Hasta La Ideas

Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader of Autograph Collection Hotels on the lush, layered and luxuriant German property

During a recent tour of Germany that took us through Hamburg and Berlin, we found ourselves heading south into Bavaria for a stay at Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection. Centrally located (though not in the Old Town), the 281-room boutique property pairs sleek, ultra-modern design with nuanced hospitality. From the friendly, energized and informative check-in experience to the chic, spacious room, luxuriant spa (with infinity jacuzzi) and delectable food and beverage outlets, the entire experience impressed. With an impeccable balance of comfort and sophistication, the destination played an integral role throughout our Munich adventure. To learn more about the Roomers brand in general and the role the hotel plays in the city’s hospitality scene, we spoke with Jennifer Connell, global brand leader at Autograph Collection Hotels and vice president for Distinctive Premium Brands.

This is the third hotel under the Roomers name, joining Roomers Frankfurt and Roomers Baden-Baden, Autograph Collection. What defines the Roomers brand? And how does this align with the Autograph Collection?

Roomers Hotels are destinations that offer guests an immersive experience with a very distinctive and modern take on luxurious stays. Their brand’s mission is to make every visit a unique experience for guests that they will remember for a long time, which aligns perfectly with Autograph Collection Hotels. Our global collection – hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality – are united by their execution of rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint for guests.

Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection epitomizes thrilling modern design. What was the design brief or design intention behind the property?

Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection was created by the visionary Gekko Group with an avant-garde approach to the hotel’s interiors led by Amsterdam design company – Concrete. The hotel boasts a refreshing individuality through its furnishings and flair that reflect an urban zeitgeist. The juxtaposition of natural materials – wood, leather and marble – perfectly contrast with polished copper elements through the public spaces; and the thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites subtly layer contemporary décor with unconventional touches and exceptional art, all evoking the feeling of an intimate boutique hotel.

The welcome experience was also an exuberant one, complete with a cocktail. What’s the ethos behind hospitality at Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection?

The arrival experience is of utmost importance to any hotel – it’s the initial impression that will set the tone for the remainder of a guest’s stay. At this property, the exuberant mood is akin to a warm greeting of a good friend and a close family member, and calls for a celebratory drink. The few minutes of offering the drink and perhaps even engaging in some small talk are highlights for the hotel team. Their hospitality comes from the heart and the team takes great joy in easing every guest into a relaxed mood upon arrival so that they fully enjoy the experience of their stay.

Can you speak to the food and beverage outlets on site?

The hotel’s on-site restaurant IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar is a modern interpretation of a small traditional Japanese restaurant. The dining concept offers Japanese cuisine with South American influences. The center piece is the pulsating Roomers Bar, where the legendary Roomers Bar Culture is celebrated and enjoyed by hotel guests and locals alike. In the stylish Lobby Lounge & Bar of Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection you can settle down to unwind and enjoy a very unique and indulgent atmosphere.

The location is also well-placed, not in the center of the Old Town but near enough and attached to so many means of transport. Can you speak to the position within the city?

The hotel comes to life in the heart of the lively Westend district, which tends to be less touristy than some of Munich’s other districts. There’s a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars – both Bavarian and international. The main train station and Theresienwiese, the world-famous fair grounds that host Oktoberfest, are only a few minutes away. And for guests who might want to venture further, the lakes and mountains are a short car ride away.

Finally, how does Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection differ from other hotel options in Munich?

Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection is a destination in itself. Here guests and locals come together to enjoy a very distinctive Roomers vibe, a modern take on a memorable luxurious stay for all the senses. Catering to a trendy clientele, the hotel offers something authentic to guests who are looking to stay somewhere unique. Exceptional service on an elevated level is met with a consistent level of quality. Additionally, with Autograph Collection being part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to earn points for their stay.

Images of Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection courtesy of Autograph Collection Hotels

Danish architecture studio Henning Larsen has unveiled designs for a wood-and-concrete ferry terminal and shipping company headquarters in Torshavn that references Viking fishing boats.

Set to be located in the Eastern harbour in Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, the ferry terminal will have a concrete base intended to evoke the hand-built coastal paths that are common on the smaller Faroese islands.

This will provide easy access from the water to the 8,000 square-metre ferry terminal, which will also house the headquarters for the shipping company Smyril Line.

The concrete base will hold a colonnaded wooden structure with a sloping shape. This was designed to reference traditional Faroese fishing boats, which have been around since Viking times and were traditionally made using just an axe.

“Our design is a testament to the captivating beauty and maritime legacy of the Faroe Islands,” said Henning Larsen partner and design director Ósbjørn Jacobsen.

“The integration of wood, with its elegant lines, draws inspiration from the distinct charm of traditional Faroese boats and the historic Eastern harbor.”

“We are proud to embark on the journey to creating this transformative space that celebrates and reconnects the community with their cherished heritage,” Jacobsen added.

The ferry terminal will be located close to the Faroese parliament building and serve passenger ferries across Denmark, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Inside the two-storey building, the ground floor will house a cafe, a waiting room, a registration desk and an International Ship and Port Facility Security area.

The first floor will have a waiting room that will be connected to the outdoors via a terraced ramp decorated with plants that are native to the Faroe Islands.

Smyril Line’s headquarters will be located at the centre of the building, separated from the terminal area.

This will have offices as well as a multi-level private internal garden, which Henning Larsen has also designed, and an open-plan staff canteen.

Elsewhere, Henning Larsen recently designed a biobased extension for a Danish school and revealed its plans for a wooden church with a cluster of trapezoidal roofs.

The post Henning Larsen draws on traditional Viking boats for Faroe Islands ferry terminal appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen editor-at-large Amy Frearson reveals her 10 top trends from the 2023 edition of design festival 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, including the resurgence of pine wood and sofas of the future.

Feeling pine

Pine trees are one of the fastest-growing sources of wood on the planet, which in the past led to this timber becoming synonymous with “cheap and cheerful”.

But today, with sustainability at the top of the agenda for many designers and brands, this readily available and highly robust softwood is experiencing a revival.

Danish brand Normann Copenhagen had a range of raw pine objects on display during 3 Days of Design, including the Plank bookcase and Fyr stool. But the star of the show was the Notch bed – a first for the brand – which boasts overlapping joints at its corners.

Elsewhere, Finnish company Vaarni teamed up with Danish studio Tableau to show how Nordic pine can be used to create designs that are so well crafted that they look at home in a gallery.

Touch wood

The tactile qualities of timber were another important focus, with many designers creating objects and products that celebrate the patterns and imperfections within wood’s natural grain.

Three, an exhibition by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), featured experimental works by Scandinavian designer-makers Anne Brandhøj, Pia Högman and Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng.

The most surprising of the three were Brandhøj’s pieces – a trio of consoles featuring cavernous openings that begged to be touched.

Italian designer David Dolcini followed a similar approach with TimeMade, an exhibition of ambiguous wooden objects that symbolised the passing of time.

Danish design studio Christian + Jade also explored the subject in the Weight of Wood exhibition, which explored the history of wood as a commodity.

Sofa, so good

Sofas are notoriously one of the most challenging types of furniture to ship, but they are also very difficult to clean, repair and recycle.

Danish brand TAKT has tackled these problems with Spoke Sofa, a design by Norwegian studio Anderssen & Voll. The sofa has an exposed timber frame and separate cushions, making it easy to replace or repair components that wear out.

Copenhagen-based design research lab Space10 has taken the idea even further, in collaboration with design and tech studio Panter & Tourron.

With help from AI, they have conceptualised how the sofa might become an object that is so lightweight that it can be folded like an envelope, allowing it to be reconfigured or packed up and carried to different locations.

Fashion-forward

The worlds of fashion and homeware are beginning to blur, with some furniture brands unveiling capsule collections that reflect the same design ethos that can be found in their core product ranges.

Leading the pack is Danish brand Gubi, which has teamed up with New York-based menswear label Noah on a five-piece swimwear collection, designed to match a colourful new edition of its MR01 Outdoor Lounge Chair.

Meanwhile, design brand Hay has worked with Danish designer Tilde Bjerregaard on the Outline Pyjama Collection, a range of sleepwear that matches its existing Outline Bedding and is also stylish enough to be worn by day.

Rising talents

During the pandemic, many brands chose to play it safe by working with well-known international designers, rather than taking risks on up-and-coming names.

That trend is finally shifting, with new talents taking centre stage during 3 Days of Design.

Danish homeware brand Ferm Living made young Norwegian designer-maker Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng the star of their show, with the launch of her sculptural Dal Piece table made from cast recycled aluminium.

Furniture brand Fora Projects launched its latest collaboration with Bahraini Danish, the neatly crafted BD side table and stool, while shelving brand Montana celebrated its partnership with colour expert Margrethe Odgaard.

British designer John Tree, a long-term collaborator of Jasper Morrison, also took the spotlight with designs produced by Hay and newly launched brand NINE.

Gender imbalance

A worrying trend in Copenhagen was the number of brands showcasing collections primarily made up of male designers.

In its debut presentation at an international furniture fair, Canadian brand Man of Parts unveiled collaborations with five designers and studios, with only one woman in the mix.

New company NINE followed a similar format, with only one woman among the nine designers in its launch collection.

Both brands have said that collaborations with more women are in the works.

Glass of their own

The world of glassware can often be very traditional, but a handful of designers are out to prove that this material can surprise and delight in new ways.

Danish lighting brand Louis Poulsen invited New York duo Home in Heven – best known for its viral collaboration with French fashion label Coperni – to rework its Pale Rose Collection.

The eye-catching results feature swirling shapes, horns and tentacles.

Danish designer Helle Mardahl also made a big impression with her exhibition The Sensory Society, where new designs include a playful take on the wine glass.

Extrude awakening

As a material that can be infinitely recycled, aluminium has become an important focus for brands looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

In its extruded form, the metal offers a strong and lightweight solution for furniture.

The most innovative example was on show at Hay, where the brand worked with German designer Stefan Diez to rework a design he originally developed using bamboo.

Boa is a conference table with a tubular aluminium frame, made using 75 per cent recycled, post-consumer waste.

Hay’s new offerings also include the Apollo Chandelier, a contemporary lighting design that combines curving aluminium tubes with minimalist glass shades.

Bigger and better

The ongoing trend for chubby furniture forms, as first identified by Dezeen columnist Michelle Ogundehin in 2020, is still going strong.

Back then, Ogundehin saw this as a symbol of our search for comfort in dark times. Now, it could represent a market shift towards objects that will last a long time, potentially impacting the planet less.

A good example is furniture brand Muuto‘s Midst Table, designed by Sweden’s TAF Studio. First unveiled in Milan in April, this round dining table centres around a chunky cylinder that is emphasised by a high-gloss finish.

New launches from Danish brand Fredericia include the Hugo Passos-designed Gomo, a lounge chair with a curvaceous profile, and the Cecilie Manz-designed Niveau, a range of wide-based coffee tables.

Elsewhere, furntiure brand Fogia unveiled Softcolumn, a table created by Swedish designer Björn Dahlström that has its legs hidden behind curtains for a theatrical feel.

In the elements

Outdoor furniture takes a long time to develop. This is because, as well as looking attractive, it has to hit a sweet spot in terms of weight – light enough to move, but heavy enough to resist blowing over – and it has to be weather-proof.

Many furniture brands started working on outdoor ranges for the first time during the pandemic, so there is now a wide range of new products hitting the market.

Our pick includes 19 Outdoors by NINE, a series of versatile chairs, benches and tables designed by design duo the Butterfield Brothers, as a development of the 19 Chairs project they developed during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.

Heritage brand Carl Hansen & Son unveiled AH Outdoor, an 11-piece collection designed by the late Alfred Homann.

Danish brand Fritz Hansen has also moved into outdoor furniture, thanks to its recent acquisition of specialist brand Skagerak. New launches included the Blanco bench by Hugo Passos.

3 Days of Design took place in venues around Copenhagen from 7 to 9 June 2023. See Dezeen Events Guide for information, plus a list of other architecture and design events taking place around the world.

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