15 April 2022 (Chongqing, China) – Niccolo Chongqing recently successfully held the first Niccolo Lectures in 2022. With the theme of “Architectural Design and Culture”, the event was a feast of architectural inspirations for attendees. The event, which was jointly organised by the hotel and Chongqing Expat Guide, brought together three top architects from around the world to share interesting stories on ingenious connections and fusion between cultural heritage and architectural designs. The experts included Mr. Keisuke Hirata, chief architect of Kisho Kurokawa in Japan, Mr. Liu Kai, member of the Architectural Society of China, and Ms. Susana Liu Jiang, a registered architect in Spain.
At the event, the three guests shared information about interesting stories and challenges they face in their work, and provided refreshing takes on the professional interpretation of design concepts. Mr. Keisuke Hirata talked about the influence of urban culture on architectural design and explored the harmonious co-existence between nature and humans throughout history. During his speech, he mentioned a hot spring hotel project in Vietnam which was built with wood and stones sourced from the local area. Boulders which had fallen nearby were transported and installed at the courtyard of the hot spring. They formed a connection with the pristine mountains at the back of the hotel and strengthened the bond between the building and the local environment.
Ms. Susana Liu Jiang compared two kinds of structures that famed Spanish architects Antonio Gaudi and Felix Candela were known for. She analysed the Egongyan Bridge and Wanzhou Yangtze River Bridge in Chongqing, highlighting the unique structural beauty these structures showcase.
Mr. Liu Kai looked at architectural concepts from the philosophical prospective. He suggested that architectural designs should follow the R (Respectful), I (Inclusive), F (Forward-looking), I (Intriguing) principle. He believes that good architectural design is one that respects local customs, the environment and history, and is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, the innovation of architectural style and building materials in different usage scenarios are also particularly important. This gives a more vivid and three-dimensional interpretation of architecture and affords guests a new understanding of the design.
The event ended with a guest discussion session. When assessing the hotel in which they were speaking, Ms. Susana Liu Jiang said that: “The hotel has put a lot of care and effort into design and art. The attention to building materials and to the details and quality of the interiors is very impressive. In addition, the hotel has handled the corner rooms very well with double-sided floor-to-ceiling windows, which are very unique.”
Mr. Keisuke Hirata added that: “Niccolo has placed a lot of art pieces in different parts of the hotel. I really like this idea of spending quality time with the art work.” And Mr. Liu Kai spoke highly of Niccolo Chongqing’s superior geographical location, excellent design style and trendy artistic atmosphere.
“In future, the hotel will continue to host different kinds of Niccolo Lectures,” said Mr. Giorgio Olivotti, general manager of Niccolo Chongqing. “We sincerely invite adventurers from all walks of life to come and share their life stories. We hope that, through these activities, we can bring more inspirations to everyone about travel, culture and art.”
True to Niccolo brand’s mantra of ‘New Encounters’ and spirit of discovery, Niccolo hotels present a series of fascinating and diverse dinner talks called Niccolo Lectures. These private events give the floor to adventurers, entrepreneurs, lifestyle and business innovators, celebrities and sports stars to share their unique insights and remarkable life journeys.
About Niccolo Chongqing NEW ENCOUNTERS. TIMELESS PLEASURES.
The city’s highest hotel offers a superb location in the heart of Jiangbeizui, Chongqing’s dynamic new Central Business District and the city’s most fashionable address. Ideally situated on levels 52 to 62 of Tower 1 Chongqing IFS, The Hotel offers the discerning traveller 252 elegant, luxurious guestrooms and suites with spectacular, unrivalled vistas of Chongqing and beyond that naturally shift as the day transitions from day into night. The three sky-high destination restaurants and bar on level 62, Niccolo Kitchen, The Tea Lounge and Bar 62 which bring together culture, gastronomy and breath-taking views to offer a variety of unique, sky-high destination dining experiences that are sure to delight the discerning palates of today’s global travellers as well as the city’s well-heeled locals. In addition, the hotel will include fitness centre Sky Gym, The Spa with five treatment rooms, and Sky Pool, a 20-metre swimming pool with panoramic views.
Niccolo Chongqing is set to become the city’s desirable location for conferences, events, weddings and other celebrations. The hotel will offer outstanding event venues, including ten function rooms, the spacious Niccolo Ballroom with direct car access and outdoor event space The Courtyard on level 4, a stunning show-stopping, glass enclosed Conservatory on level 61.
Niccolo Chongqing is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, bringing together more than 35 brands with over 570 hotels in 85 countries.
Further details on Niccolo Chongqing are available at niccolohotels.com.
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Ultratravel Collection brings together hotels of distinction for the discerning traveller. Its membership is reserved for the very best hotels and resorts in the world – genuinely luxurious and iconic properties that deliver the finest service and personalised guest experiences. Member hotels share an integrated global platform for guest recognition and loyalty rewards, the DISCOVERY programme from partner Global Hotel Alliance, as well as beneficial relationship with the multi-media brand Ultratravel, the other founding partner of Ultratravel Collection. For more information, visit ultratravelcollection.com.