Contemporary Hotel Inspired by Local Culture and Traditions

Project of the Week: SBID Awards Finalists 2019

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a timeless hotel design that has been created through quality details and distinctive furniture. Designed around a contemporary interpretation of Arabic patterns, calligraphy and Omani culture, the Mysk Al Mouj is an internationally branded hotel operated by Shaza Hotels Group. Godwin Austen Johnson designed the hotel public spaces with a sense of location as the main theme. By distilling the essence of the surroundings, the aim was to create a contemporary four-star hotel with a sense of belonging. The sights, sounds, light and materials of the marina together with the Muscat coastline were studied and referenced throughout the interior design. 

SBID Awards: Hotel Public Space Design finalist sponsored by Viva Lagoon

Practice: Godwin Austen Johnson

Project: Mysk Al Mouj

Location: Muscat, Oman

What was the client’s brief? 

The operator’s development objective was to help in the activation of the Central Plaza District of Al Mouj in Muscat and our approach was to create a highly attractive destination point in the heart of this contemporary mixed-use development. Mysk Al Mouj is the flagship hotel for the Mysk by Shaza hotel group and the brief was clear – to design a contemporary hotel that would appeal to both business travellers and leisure guests.

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

The local Omani culture was the main inspiration for this hotel design and we drew on the country’s rich traditions and tastes; ornate jewellery, elaborate embroidery and traditional dress to guide the design. These enduring traditions have been thoughtfully translated into a number of elements throughout the hotel, from authentic floor coverings inspired by the patterns of local dress, to artwork on the walls featuring imposing forts and woven textiles. We have taken these inspirations and implemented them into the design narrative in a contemporary approach to create unique and appealing public spaces.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

During the design development the challenges we faced were largely positive and constructive creating opportunities for design improvement. Trying to source materials and furniture locally was testing but the outcome was successful with the acquisition of a number of pieces and a selection of materials to complete the design intent.  Most of the furniture pieces had been manufactured locally and many of the fabrics, where possible, were selected from a local mill to help reduce the carbon footprint.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The feature chandeliers located in the hotel lobby atrium were designed as a unique, custom made and timeless design featyre inspired by Omani jewellery. The aim was to celebrate local artefacts in a contemporary way where humble materials such as brass, opal and rare stones were chosen and displayed in the magnificent double height atrium. The effects of the lighting fixtures reflecting on the vertical atrium panels were expressed in a perforated geometrical pattern.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This was the first year we entered the SBID Awards and we chose to do so because we believe this is an important opportunity to not only highlight our projects but also, celebrate our team’s talent and accomplishments.

The SBID Awards are highly respected within the design industry because they set a standard for design excellence internationally – inspiring design professionals to continue to raise the bar. Thus the finalists are recognised as the very best in the world of interior design.

Questions answered by Rochelle Mojica-Beligon, Associate at Godwin Austen Johnson

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a luxurious, open-plan entertainment space, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired by this week’s Hotel design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

SBID Awards 2019 | Hotel Public Space Design finalist sponsored by Viva Lagoon