Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom-Stilwerk by Jean Nouvel
The photographer Julien Lanoo has sent us his latest photographs of the building for the insurance company Uniqa Versicherung, designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel. It stands on the banks of the Danube, on the site of Uniqa's former headquarters. The five-star hotel has 182 rooms, which have been open since 15 December.
The competition, launched in 2005, drew entries from Zaha Hadid, 4a Architekten and Coop Himmelb(l)au, among others. Rising to nearly 80 metres, Jean Nouvel's building becomes a true landmark in the city thanks to the illuminated ceiling of the restaurant. The restaurant is run by the Parisian chef Antoine Westermann, who holds three Michelin stars. But food is not the only reason to head up to the top floor: a monumental curved canvas covers the ceiling, providing a spectacle for visitors.
On entering the building, visitors' eyes are drawn to the prisms that shape it. Great attention has been paid to light and the play of shadows. The lobby is treated in three simple colours: black, white and grey.
“In a city marked by history, architecture is an opportunity to continue games begun by others a few centuries or a few years ago,” says Jean Nouvel.
Gallery
30 images
- © Julien Lanoo
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