F
or those of you faithfully following BD's newsletters, you now know that every week we're featuring a new and notable project designed for W. This week, BD brings you the artful dualities of W Washington D.C.– designed by Dianna Wong of Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design – a property that deftly explores power struggles, creating a narrative for our nation's capital and most influential city.
What is your background in hospitality design?
My education embraces all the arts – a Bachelors in Environmental Design (or Studio Arts) from Harvard, a Masters in Architecture from Harvard, and a Fellowship in the Decorative Arts from Cambridge University. I have designed many types of buildings as an architect, from high‐rise commercial towers to wineries, but hotel design employs a full repertory of design skills as it encompasses the full lifestyle spectrum of “live, work and play.”
Our firm has previously tackled such projects as the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, CityCenter, the Oscars Ballroom in Hollywood, luxury resorts in The Bahamas, a private casino in Cairo and a golf resort in Macau.
What was W’s vision/concept for the W Washington D.C. when they approached your firm?
W hotel brand’s design process begins with the designer initiating the design concept or the “narrative”. Our concept narrative was presented as a book bound in pinstripe suiting which symbolizes masculine power in our nation’s capital. D.C. is the seat of power in America, but the insider knows that the dynamics of power in this town revolve around politics and pleasure. For me, the dance is symbolized by pinstripes and black lace, a duality between masculine and feminine – themes we use through the hotel.
How did you choose the palette and the overall “look” of the design? How would you describe
it in your own words?
The palette was developed from the narrative – a story of contrasts – or an interplay between the original hotel’s Beaux Arts architecture and modernity, between history and fashion, classic and sleek, monumental and sublime. Visually, this new W hotel is a delicate balance of restraint and sensuality.
What materials were you drawn to use and why?
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. On this project, materiality was less important than the ability to convey bold ideas about history and modernity. Color, shapes, silhouettes and space were the key elements. Materials that are malleable and strong, and simultaneously sensuous were chosen. They further enhance the narrative. For example, Guestrooms are a spa‐like haven with modern, sleek, white lacquer furnishings and soft shag carpeting. Monochromatic black and white were used to set off the accent colors, the colors of the American flag: red, white and blue. Purple was also used as a “bipartisan” color which also happens to be W’s color.
What makes the W Washington D.C. stand out among other hotels in the area and among your
previous designs?
The W Washington D.C. epitomizes the idea that historic preservation can thrive in tandem with a creative modern aesthetic. As the former Hotel Washington, the 1917 structure practically defined D.C. Turning it into a W hotel reflects the city’s cultural sea change, swept in by this new administration: one of youthful energy and sophistication. The former frumpy décor has been revived with a chic design that is simultaneously modern and traditional. A curated collection of original artwork, aptly entitled “Beauty and the Baroque”, is installed throughout the public areas and the suites. This collection is beautiful to behold but also has a powerful political subtext.
Why do you think W decided to enlist your firm for the interior work?
We were chosen by Istithmar Hotels, the private equity arm of the Dubai Government, to design two of their properties in the U.S. – W Washington D.C. and the Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square. W Hotels was familiar with our work, having awarded my firm the W Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles some years back.
Now that you have worked closely with W, to what do you attribute their growing success
during these trying times?
The success of the W brand comes from its strong core values in embracing good design as a language that reflects the ethos of our time. The design language can change to reflect each location but the signature W brand elements are always consistent.
How did you incorporate/honor the brand’s style while also satisfying the particular
geographical location, i.e. Washington D.C.?
Our design for W Washington D.C. is quite different than other W hotels. However, the main attributes of how the hotel is operated reflects the W brand. Design may be the major component, but all the other signature brand elements (the guestroom amenities, the graphics, music, aromatherapy) all signify the W lifestyle.
Do you have a design motto?
Good design is deceptively simplistic and timeless. As Oscar Wilde once said, “All beautiful
things belong to the same age.”
What inspires you?
I am inspired by good art, music, books and travel.