When it comes to chain hotels operating in the market—especially those located near major transportation hubs like Vienna’s Westbahnhof (West Railway Station)—ground floor amenities tend to be basic and standardized, offering exactly the same thing regardless of location. The lobbies, adjacent restaurants and bars are rarely anything special. a far cry from what boutique destinations tend to offer these days. All that changes with Paris Atelier OLK’s complete renovation of the Ibis Wien Mariahilf.
Why shouldn’t these often underutilized, skinny, but large spaces—often located in central, densely populated, and desirable locations—serve a greater purpose and look good? This is exactly what the practice was intended to do.
Transforming the nearly 10,000 square foot street level of the hotel into the newly opened Günter Restaurant, Bar & MoreAtelier OLK chose two complementary strategies. On the one hand, it sought to honor the city’s rich design history—the late 19th and early 20th-century prowess of wildly influential talents like Josef Hoffmann, Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos. On the other hand, he championed efficiency, a level of functionality aligned with today’s need for flexibility, comfort and personal social interaction. The new offering is indeed a third, even fourth, place for both passing hotel guests and neighborhood residents in need of such a refuge. A few years ago, no one would have thought that the nearby Ibis could be this.
In true Viennese fashion, there is a duality of influences: restraint coming from the North (Germany) and exuberance coming from the South (Italy and other Mediterranean countries). The integrated intervention of the company is strict and geometric, but also sensual and multi-layered. Noble materials with a medium texture play well with red velvets, leopard prints and chrome accents.
Atelier OLK started by removing the ceilings that had made the space cavernous and chose to expose mechanical equipment such as ducts to create more depth and imbue the space with monumentality. He then redistributes the walls and, guided by the columns of the parking garage above, outlines a series of alcoves: intimate yet connected seating. There are also spaces dedicated to karaoke nights, conferences and talks. The monumental bench, at the core of the space, is used to serve breakfast among other meals.
Throughout, motifs borrowed from the Secession era are mixed with decidedly modern flourishes. Graphic floor inlays are delineated by indicated paths, their marble patterns reminiscent of traditional Viennese interiors. Tiles—black, white, and more—play well together, producing visual effects that are structured yet expressive. Imported furniture is much less austere. much more obscene and eclectic.
The space is grounded but airy, logical and sensual. It is optimistic, certainly as an example of how other such properties in Austria, Europe and the wider world could be transformed.
To learn more about the company or explore more, please visit atelierolk.com and guenter-wien.comrespectively.
Photo courtesy of Günter Restaurant, Bar & More.
