June 17, 2015, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. announced the commencement of construction for its premier W and Element dual-branded hotel development.  The Lighting Practice is proud to be a part of the project team led by Vine Street Matthews Development and Cope Linder Architects, who have combined their efforts to place the 582 feet tower in the heart of Philadelphia. TLP is responsible for designing the exterior lighting of the 51 story skyscraper.

TLP’s project scope includes the building crown and façade, hotel entries on Chestnut Street and the terrace on level seven.  The exterior design will include strips of dynamic white LED lights embedded in the tower’s façade, which, at times, will have a cascading effect.  The building’s crown was designed to resemble the cliffs along the Schuylkill River in Fairmont Park. Guests will enter both the 295-room W Philadelphia and the 460-room Element Philadelphia via Chestnut Street entrances. The hotels will feature separate, however, distinct arrival lobbies. The hotels’ many amenities will include a 7,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with a year-round outdoor pool, destination bar, and garden.

The W and Element dual-branded hotel development will be a lavish addition to the Philadelphia skyline and also to the Avenue of the Arts. The hotels plan to open their doors to guests in early 2018. The Lighting Practice is excited to have been included in the design process.  This large up-scale dual-hotel is sure to have a positive effect on the city of Philadelphia.