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Younch Hotel

MUDA-Architects

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Lobby - HereSpace
Curved ceiling and soft lighting scheme in Lobby - HereSpace
Entrance View of Lobby - HereSpace
Lobby - HereSpace

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Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
Hotel
7.82
8.10
7.95
7.32
7.8
Mark Eric Magno
Mark Eric Magno Principal at Aedas Interiors
I love the way the architect used n...
8
8
9
8.5
8.38
Arthur Guimarães
Arthur Guimarães Chief Executive Officer at Arthur Guimarães Architects
The genius loci is reflected in the...
9
9.5
8.5
9
9
Jessica Adkins
Jessica Adkins Brand Experience Design Lead Europe at M Moser Associates
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
Josse Popma
Josse Popma Partner at Popma ter Steege Architects
7
7
7
7
7
Xuechen Chen
Xuechen Chen Architectural Designer at X.C Studio
The interplay of natural and artifi...
8
8.6
8.5
8
8.28
Serhii Makhno
Serhii Makhno Founder at MAKHNO Studio
8
7
9
8
8
Mariana Schimidt
Mariana Schimidt Founder at MNMA studio
10
10
10
6.92
9.23
Zizhao Li
Zizhao Li Cofounder and Chief Designer at DSC · Design
8
7
7
8
7.5
Pooja Shah-Mulani
Pooja Shah-Mulani Partner and Design Director at LW Design
6.5
8.5
7
7
7.25
Burton Baldridge
Burton Baldridge Founder at Baldridge Architects
Simultaneously restrained and exube...
9
9
9
7
8.5
Wenqing Zhou
Wenqing Zhou Founder at Add Culture & Creative Development
7.5
8
8
8
7.88
Mike McGirr
Mike McGirr Managing Partner and Design Principal at red design
7.38
8.72
7.11
5.13
7.09
Anna Gitelman
Anna Gitelman Associate Professor at Suffolk University
Beautiful combination of materials...
9
9
8
7
8.25
Katie Mitchell
Katie Mitchell Managing Director at Seen Studios
8
8
7
8
7.75
Suvi Saloniemi
Suvi Saloniemi Head of Exhibitions at Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design Museum
6
7
7
5
6.25
Harkaran Singh Boparai
Harkaran Singh Boparai Founder at Space 5
7
7.5
7.5
7
7.25
Yan Zhang
Yan Zhang Cofounder at say architects
7.33
7.23
7.13
7.23
7.23
Jianan Shan
Jianan Shan Cofounder at say architects
6.61
7.23
7.85
6.5
7.05
Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
GRAND JURY VOTES
Shortlisted - Hotel of the Year
7.82
8.13
7.96
7.32
7.81
Ronnie Belizaire
Ronnie Belizaire Studio Practice Leader and Principal at HKS Inc.
7.82
8.25
8
7.32
7.85
Ismael Abedin Ingelmo
Ismael Abedin Ingelmo Founder and Director at DXMID
7.82
8.1
7.95
7.32
7.8
Pooja Shah-Mulani
Pooja Shah-Mulani Partner and Design Director at LW Design
7.82
8.1
7.95
7.32
7.8
Louisa Fan
Louisa Fan Director of Design Luxury and Lifestyle Brand at IHG ® Hotels & Resorts
7.82
8.1
7.95
7.32
7.8
Arthur Guimarães
Arthur Guimarães Chief Executive Officer at Arthur Guimarães Architects
I reaffirm my position as I comment...
7.82
8.1
7.95
7.32
7.8
Client
Younch Hotel
Floor area
3000 ㎡
Completion
2023
Finishes
Finishes

MUDA-Architects hold a deep reverence for the genius loci and the inherent context of each project, and this design philosophy is exemplified profoundly in Younch Hotel. The design encapsulates functionality coupled with oriental aesthetics, all comprehensively bounded within the historical fabric and spiritual symbolism of Xi'an, previously known as Chang'an. As the capital city of 13 historical dynasties, most notably the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an carries a significant historical heritage.

In the realization of Younch Hotel, MUDA has woven together materials traditional to the region like reclaimed wood, natural stone, and local dyeing textile art. The blend of these time-honored elements with modern technology enables the creation of a hospitable space that bridges the connection between nature and history, innovation and tradition.

The public spaces are characterized by the harmonious interplay of function and comfort. The design highlights nature and tranquility through its sunken courtyard garden and adjoining tearoom area. As a refuge for weary souls, the garden brings forth a sense of tranquility with its seasonal flowers, water features, and lotus flowers. It promptly establishes an environment that encourages relaxation by detaching occupants from the usual urban stressors. On a functional level, elements like the wooden-framed glass partition offer flexibility. It can be freely adjusted to connect interior and exterior spaces when desired.

One of the key design attributes of the hotel is the careful employment of rectangular windows. They vary in size and proportion to ensure the optimal introduction of natural light. Also, a beautiful and patterned drama of light and shadow unfolds within the circumference of the sunken courtyard garden. The upper floor hosts a spectacle of the city through large windows that offer robust views of the ancient city wall. A bronze-hued spiral staircase leads to the basement, uncovering spaces allocated for dining, socializing, and dessert indulgence.

Accommodation has been tailored for the needs of leisure and business travelers, focusing primarily on detail and texture. The rooms incorporate warm wood wall and flooring finishes and terra-color textured paint to instill a welcoming atmosphere. The curvature of the sloping ceiling continues from the lobby to the interior of king bed suites. Natural light filters in, softly glancing off the curve and subtly illuminating the room. Each room is decorated with exquisitely curated Chang'an art pieces, including dyed silk paintings, landscape or architectural illustrations, and artisan ceramic works, paring with carefully selected antique furniture.

Material selection prioritizes sustainability, like reclaimed wood and locally-sourced stone. Coupled with energy-saving lighting systems and wastewater recycling practices, the hotel's commitment to environmental protection is accomplished to its maximum without interfering basic functions.