Graven Images blow their trumpet in the windy city

14.09.10

Graven Images has been commissioned as interior designer on the public spaces of the Radisson Blu Aqua in Chicago.

Aqua is architecturally the most important new building in Chicago right now — designed by Jeanne Gang.

Graven Images’ Design Director, Jim Hamilton (well known for his loquacity) says the hotel will reflect and spirit of the Windy City.

“Chicago is such a vibrant city with an amazing culture and history. It somehow feels very familiar to me. I’ve always loved the contrast of old brick buildings and modern skyscrapers,” says Hamilton. "It’s the city that
Glasgow would love to be! Aqua is such an icon… We want the interior spaces of Blu to relate to compliment the architecture.”

Hotels often lack any sense of place, but Hamilton is determined that Radisson Blu Aqua will help guests remember their stay in Chicago. "Globalization has created endless homogeneity; so many things look and feel the same,” he says. “We want to take guests on a sensorial journey in everything they touch, taste, see, hear and smell to help make their stay more than just another nondescript overnight at a room factory that could be in any city in the world.

The hotel is expected to open in autumn 2011.