Q&A with Diego Burdi

12/18/2009 by Catherine Tandy Email this article to a colleague

Diego Burdi and Paul Filek of Burdifilek

W Hotels has remained prolific in these trying economic times, with nearly 30 properties worldwide, soon to be 50, including the brand new and sinister-sleek W Atlanta Downtown. Ontario-based Burdifilek is responsible for the highly stylized new property, and BD got a chance to discuss the decidedly sexy project with one half of the design team, Diego Burdi.

Did W have a very specific vision for W Atlanta Downtown?
W obviously has a very distinct brand image, but part of that is embracing each designer’s ideas and vision which ensures the results are always inspired and unique.

Why do you think W decided to enlist Burdifilek for the W Atlanta Downtown?
Burdifilek has a unique international style and our creative success has always been driven by the challenge of working with new products and new clients. This was our firm’s first hotel project, but that didn’t restrain W – they could see the sophistication and creative intelligence in what we do and fully embraced it.

How does the Downtown Atlanta property design fit into the W brand style?
The design of the W Hotel in Downtown Atlanta projects a truly global aesthetic. Scale and proportion play off one another in the double-height ground floor space; clean lines are complimented by sumptuous textures and rich tones, accented by sculptural elements throughout. The unconventional materials palette is designed to inspire excitement and elicit a refined sense of discovery.

In the Living Room, curved seating and sectionals appear to organically grow within the space, smaller enclaves allowing for intimate conversation, while the overall design encourages social gatherings and spontaneous interaction. The space is punctuated by a shimmering overhead mobile. Its kinetic movement, inspired by the underside of a tree canopy, consists of hundreds of light metal leaves that float above the rich charcoal stone floor, refracting a soft subtle light. The multi-layered design reveals itself progressively as guests move through the space. In centre of the Living room, a 22-foot water feature grounds the space providing a calming, ambient trickling of water culminating in a luminescent onyx reflecting pool.

ow did you incorporate the brand’s style while also satisfying the particular geographical location, i.e. Atlanta, Georgia?
W Hotel in downtown Atlanta was conceived as a modern interpretation of a park oasis in the centre of the financial district and the capital of the ‘New South’. Movement through the space commands a sense of discovery, invoking a playful garden hideaway that is a full departure from the frenetic pace of the concrete urban environment. It is sexy, sophisticated modernism.

What materials were you drawn to you and why?
The ‘Urban Oasis’ theme for the hotel really drove the palette and material selection; we strove to reinterpret this idea in a modern sophisticated way. Without being literally green, the colour and materials palette makes reference to natural elements. Using sharp, pure colours ranging from vibrant blue-green to teal to turquoise to gold, we played up the textural qualities of the materials making a bold, graphic statement. An undulating hand-sculpted solid walnut feature wall offers a literal natural connection in contrast to the abstract interpretation of other natural elements within the space. Every detail was perfectly considered to heighten the overall experience.

What inspires you?
Our studio is constantly inspired by things we come across in our travels and in daily life; by art, fashion, artisans, technology... and by the world around us.