks LLC
Beautifully designed with maximum e...
6
8
6
5
6.25
Meryem Yalcin
Meryem Yalcin Assistant Professor at TOBB University of Economics and Technology
6
7
6
7
6.5
Wang Guan
Wang Guan Founder of Matrix Design at Matrix Design
6
5
5
6
5.5
Mike Tristram
Mike Tristram Strategic Lead at Checkland Kindleysides
6
8
6
6
6.5
Francesca Perani
Francesca Perani Founder at Francesca Perani Enterprise
6
8
6
5
6.25
Dang Ming
Dang Ming Founding Partner / Chief Designer at HONG Designworks / XUST
5
6
5
5
5.25
Rosie Haslem
Rosie Haslem Director at Spacelab / Labthinks
6
7
6
6
6.25
Minyu Zhang
Minyu Zhang Interior Design Director at SUNAC ShangHai Group
5
5
4
5
4.75
Luís Pedra Silva
Luís Pedra Silva Founder and Lead Architect at Pedra Silva Arquitectos
6
8
7
6
6.75
Mustafa Afsaroglu
Mustafa Afsaroglu Interior Designer, Co-founder at TS-DS
6
6
6
5
5.75
Jose Manuel Ferrero
Jose Manuel Ferrero Creative Director at Estudihac JM Ferrero
6
7
6
7
6.5
Jun Aizaki
Jun Aizaki Founder & Owner at Crème Jun Aizaki Architecture & Design
6
6
5
5
5.5
George Foussias
George Foussias Director of Interior Design at Lemay
5
6
4
5
5
Client
Suzhou W Hotel, Marriott International, Suzhou Hengtai Holding Limited
Floor area
1200 ㎡
Completion
2023
Social Media
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Located on the upper floors of W Suzhou, SOL37, designed by Atelier I-N-D-J, is more than a gourmet lounge—it is a profound exploration of light, art, emotion, and nature. With a core focus on integration, immersion, and theatrical spatial storytelling, the design seamlessly blends architecture, artistic installations, and interactive experiences to create an unforgettable sensory journey.

SOL37’s design follows a narrative rhythm, beginning the moment guests enter W Hotel’s parking area, setting the stage for a journey of anticipation and discovery. Through dramatic spatial composition, the design guides visitors through transitions of light and shadow, material shifts, and layered art installations, evoking a range of emotions.

The space consists of interconnected scenes, each defined by unique lighting, textures, and artistic elements. From a luminous lobby to an enclosed dark elevator, followed by a bright foyer and a narrow passage of shifting light, each transition evokes suspense, surprise, immersion, and awe.

Dynamic art installations further enhance the space’s artistic depth while engaging visitors through light variations, reflections, and movement. Bloom uses kinetic mirrors to mimic the blossoming of a flower, symbolizing the rhythm of life, while Lunar Drift features thousands of delicate panels arranged to simulate the changing moon phases, visually capturing the passage of time.

From the ground floor to the 37th floor, the interplay of light, spatial proportions, and artistic installations continuously shapes visitors’ emotions. More than a composition of architecture and décor, SOL37 is a meticulously orchestrated immersive theater, where guests take center stage in a multi-sensory journey.

Designed as a forward-thinking space, SOL37 integrates sustainability from the outset, emphasizing eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient technologies, and long-term adaptability.

The design incorporates renewable and recyclable materials. Green marble lends the space a natural rhythm while reducing its carbon footprint. Sustainably sourced wood and metal elements further minimize environmental impact.

An intelligent LED lighting system adjusts brightness based on guest flow and natural light, optimizing energy use. Natural light is thoughtfully utilized, reducing reliance on artificial illumination. Strategically designed openings and skylights allow soft light to permeate the space, minimizing energy consumption while fostering an organic ambiance.

Additionally, installations like Shifting Sunlight interact with natural light variations, enhancing environmental integration and reflecting a deep respect for natural elements.

Beyond its current aesthetic appeal, SOL37 is designed for future adaptability. Its flexible spatial layout accommodates different event needs, while the durability and replaceability of its materials ensure long-term usability.