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Wilson Associates captures the spirit of place in design of Atlantis and other Middle East hospitality projects
Source: BI-ME , Author: BI-ME staff
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 11:38 am
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UAE. If you ask Trisha Wilson, Founder and CEO of Wilson Associates - consistently ranked as one of the world's top hospitality design firms - the key to her company's success, she will tell you that international expansion has been an important factor. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas since its founding in 1971, the firm has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, Shanghai, Johannesburg and an associate office in Cochin, India, to better serve clients around the globe.

Today, more than 90% of Wilson Associates' work is international, and the firm is expanding in the Middle East region.

Dubai has been the site of some of the most exciting recent projects undertaken by Wilson and her team and the rich, cultural heritage of the Middle East has helped shape the work.

"We are seeing quality, elegance and luxury brought to a new level in Dubai and elsewhere in the region," said Trisha Wilson. "Our designs build on the traditions of the past with a contemporary refinement."

Capturing the spirit of the place is Wilson's core design philosophy. "We don't have one look. We design for the client and for the market, incorporating the culture, traditions and topography of the project's location," continued Wilson.

At the recently opened Atlantis, The Palm on the banks of Dubai's first man-made island, The Palm Jumeirah, the myth of Atlantis provides a central theme for Wilson's design. However, Moorish archways, shimmering fabrics, gold and silver tones, precious stone accents and crystal fixtures, as well as the breathtaking vistas and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, make it distinctly Arabian.

The design of the Park Hyatt Dubai, completed by Wilson Associates in late 2005, also capitalises on its setting overlooking Dubai Creek by revealing a nautical influence. The colour palette is inspired by the surrounding landscape and architectural details are highlighted through shadow and texture, creating a calm, urban oasis.

The design of The Palace, The Old Town in the centre of the new Burj Dubai district was completed by Wilson Associates in January 2008. There, it was fundamental that the firm work within the scheme of the Old Town development surrounding the hotel, which includes the Souk Al Bahar, a modern-day souk. This souk showcases traditional Arabic items like carpets, perfume and jewellery but with the luxury of air conditioning and other amenities.

Likewise, the Palace, now managed by The Address Hotels + Resorts, reflects Arabic design but with a contemporary elegance. Specific inspiration was taken from Morocco, particularly the vibrant, multicultural city of Tangier. One-of-a-kind furniture, some crafted by local artisans, along with antiques and rich colours and regional textures and shapes, work together to create a family-style city resort with an atmosphere that is comfortable and residential yet in keeping with its 5-star rating.

Other work completed by Wilson includes the One&Only Royal Mirage, on one kilometre of private coastline on Jumeirah Beach, which appears as a fortress rising from the desert sands amidst the seclusion of palm trees that encircle it. Wilson's design brief was to utilise architectural history to design a hotel that would appear to have been built at the beginning of the 20th century.

The firm worked very closely with the architects to ensure the interior spaces and building structure appeared as one seamless element. They succeeded. From its low-rise sandy walls and battlements to its serene inner courtyards and fountains, Dubai's 5-star Royal Mirage Resort embodies an eclectic mix of historic architecture and design typical of the United Arab Emirates.

Additional Wilson projects currently underway throughout the region include The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; The St Regis Doha, Qatar; the Sofitel Dubai, UAE and Park Hyatt Saadayat Island in Abu Dhabi.

"One of the most important insights I have gained through my many years in the business is to maintain an 'attitude of gratitude'," concluded Wilson. "I am grateful for the tremendous projects our clients entrust with us; projects that take us to all corners of the world designing places of incredible beauty and luxury."

See also www.wilsonassoc.com
 

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