Kim Rahn is the managing editor of The Korea Times. Since joining the company in 2003, she has covered various beats including the presidential office, Seoul city government, the Bank of Korea and the tourism industry. In 2014, she won the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) award for her coverage of the ordeals of migrant women in Korea.
Westin Chosun reborn anew with remodeling
By Kim Rahn
New and modern features grace the Westin Chosun Seoul after a five-month renovation.
American interior designer and architect Adam Tihany, who focused on creating more dynamics in space and harmony between modernity and Korean tradition, held the magic wand in creating the fresh aesthetics for the historically significant hotel.
In 2008, Tihany was in charge of the hotel’s lower lobby floor renovation including the buffet restaurant Aria, European kitchen Vecchia e Nuovo, and the flower shop.
“The lower lobby, in essence, was the first step in the renovation of the entire hotel. It added a more contemporary and fresh look to the hotel. My inspiration for the hotel was ‘modern corporate zen comes back to Seoul.’ I incorporated materials and textures that evoke Korea’s traditions in a contemporary way. The renovation also brought the hotel’s valuable food, beverage, and retail area into the 21st century,” Tihany said in an email interview with The Korea Times.
In this recent round, the designer renovated the main lobby, second and third floors, including the French restaurant Ninth Gate Grille, The Circle lobby lounge and the fitness club. Tihany said he focused on making a seamless transition between the 2008 and 2011 renovations, but evolving in the usage of materials and architectural details.
By Kim Rahn
“The rebirth of the Westin Chosun will be noticeable and significant, as the architectural dynamics of the space, mainly the ground (main) floor, have significantly been altered. The most noticeable parts are those spaces that serve a specific function, like the new reception area, the new retail Payard pastry outlet, and a specific lounge bar The Circle that is oriented toward a spectacular view of the Ninth Gate,” Tihany said.
“The fitness center, sauna and pool have all been retrofitted with an eco-luxury design concept. We looked for environmentally-friendly materials and its design is cutting-edge chic,” the 63-year-old designer added.
The Transylvania-born creative spirit said he tried to make use of the hotel’s Korean roots, using traditional materials such as wood, bronze, stone, water, and the graphic language of data, to realize “harmony between tradition and the new.”
Tihany Design, the New York-based company he runs, has gained an international reputation with an illustrious portfolio spanning 30 years including restaurants, hotels and shops to an airplane hangar and various exhibits. His works are recognized for creating highly successful, innovative and timeless hospitality concepts.
“There are still so many things that I would like to design! I would love to design a museum or a gallery, a public space like a train station, a great library or even a full-scale airport. Every project is an adventure and I look forward to each new venture,” he said.
Through the renovation, the Westin Chosun’s ballroom has been expanded to accommodate up to 1,000 people while the fitness center boasts an upgrade. The business center will be moved to the lobby floor.
Over the past five years, a total of 100 billion won was invested.