Wheat Youth Arts Hotel in China

Wheat Youth Arts Hotel in China

© Shao Feng

The Shanghai X+Living studio designed a hotel for millennials—people of Generation Y—in Hangzhou, China. The entire decoration of the Wheat Youth Arts Hotel, covering 4500 square meters, is aimed at attracting young guests or people who feel young.

The architectural concept includes understanding the hotel as a kind of gallery. One of the key design elements is the use of Chinese chess pieces: they evoke the symbolic image of a human figure. The large monochrome world map made from these pieces in the lobby conveys the message that the hotel is delighted to welcome guests from all over the world.

Wooden figures of parachutists falling from the sky hang from the ceiling in the café, as designers believe that flight is the best way to embrace the whole world.

The corridor's decoration is minimalist yet expressive. White walls serve as a backdrop for pink bicycles and paintings, while part of the ceiling is adorned with colorful Chinese chess pieces that resemble candies or bowling pins.

The bedroom furnishings consist of desks, beds, clothing racks, and easels with attached paper sheets so guests can express their impressions. In line with the declared gallery theme, a painting is hidden behind a sliding wall panel, concealing a television.

Each floor features a lounge decorated with informal signs such as “I’ll catch you later.” A grand piano invites guests to spend pleasant time with each other and use music as a silent communication tool among strangers.

The hotel also includes two study rooms and a small fitness area with stationary bikes.

Wheat Youth is a hotel that greets guests with a wall message “hello!” and looks like an art gallery, making you ready to sing a song or draw a picture for others.

Photos: Shao Feng