The NI HAO Hotel, a new hotel chain designed by Vermilion Zhou Design Group, embraces the welcoming spirit of Chinese culture through its design. This hotel chain incorporates traditional symbols, imagery, and language, creating a dynamic and culturally rich experience for guests. The design is infused with the meaning of ‘NI HAO,’ a standard Chinese greeting that embodies friendliness, politeness, and openness, reflecting the essence of Chinese hospitality.
NI HAO, a standard Chinese greeting, carries meanings beyond everyday salutations. It embodies the spirit of friendliness, politeness, and openness integral to Chinese culture. These two words are simple and deeply symbolic culturally, allowing them to convey unique emotions and messages in various contexts and settings.
As an international Chinese expression, “NI HAO” has been embraced and used by multilingual speakers globally, serving as the first gateway in China’s communication with the world. “NI HAO” is the starting point for all subsequent interactions, presenting the most straightforward introduction to Chinese culture. Unconstrained by time and geography, we express this through cultural symbols, giving guests a direct experience of a traditional, vibrant, and open hotel atmosphere.
* ‘Calabash’, a traditional Chinese symbol, is incorporated throughout the space design. This symbol signifies blessings, fortune, and safety for travellers.
In the “NI HAO” hotel, nestled within the bustling street market, the essence of “Hospitality” is at the heart of its operations. The doors are warmly opened to guests and the local community, inviting everyone to experience its welcoming atmosphere. With abundant slogans in the space, the very Chinese style of expression engages all guests, subverting traditional reception and lobby areas, while serving functional purposes and aiming to resonate emotionally with travellers. “Punk Wellness” is another thoughtful touch for well-being.
* The simplified calabash imagery of ‘8’ is continued throughout the space in various forms. ‘8’ also symbolizes ‘prosperity’, embodying both a distinctly Chinese symbol and the representation of ‘∞’infinite possibilities.
From public areas to guest rooms, the varied needs of travellers are met through efficient layouts. Unintentional interactions in these spaces transform a simple “NI HAO” into a warm and intimate greeting. Whether guests are extroverted or introverted, returning to the fundamental lodging needs, they’ll find a comforting space to settle in.
By deeply understanding the meaning behind the two words “NI HAO,” the architects have repositioned the “NI HAO Hotel” brand in space design. With “NI HAO” as the core of the Vermilion Zhou Design Group’s design, it stands out in the economy hotel sector, conveying a more friendly and inclusive philosophy, while meeting the accommodation needs of its audience. Like the brand name, this simple yet profound expression enables “NI HAO Hotel” to touch hearts universally through its approach.
About Vermilion Zhou Design Group
Established in Shanghai in 2002, Vermilion Zhou Design Group has completed over a thousand interior design projects, encompassing various projects such as public, commercial, office, hotel, restaurant, and residential spaces. The firm constantly strives to explore new possibilities. Vermilion Zhou Design Group has created dozens of hotel brands within branded hotels, providing accommodation experiences for more than 100 million people.
Vermilion Zhou Design Group understands the needs of different space users and subsequently provides accurate positioning in its designs. Through precise task allocation in team collaboration, they develop comprehensive design solutions from conceptualization to implementation, primarily from an interior design perspective. Starting from a contemporary Oriental mindset, Vermilion Zhou Design Group emphasizes the practicality and aesthetics of the human experience in space, aiming to popularize designs that combine beauty and functionality, while assisting projects in achieving overall success.
Vermilion Zhou Design Group persists in breaking through innovation and change, while maintaining valid positive values. This enduring commitment allows the firm to sustain its design energy output, ultimately enabling more people to appreciate the value and beauty of the design.
Project Information:
Design Firm: Vermilion Zhou Design Group, Location: Shanghai, China, Year: 2024
