Xi’an lyf Hotel

Establishing a space for youth gatherings
The demand for experiential consumption is increasing among the new generation of youth, with more people engaging in freelancing and content creation. Not confined to specific cities or office spaces, they epitomize “creativity, authenticity, and curiosity”, with a thirst for freedom, a boldness for exploration, and a quest for belonging. Therefore, innovative serviced apartments are permeating top cities around the world, delivering a crucial signal.

Shenzhen 31Design has once again partnered with Singapore’s Ascott Group to create the lyf serviced apartments designed specifically for millennials, with a brand philosophy of “bursting with energy, sharing a new life”. Amidst its swift global expansion, the lyf Luoyifang Hotel, nestled in the “Great Tang All Day Mall” within Xi’an’s core business district, stands as a landmark project in China.

With unique creativity, Creative Director Huang Tao merges the cultural heritage of the city where the project is located with the free and fashionable essence of the lyf brand, presenting a clever fusion that showcases his rich experience in hotel design.

Interpret urban culture and create wonders
Based on a profound grasp of the lyf brand’s philosophy and analysis of the millennial clientele’s characteristics and needs, the 31Design team delves into traditional culture within the context of contemporary times, embedding curatorial, artistic, and trendy design elements. With strong local cultural traits and contemporary trendy artistry, a distinctive space blending the burgeoning millennial culture and long-standing city heritage is crafted in modern Xi’an.

Design is utilized to empower community formation as various settings can contribute to the creation of a space abundant in life experiences. Infinite interaction and emotional connection between people, and between people and spaces can be achieved through cultural and artistic perception and exchange of thoughts, thereby infusing spaces with vitality and instilling a sense of recognition, belonging, and community in people.

The design team adeptly captures the city’s historical context, and pinpoints and encapsulates the “spirit of place” from familial, geographical, vocational, and interest-based links to establish a hotel that allows like-minded visitors to socialize.

Functional areas such as kitchens, restaurants, shared office spaces, leisure areas, and shared laundry rooms act as catalysts for social interaction, evolving into a “super show” where guests can display culinary skills, talents, and creativity.

Maps ignite the desire to explore. Applying elements of Chang’an maps to the walls of the rooms can stimulate the curiosity of newcomers and prompt them to venture beyond their comfort zones, follow the map to experience the cultural charm of the ancient city, and meet new companions on their journey.

How to strike a balance between art and commerce?
There appears to be an inherent conflict between art and commerce, yet an overabundance of harmony might result in mediocrity and triteness. Balancing the two is undoubtedly the most challenging part of the design process, demanding wisdom and courage.

31Design’s answer is “to create a better life”.

The world is not short of wild imaginations, but it takes effort to fuse the profit-seeking nature of commerce and the formality of art with the ultimate goal of life.

Art transcends mere an accessory but coexists with space, becoming an integral part of life to avoid being neglected.

Shattering the confines of traditional hotels, the team meticulously scales their design and deploys modern interpretations of Chinese cultural heritage to showcase a surreal artistic charm, thus setting a new benchmark for future hotel space experiences.

Koi elements are adopted to create trendy IP characters with different personalities and skills, filling the space with more possibilities for social creativity and resonating emotional value.

The statement, “Koi can carry aspirations to distant lands, as fish can swim with the flow and reach afar”, mirrors the ancient romantic imagination of using fish as messengers, depicting the scene that travelers from around the world come together, wearing koi masks, to appreciate the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Cuisine provides a glimpse of the essence of culture and history, connecting the present and the past, blending trends and civilization, and allowing for savoring the authentic taste of Chang’an in a humorous manner.

Only by truly understanding their inner world can design be vibrant and resonant. 31Design translates traditional culture and art through innovative design techniques, ultimately achieving an infinite blend of history with the present, art with everyday life, and settings with spirit.

Design: 31Design
Photography: QIWEN, XIAO Xiang, Xi’an Chasing Light Real Estate