Cultures around the world attribute magical properties to the amethyst gem. The lustrous purple quartz is said to bring good fortune, heal illness, and calm the mind. It makes sense, then, that NL Architects have modeled their latest hotel chain proposal after an amethyst geode. Designed based on the original hotel layouts of John Portman, this visually striking tower series aims to serve as a symbol of hospitality and well-being for visitors around the world.
The first of the Amethyst Hotels will be sited on the man-made island of Ocean Flower, China—an appropriate choice, as amethyst holds an important place in the Chinese art of feng shui. Rooms will be located around the central void of the building, allowing for generous exposure to sunlight. A circulatory corridor that spans the width of the hotel grants access to every room on each floor.
The crystalline room windows are meant to reinforce the symbolic aesthetic of the hotel, but is also meant to contrast with the smoothness of the exterior. The cathedral-like appearance of the building is meant to evoke feelings of grandeur and a welcoming sense of hospitality.
