TRENDS

WE MEET... DELIGHTFULLY DANISH TOM FLANAGAN, AREA VICE-PRESIDENT HASMITA AMTHA VISITS SOME OF ’S FLAGSHIP DESIGN STORES NORDICS OF THE REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP

aving always loved the style, HAY NOW! Scandinavian design has a certain aesthetic. What is I’ve had Copenhagen on my While most of the trip involved revisiting traditional in order to understand the importance of this for the Radisson Blu brand in travel wishlist for years. The the Scandinavian interior style, it was wonderful to see how this has been translated the Nordic region? Hcity has so much to offer when it comes in a contemporary space. Having only begun in 2002, HAY House continues to fulfi l its We are extremely proud of our Scandinavian design heritage, and Tom at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen to interiors, and doesn’t fail to inspire. ambitions to create quality at affordable prices, which allows everyone to enjoy Danish design will continue to be a core element in the upcoming its design. HAY combines functional needs with excellent design, and offers shoppers Fortunate enough to stay at the Radisson modernisation of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. Together with quirky pieces for everyday living. I’m hoping HAY is among many of the European stores Blu Royal in Copenhagen, I was already Danish and international designers and architects, the Rezidor Scandinavia. The hotel is recognised as the world’s first designer that will make its way to South Africa! exposed to world-renowned architect Hotel Group is currently planning the renovation of the iconic hotel, hotel and Arne Jacobsen designed some of the world’s most Arne Jacobsen’s distinctive Scandi style, which includes upgrading the guestrooms, the meeting and event beloved design classics, such as the Egg Chair and the Swan from his architectural design approach area, the lobby and the restaurant. We are also looking into creating Chair, especially for the Royal Hotel. to his complementary selective interior a modern, full-facility spa. The upcoming renovation is inspired by “While many new, award-winning Radisson Blu hotels choices. The stores I visited merely Arne Jacobsen’s way of approaching design, and we will focus on have been built since 1960, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in elaborated on this design style, and the combination of functionality and sophisticated design. Copenhagen remains a unique example of contemporary design provided a holistic understanding of what within the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, as well as the hotel Scandinavian design really is. How is this Scandinavian heritage being implemented industry,” comments Rose Anderson, vice-president branding of in the planned upgrades? Radisson Blu. We will revive the iconic atmosphere of Jacobsen’s design by mixing Jacobsen’s more unknown design with new Danish design What is the motivation behind the BluPrint design? What are – all to secure that the iconic hotel remains just as a functional and its key elements? And what should guests expect/take away sophisticated as it was designed to be 56 years ago. One room at from their stay? the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel will remain untouched throughout the According to Rose, the intention behind BluPrint is two-fold. “As renovation: Room 606 on the hotel’s sixth floor. Room 606 is kept guest behaviours and expectations continue to evolve, BluPrint exactly as Arne Jacobsen designed it in 1960, and it is one of the allows for more multifunctional and flexible spaces, resulting in most famous and photographed hotel rooms in the world. an emotionally engaging and individual experience. For our owners, BluPrint provides more distinctive Can you give us a brief history of the and localised styling, while aiming to achieve Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen? As guest process efficiencies across interior design and The Royal Hotel, today Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, behaviours refurbishments.” was built by SAS and designed down to every and expectations BluPrint is centred on three key aspects detail by the famous Danish architect and continue to evolve, of the guest experience: guest room styling, designer, Arne Jacobsen. The hotel, which social spaces, and meetings and events. opened its doors in 1960, was a forerunner in BluPrint allows for many ways. It was ’s first skyscraper more multifunctional Special thanks to Radisson Blu and considered the most modern hotel in and fl exible and the Rezidor Hotel Group spaces

THE EGG, THE SWAN AND THE ANT An international furniture company, the Republic of is known for its luxury brands, craftsmanship and supreme quality, ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL and has had the likes of Arne Jacobsen, Hans J Wegner and Piet The fi rst showroom I visited was the store, situated in the heart Hein design pieces for it. Arne’s iconic chairs, the Egg, the Swan of the city. With lighting being the company’s heritage, it is known for being an and the Ant, can be seen throughout the Radisson Blu Royal. Part expert in creating warm and cosy environments. Especially due to the gloomy of the tour at the Republic of Fritz Hansen was to see the process weather conditions in the Nordic regions, the need for bright and light spaces is of making the Egg by hand. Seeing such an iconic piece of essential to keep the spirits high. From the start of my adventure, I quickly learnt furniture being made with great passion and meticulous attention that the foundation of Arne’s design approach was simple: form follows function, to detail really demands a respect like no other, and I was moved and the feasibility of each component. This fi ltered into his design of even lighting to see how this heri tage is being appreciated even today. fi xtures, which are still being manufactured today at Louis Poulsen. A rendering of a guest room with the new BluPrint look and feel Room 606 as designed by Arne Jacobsen in the 60s

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