Project Overview 

Located inside the “International Book City Park” in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, the newly opened Beitou Panorama Hotel is enriching the capital’s hospitality scene in vicinity to the tourist magnet ‘Universal Studios’.

It is strategically well located, 33km from Tiananmen Square, 36 km from the Capital Airport, and 50 km from Daxing Airport.

Furthermore, the hotel is situated in the core area of the “Taihu Performing Arts Town”and in the economic zone that radiates from Universal Studios. The area boasts beautiful green surroundings and rich cultural and artistic resources. 

A design consortium formed by RhineScheme and ‘Shanghai Construction Decoration Engineering Group’ has been responsible for the interior design of the hotel. Moreover, RhineScheme has been responsible for the renovation of the hotel's façade and for its landscape design. 

Design Concept 

Inspired by the idea that "Theater is like life; it interprets all sentient beings", the design employs theatrical elements aiming to build emotional environments which allow guests to experience different aspects of life. Both physical and conceptual elements of theater are used: stage and curtain, sound, shadow, movement, and light serve as spatial elements to create an artistic atmosphere. 

In a holistic manner, surrounding environment, architecture, landscape, and interior spaces are fully integrated. Refined, stylish, natural, and comfortable spaces have been created that follow the motto of being "characteristic, exquisite, and flexible" at the same time. 

The functional areas of the hotel have been rearranged to be more efficient. The original atrium space was oversized and unnecessarily long, so it has been split and reorganized to provide spatial independence to the guest area, conference area, as well as fitness & recreation area. In this way, the three main customer groups do not intersect or interfere with each other. 

Interior Design

The lobby of the hotel is inspired by the title "An Encounter with Theater". The lobby will be the starting point of a journey that leads into various artistic interpretations of the performing arts. 

The "art of marble pattern" in the entrance lobby takes people back to the origins of the theater in ancient Greece. 

Moving forward to the reception area, the chandelier - set against a luxurious stone backdrop - is reminiscent of the spotlights on a stage, welcoming each guest as a valued protagonist. 

The lobby Lounge is dominated by a grand piano and a chandelier hanging above like jumping piano notes in a balance of light and shadow, a scene that preludes the artistic atmosphere of the hotel. 

The lobby Bar is marked by the sculptural nature of the bar counter which is at the visual center of the space. On the sides, comfortable seating is arranged between transparent partitions that allow the outdoor scenery to permeate into the interior. 

The All-Day Dining Restaurant is inspired by the "Peking Opera" as the unique traditional art of Beijing, which can be enjoyed on-site after tea or dinner. The contrast and combination of Chinese and Western culture has guided the interior design. Brickwork, Peking Opera costumes and jewels add characteristic features to the space. The seating area extends to the outdoors, allowing guests to enjoy the water courtyard with its seasonal beauty while creating a transitional space between indoors and outdoors. 

In the Chinese Restaurant, paper-lantern-inspired lamps hang over the dining tables, as traditional feature in a space which is otherwise characterized by modern-style screens and dark wood lattice elements. 

The spacious ballroom pre-function area is inspired by the Chinese imagery of "pleasant songs and elegant dancing"(“清歌雅舞”), comparing the harmonic coming and going of guests through the space with a graceful dance. Like a twirling dancer, light and elegant, the spiral staircase is the highlight of the room, separating the ballroom pre-function from the lobby bar. 

The ballroom itself takes the Chinese imagery of "water and sky are one color" (“水天一色”) as design concept, alluding to how water and sky reflect each other and seem to merge in many beautiful sceneries. The ballroom will be the stage for important moments in people’s lives. It should hence feel like a temple that brings blessings to its visitors. 

The conference center can be sub-divided or combined to form meeting rooms of different sizes which can meet a variety of needs. 

The theater is inspired by Chinese water-sleeve dance. In this traditional performance, the dancers handle their very long sleeves in ever-flowing movements that seem to encircle and intersect on the air, as the main form of emotional expression. 

The pool is designed with waves as inspiration, presenting the spatial effect of arches over water. The gym space is restructured in modules through various strategies like division and stacking, related by vibrant orange color accents throughout and large windows overlooking the pool area. 

The design of the spa is inspired by “Qing Yi”, a stereotypical female role in Chinese operas that refers to a lady of gentle disposition that moves very gracefully. This translates into a tranquil environment that allows guests to relax and enjoy being one with nature.                                              

Last not least, the interior design of the hotel rooms follows the architectural form on the one hand, but is deeply connected with local aesthetic on the other. The fusion of performing arts, regional culture and traditions inspired various thematic rooms. Room types such as ‘Business’, ‘Shadow Puppet Theater’, ‘Chinese Drama’, ‘Chinese Base Drum’ and traditional music immerse the guests in a unique cultural experience within their chambers. 

Courtyards landscape 

The design of the courtyards seeks to integrate the hotel's indoor and outdoor spaces. Water and vegetation are the main elements that identify and compose the courtyards.

The central lawn is the main feature of the garden courtyard, a vibrant place where all kinds of ceremonies and celebrations can be held, with a surrounding plant selection that brings variety with its seasonal changing colors.

In the water courtyard, the seemingly borderless pool is like a mirror, with water rippling softly. The gurgling water, vivid greenery, and quiet atmosphere encompass people’s contemplation. When night falls, a breeze blows the waves, and the hustle and bustle of the city is brushed away.

Abstract geometric forms, the overlapping and transformation of patterns, elegant planting and the rhythmic water movement contribute to build a unique ephemeral scene.