SPECIAL REPORTRADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL

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RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL:SYMBOLISM IN DESIGN By Stacey Rowan

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Being spoilt for choice, guests can enjoy a

cocktail on the outdoor pool terrace.

Given the crucial nature of its locality, The

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, located in the

heart of Sandton next to the Gautrain rail

station, bears symbolism in its design.

Based on the theme of a train station, the

concept of the hotel design is represented

through the many train-like design symbols

used within the hotel, with every element

talking to, and giving reference of, the

Gautrain that faces opposite it.

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is designed ac-

cording to a train theme. The floor colours

with red levels and yellow levels symbolise

different train routes. The lines on the car-

pet represent a railway and at the end of

each corridor a picture of a train, subway or

a train station can be viewed. The room

numbers on the door are designed as a dig-

ital clock, similar to those in trains, and on

the 3rd floor next to the guest lift a different

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design, influenced by a subway, was used.

This all keeps in line with the Gautrain

theme and it promotes rapid link, says Jes-

per Henriksen, General Manager, Radisson

Blu Gautrain Hotel.

For the architects Tower Design Studio Ar-

chitects, led by Werner Alberts the design

had to draw people in from the train station,

whilst capitalising on the idea of the inter-

national traveller who is used to the idea of

public transport.

Not only were the architects responsible for

creating this symbolic design, but interna-

tional interior designer Maria Vafiadis, of

MKV Design, also contributed to putting

this design concept on the fast track. Ac-

cording to Maria, the use of a local theme

should never be unoriginal. If it is, then the

hotel itself risks becoming just an imitation

of the Gautrain, failing to celebrate the

theme itself. Cleverly, MKV Design made

their design for the hotel reference trains,

but in the most subtle way. One example of

this entailed the parquet flooring, used ex-

tensively throughout the public areas using

an African teak, being laid in the manner of

railway tracks and sleepers instead of con-

ventional straight-laid planks.

The interior, with its elegant furniture, is

sophisticated, modern and avant-garde.

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SETTING A NEW ARCHITECTuRAL STANDARD IN THE SOuTH AFRICAN HOSPITALITY INDuSTRY

The five distinct brands under the prestig-

ious international Rezidor Hotel group

sport a unique style and feel from world-

class luxury at Regent; a fashionable stay at

Hotel Missoni; cosy hospitality at Country

Inn and dynamic ambiance with Park Inn

and the Radisson is no exception. From the

architecture with its classic, clean lines right

through to the trendy dcor, the Radisson Blu

Gautrain Hotel, managed by Radisson Blu

Hotels & Resorts, sets a new architectural

standard in the South African hospitality in-

dustry.

Tower Design Studio Architects can take

ownership of this new achievement. The

brief given to the architects entailed de-

signing a high rise, mixed-use development

that could accommodate a hotel, a retail

component as well as office space. In order

for this to be achieved, the design had to be

flexible enough to accommodate all these

aspects, together with underground parking

garages.

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EXCELLENT CUT DIAMONDS. AFRICAS FRIST LUXURY

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A central core (or rigid spine) within the

building was created, which is used to sup-

port structural columns which flow to the

perimeters. Due to budget limitations, pre-

cast panels for the exterior of the new hotel

were put in place. With all this structural

mass, and the buildings high density bulk,

the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel may be de-

scribed as masculine, bordering on impos-

ing. However, with the architectural design

of the hotel being of a simple, clean, mod-

ern and plain style, it creates for a contem-

porary feel, decreasing its heavy appear-

ance on its surroundings.

Another unique architectural feature of the

hotel is its roof space usage. Being both in

demand and in short supply in Johannes-

burg, roof space has become an architec-

tural trend. Cleverly, the Radisson Blu

Gautrain Hotel quickly followed this trend,

with its creation of ZAR, a funky new bar

venue, located on the top of the hotel.

It is through these achievements, amongst

many others, that the Radisson Blu Gautrain

Hotel has now set a new architectural stand-

ard in the hotel industry all this being ac-

complished within two years, from design to

completion.

Sumptuous cuisine is provided for at the

up-market restaurants within the hotel.

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ORIGINAL INTERIOR, INTERNATIONAL BRAND

Even though the Radisson Blu Gautrain Ho-

tel belongs to the Rezidor Hotel group

(which holds similarities throughout its ho-

tels), it was important for MKV Design to

achieve interiors that are original and dis-

tinct. Through viewing the inside of the ho-

tel, with its glazed elements and flow of

public spaces, it is evident that the flow and

movement of the station areas is picked up

in the interior design. According to Maria

Vafiadis, the Radisson Blu Gautrain is so-

phisticated, modern and avant-garde. MKV

Designs used a monochromatic colour pal-

ette together with modern classic furniture,

which adds a distinctive elegance.

MKV Designs made sure that the new expe-

rience of this hotel had its own authentic

story; that it works as a hotel and that it has

its own soul.

The Radisson Blu Gautrain, although being

created from an international brand, with a

European perspective, had to still integrate

local South African culture and heritance

within it. This was achieved through placing

local artwork pieces within the hotel, which

were created entirely by local artists. The

proudly South African artwork, a mix of dif-

ferent media as well as conventional paint-

ings, aides in combing the international

brand with its local setting.

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FROM POLOKWANE TO SANDTON

Lahom Clothing Concepts was established in 2005, its head office is in Polokwane at Standard Bank Square Cnr Thabo Mbeki and Hans Van Rensburg Street. South African men are fashion conscious, sophisticated and discerning when it comes to quality, image and style. We make sure that each master piece reflects every person's self image, lifestyle and personality.

We have 100% cotton shirts, super 120s to super 180s suits (fine wool) with drops 4, 6 and 8 and genuine leather shoes that fits every wearer like a made to measure.

Lahom Clothing Concepts is a long awaited gift for Gauteng , visit us at Sandton Eye Cnr Rivonia and West Street.

Shop no 11A, Standard Bank Square , C/o Thabo Mbeki & Hans Van Ransburg, Polokwane 015-295 5099. & Shop no 17 , Sandton Eye , Cnr Rivonia and West, Sandton 011-783 3294 082 883 4396. beglobal@ webmail.co.za

Tel/Fax:Tel/Fax: Cell: Email:

LAHOMClothing Concepts

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FROM POLOKWANE TO SANDTON

Lahom Clothing Concepts was established in 2005, its head office is in Polokwane at Standard Bank Square Cnr Thabo Mbeki and Hans Van Rensburg Street. South African men are fashion conscious, sophisticated and discerning when it comes to quality, image and style. We make sure that each master piece reflects every person's self image, lifestyle and personality.

We have 100% cotton shirts, super 120s to super 180s suits (fine wool) with drops 4, 6 and 8 and genuine leather shoes that fits every wearer like a made to measure.

Lahom Clothing Concepts is a long awaited gift for Gauteng , visit us at Sandton Eye Cnr Rivonia and West Street.

Shop no 11A, Standard Bank Square , C/o Thabo Mbeki & Hans Van Ransburg, Polokwane 015-295 5099. & Shop no 17 , Sandton Eye , Cnr Rivonia and West, Sandton 011-783 3294 082 883 4396. beglobal@ webmail.co.za

Tel/Fax:Tel/Fax: Cell: Email:

LAHOMClothing Concepts

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SPOILT FOR CHOICE WITH WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES

With all the world-class amenities that the

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel offers includ-

ing a fitness centre; cocktail lounge; bou-

tique retail emporium; up-market restau-

rants; haute couture clothing boutiques; a

relaxing spa; trendy hair salons and ZAR,

guests are spoilt for choice. With sumptu-

ous cuisine provided by Central One Bar &

Restaurant and cocktails by the outdoor

pool terrace, in addition to all of the other

offerings, guests neednt leave the hotel.

Visitors are sp