HIRSCH BEDNER ASSOCIATES (HBA) DESIGNS CULTURAL CAPITAL’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL:

HILTON WENCHANG

Grand and Visually Demanding Property in the Tongguling International Eco-Tourism Area Gently Integrates to Achieve a Harmonious Balance between Ocean, Land, and Tradition

LOS ANGELES – March 1, 2016 – Global design leader Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) makes their mark in burgeoning China destination with the completion of the 439-key Hilton Wenchang. Completed in November, the hotel seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, with an open design to allow uninterrupted views of the lush environment and neighboring Qishui Bay. HBAtook a modernist approach by way of the usage of scale, the progression from dense to transparent, and the site orientation – designed into the site and not atop the surface.

“What differentiates the property is not necessarily what you see, it’s what you feel,” says lead designer and HBA partner Darrell Long. “The goal was not to plagiarize historic or typical Chinese motifs, it was to bring about a marriage of the local craft with modern resort sophistication through an abstracted balance between ocean, land, tradition and the experience.”

Guests quickly realize upon entering the lobby and experiencing the extravagant showpiece chandelier that they are in for a grand event. Using indigenous, authentic materials in their natural and honest state, HBA aims to visually reward the viewer at the end of their journey and welcome them to this unique space.Ample seating is provided to meet the current need for community spaces in hotels where guests can work or socialize in an open environment. They purposefully utilized darker materials to enhance the contrast with the exterior, which is lush and green.

The guestrooms have a more resort feel, reminding guests they’re here to relax and unwind. Materials are still contextual, but the mood is much brighter. Ample space is provided to promote comfort and independence, and again the layout is open and balconies are available to offer ocean or garden views. The neutral palates and modern design don’t reflect a typical Chinese hotel; they promote a sense of calm rather than glitz and glam.

Guests have multiple dining options, varying in cuisine as well as design. Bocca Italian Restaurant was inspired by the relationship between the characteristic Italian community and sea. Water plays an important role to amalgamate generations in an Italian coastal community. In the design, the space assumes that responsibility of being the constant presence that unites people, styles, spaces, and forms through the culinary riches of the Italian gastro heritage. Emotional experiences that flood an individual are the focus, all the while enforcing the invaluable and perfect classic Italian moments shared between humble tones, modest motifs, exaggerated, yet simple clean lines, and handsome textures. Haitian Restaurant is the antithesis of a typical Chinese restaurant. The historical riches of Wenchang and its epicurean historyare woven into the fabric of a refined, yet playful experience.

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Media Contacts

Jennifer Evans Gardner | Tiffany Hayden

Murphy O’Brien Public Relations

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About HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates:

World-renowned as the “Number 1 Hospitality Design Firm” by Interior Design, HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates unveils the world′s most anticipated hotels, resorts, casinos and spas. In 2015, HBA was honored by Boutique Design's Gold Key Awards, Hospitality Design'sPlatinum Circle Awards, Best Interiors of Latin America and the Caribbean, I Design Awards and the China Hotel Starlight Awards. Leading the hotel design industry since 1965, HBA remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today’s sophisticated traveler. The company′s international presence, depth of experience, and detailed industry knowledge enables them to identify interior design trends at their source, make definitive predictions about new directions and innovations, and influence design standards at a global level. HBA′s ultimate objective is to add value, raise standards and enhance the brand of a project’s owner and operator.

HBA creates the signature looks of today′s luxury brands, independent contemporary boutique hotels, urban resorts spas, world-class residences, restaurants, and casinos. From continent to continent, each HBA interior is the result of a unique and sensitive response to location, architecture, and client vision. With more than 1,600 designers around the globe in 22 offices and a recent expansion in several locations in Asia, HBA is a true global company. HBA′s international presence, combined with its extensive knowledge of the interior design industry, has facilitated the ability to rewrite the language of design with each new project. In the past six years, the firm has launched six additional divisions, including Illuminate, Studio HBA, Canvas, HBA Architecture, HBA Graphics and HBA Residential.

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