Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino (Oranjestad, Aruba)
Brand Activation, 2019-2020
PROBLEM:
This Renaissance Hotel had a 6-story white stucco wall in their atrium. This was the focal point of the hotel, and it did nothing for first impressions. Renaissance had a question: How can we reinvigorate this space in a way that visually defines the Renaissance Brand while at the same time highlights the positive attributes of its locale?
SOLUTION:
Renaissance Hotels’ motto is “Discover the Unexpected.”
With this in mind, I wanted to create something dreamy that welcomed hotel guests into vacation mode while at the same time, caught them off-guard in a way that was thrilling, engaging, and fun.
I collaborated with Integrated Visions to create a stunning mural that, in an element of surprise, comes to life at night through projection mapping.
This project proved to be a logistical challenge. I worked closely with customs to ensure a timely delivery of several high-end projectors, painting materials, and safety equipment. At the same time, I helped artists apply for work visas and acquire insurance, all while coordinating with the General Manager and Director of Engineering to ensure the site’s scaffolding was safe for install.
I personally flew to the site to oversee a team of 4 artists and installers. Over the course of a few short weeks, the atrium was transformed into an immersive guest experience, highlighting the ingenuity of Renaissance Hotels and the happy island mentality of Aruba.
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Design Firm: DASH Design
Artists: Integrated Visions; Mural Painters Inc
Images: Courtesy of DASH Design, Integrated Visions, and Indiewalls
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Recognition:
Finalist - Custom Art + Installations, Hospitality Design Awards 2020
Here is the original façade.
DASH Designs sought to create an atmosphere that fit Aruba's motto: "One Happy Island"
Integrated Visions and Indiewalls went through several design iterations, and ultimately the clients chose an abstract swirl that brought to mind dreamy waves in bright shades of blue and turquoise.
Progress. While on-site, our talented team of muralists planned out the artwork section by section, down to the very last detail.
Here's the final result in the daytime...
Courtesy of Indiewalls