Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, Kuwait
Location: Kuwait
Completion: 2017
Interior Design: Yabu Pushelberg
Architecture: Gensler
Inverse Lighting worked closely with interior designer YabuPushelberg to help create a five-star hotel experience suitable for royalty at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya.
The hotel, which opened in 2017, is part of a multi-use development in Kuwait City whose lead architect was Gensler. It has two large ballrooms, an expansive pool-level terrace, three restaurants, and extensive fitness facilities.
Its tall, dramatic entrance lobby contains a huge, freestanding, spiral staircase that curls to height of 13m; the world’s biggest hanging crystal, by Lasvit, and numerous complex works of art including a Marc Quinn sculpture.
In addition to the lobby’s height, Inverse successfully tackled the multifarious lighting requirements of large but flexible events spaces, an atmospheric spa and lengthy corridors to 217 guest rooms and suites.
Inverse’s lighting challenges included:
•A high-ceilinged lobby area with a standalone spiral staircase and the largest suspended crystal in the world, textured walls and reflective surfaces.
•Lighting large, multi-function ballroom and event spaces.
•Subtly transitioning the lighting between atmospheric spa, pool, roof, prayer, dining and public areas, including corridors.
Throughout the hotel the lighting is discrete, often secreted in the floor, ceilings and furniture so that the fittings are out of sight and the focus is on the high-spec brief. It is completely integrated with the spectacular lobby stairs, for example, to create a glowing centerpiece and enhancing the effect of a swirling ‘stairway to heaven’.
Hidden lighting is used in corridors to transform what might otherwise have been prosaic passageways into dynamic, welcoming spaces, and helps gently to create the relaxing mood of the spa and lounges.
The lighting design also covered meeting and prayer rooms, bar and dining areas, a pool deck and the rooftop restaurant designed by Kokai.
The architecture and interior reflect the city’s modernity but also reference local traditions. A rectilinear chandelier in the Al Soor lobby lounge and custom pendant lanterns help unify the design of the lobby and even pool areas with the decor in guestrooms.
With sleek, avant-garde luxury, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is the stylish new centrepiece of Kuwait City – creating the most prestigious backdrop for business and the new focal point for the city’s social scene.
“World-class infrastructure and hospitality is the mark of a progressive city and we are delighted to support Kuwait’s 2035 Vision through our investment in this iconic development which reflects Alshaya’s commitment to Kuwait and to the growth of a vibrant private sector. This iconic hotel is a wonderful new addition to Kuwait’s hospitality offer and has redefined modern luxury.” reflects the Client’s satisfaction of the achievement.
