15/05/2022 10:00
Multi award winner architect, stage designer and interior creator specialized in high-end interiors, Alex Kravetz realizes fascinating narratives of design. Located in many countries around the globe, the works by Alex Kravetz Design are expressions of varied different cultures and geographical realities, while always preserving the company’s signature timeless flair.
The Carlton Hotel, Katowice, Poland, Image copyright:©Alex Kravetz Design
Among Alex Kravetz Design’s most recent and notable projects, the 5-stars Carlton Hotel in Katowice (Poland) has been awarded with the 2022 SBID International Design Awards in the CGI & Visualization Category. A combination of two already existing buildings – a 1850s neo classical edifice and former headquarters for Upper Silesian Railway and a neo-modernistic block erected in 1903 – the newly built Carlton Hotel perfectly epitomizes the creative and vibrant atmosphere of Katowice.
The Carlton Hotel, Katowice, Poland, Image copyright:©Alex Kravetz Design
Over the last decades, indeed, the capital of the Upper Silesian Region has undergone a process of redevelopment, with significant investments in the culture and creativity segments of the economy. The focus of these interventions has been, in particular, on cultural centers and spaces for music, as the music sector today drives the socio-economic growth of Katowice. Accordingly, the project by Alex Kravetz has been conceived as a progressive grand hotel and, at the same time, as a social hub for creatives. The musical component is, indeed, a central component of The Carlton’s DNA, as a number of curated music events will be presented in its spaces.
The Carlton Hotel, Katowice, Poland, Image copyright:©Alex Kravetz Design
The uniqueness of the project also lies in its duality of complementary elements: classical and modernistic, past and present, old and new. These paradoxes coexist in the colors, style and soul of The Carlton, a real international center for everyone seeking for a place where to experiment, create new artistic panoramas, explore boundaries and express freely. This multifaceted character can be re-found in the specific design of the interiors, whose vibrant blend of classicism, avant-garde past and contemporaneity is truly magnificent. Moreover, the vivacious color palette and chosen finishes contribute to create a theatrical environment.
The Carlton Hotel, Katowice, Poland, Image copyright:©Alex Kravetz Design
As regards the structure, the hotel features a remarkable Atrium space for all day dining, a cinema, a drawing room, two ballrooms, a rooftop swimming pool and spa, a sky bar and a terrace. The peculiarity of The Carlton’s guestrooms is to be found in the customizable experience they offer. The furniture, indeed, can be moved and positioned according to the needs and preferences of the guest. A special mechanism allows the table to be raised and lowered while the custom-made mini bar with integrated desk can serve for work or dining. Finally, also the scenic floor lamp can be adapted to all guest’s necessities, from reading light to ambient light or spotlight.
The Carlton Hotel, Katowice, Poland, Image copyright:©Alex Kravetz Design
The theme of art permeates the rooms, all embellished with commissioned artworks. Notably, the still life prints by Władysław Strzemiński – the pioneer of the 1920s and 1930s constructivist avant-garde – and the collages by avant-garde Polish artist Janusz Maria Brzeski draw inspiration from Sigmund Freud’s writings. The inner significance of these charming artwork pieces is that of moving away from social standards and exploring off the beaten paths – a concept that inspires and permeates the entire narrative of the project.