The art of experience: How public art elevates hotel & hospitality design
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The art of experience: How public art elevates hotel & hospitality design
When guests walk into a hotel, their first impression sets the tone for the entire stay, TURNER Associate Director and Head of Experiential Design Aniss Adler says.
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TURNERRiver Artwork -
TURNERRiver Artwork
When guests walk into a hotel, their first impression sets the tone for the entire stay. Once overlooked, the integration of art and architecture now defines the hotel experience.
TURNER Associate Director and Head of Experiential Design Aniss Adler says hotels are moving away from generic décor toward experience-driven design.
“It’s no longer about just filling spaces with art, it’s about creating a story,” says Aniss.
“For guests, public art can become a moment of pause, a point of contemplation that connects them to the local environment and the ethos of the hotel. It contrasts the busyness of travel, offering a serene environment upon arrival.”
Brands, especially luxury and boutique hotels, are increasingly aware that unique art installations can become signature elements that define a guest’s experience.
Aniss says that the seamless integration of art and architecture is key and can elevate a hotel’s ambiance from merely functional to deeply memorable.
This seamless integration was a major consideration in TURNER’s design of Pullman Sydney Penrith, Western Sydney’s first 5-Star hotel, and subsequent Nepean Looking Glass artwork.
The Nepean Looking Glass forms a striking visual link between the hotel’s modern design and the natural beauty of the nearby Nepean River. The installation isn’t just a nod to the landscape, it’s an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests.
Panthers Group Head of Development Matthew Leavey says the artwork is one of the features the hotel is most proud of.
“Guests consistently express their awe at the stunning Nepean Looking Glass, which beautifully captures the essence of the Nepean River and enhances their arrival experience,” he says.
Matthew’s sentiment speaks to the evolving role of public art in hospitality design. The Nepean Looking Glass goes beyond enhancing the hotel’s aesthetics – it deepens the connection between visitors and the local environment.
Aniss agrees that public art should instil a sense of pride in guests, staff and the local community.
“The Nepean Looking Glass reflects the unique beauty of the region and offers a connection to the environment that both guests and locals appreciate,” Aniss says.
“It’s become a conversation starter and a symbol of the hotel’s commitment to quality and experience.”
The artwork’s success has also been recognised on a national stage. The piece was awarded a Merit at the recent AGDA Awards and took out a Gold at the Sydney Design Awards in the Environmental Graphic Design category.
At its core, the Nepean Looking Glass is a celebration of the local landscape and history. Its flowing, organic forms evoke the movements of the Nepean River, anchoring visitors to the natural beauty surrounding them.
“We wanted the artwork to blend harmoniously with the architecture, while standing out as a signature feature – something bold and memorable.”
“Art in hotels should be more than beautiful – it should be meaningful,” says Aniss.
By drawing inspiration from the local environment and embedding it into the hotel’s identity, TURNER has designed a landmark that will resonate with visitors long after they’ve checked out.
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