Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

Merit, Hospitality Category | BCI Asia Interior Design Awards 2018

Sofitel’s first hotel in Malaysia is located within the Damansara City integrated development in Kuala Lumpur.

The existing architectural footprint inspired the urban maze design concept, which aptly mirrors the notorious planning of Kuala Lumpur city.

The interior design team carved a series of raised platforms that gradually open into different social zones, creating pockets of spaces where guests can unwind. This typology is similar to the city’s urban complexity, where different cultural enclaves segue into a visual experience.

The double volume lobby—an interpretation of the city’s chaotic order—has been re-oriented to a diagonal format for a more dynamic social flow. A 10-metre suspended art installation at the entrance is an abstract expression of the constant tropical rain, with the legends of folklores inscribed into the hanging transparent pieces.

Various wings frame this central towering volume, with several components—such as lounge seats for check-in guests, console cabinetry for the reception, and a shimmering metal curtain as a visual and physical veil—linking this space to the lobby lounge.

The hotel’s interior design blends local heritage with French culture, with iconic art pieces and sculptures, such as a feature wall depicting the wau bulan or the French carved vanity mirror-lined walls. Bespoke artwork integrated into the wall panels feature Malaysian flora and fauna with French prose.

Modern furniture pieces with Asian-inspired silhouettes, along with contemporary tailored details, luxurious textures and playful decorative light fixtures, create a modern canvas for the discerning guest. The finishes and materials are fresh, vibrant and modern, with a silvery marble stone palette and a rich burgundy leather accent wall to tie everything together.

The key art wall that faces the lobby is composed of children’s fingerprints from across Damansara, representing the country’s young. Locally fabricated furniture is tailored to suit the concept with surprising twists and details, displaying the workmanship of local furniture makers.

PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara
Location: Jalan Damanlela, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Completion Date: August 2017
Site Area: 15,500 square metres
Building Height: 23 storeys
Number of Rooms: 312
Client/Owner: GuocoLand (M) Bhd
Hotel Operator: ACCOR
Architecture Firms: P&T; Kumpulan Senireka Sdn Bhd
Interior Design Firm: Wilson Associates
Principal Designer: Aldwin Ong
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Li-Zainal
Lighting Consultant: The Lightbox Pte Ltd
Landscape Architect: Aecom
Images: Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara