23 Oct 2017
Rockwell Group find inspiration in midcentury Modernism and Hollywood glamour for new LA hotel
BY Kim Megson
David Rockwell’s design studio have completed a Los Angeles hotel that pays homage to the city’s iconic mid-century modern architecture.
The 178-bedroom Dream Hollywood Hotel is located on the city’s Selma Avenue, close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in the shadow of the Hollywood Hills.
Rockwell Group and operator Dream Hotels sought to bring something of the glamour of Tinseltown to the hotel, mixed with a dose of mid-century Modernism and a strong visual connection between the indoor and outdoor.
The walls of the airy, double-height space completely open up to a landscaped pedestrian alley, and a garden path guides guests from the entrance to the check-in and concierge area. At night, lighting effects mimic the shadows cast by the sun hitting trees and are projected on the path.
The focal point of the space is a huge stone fireplace, inspired by the hearths found in many mid-century LA homes. This reference to the local architecture is carried into the hotel’s guest rooms, which are partly inspired by the surrounding Californian hillside residences. They carry two colour schemes – one evoking sky and water against a desert backdrop and one reflecting the colours of an LA sunset.
“We were excited to provide an alternate hotel experience and something that makes guests feel as if they’re checking into a local residence,” said Rockwell Group partner and studio leader Shawn Sullivan.
“We drew inspiration from the amazing homes in Los Angeles, especially the Hollywood Hills. We love the houses designed by modernists such as John Lautner and Richard Neutra, so we wanted to create a vertical and contemporary version.
“The design ultimately pays homage to mid-century modern architecture unique to LA with a Dream Hotels twist.”
An 11,000sq ft (1,000sq m) rooftop destination, operated by the TAO Group, includes space for dancing, dining and lounging and features a retractable roof designed to maximise views of the Hollywood sign and skyline. The roof also houses a swimming pool, cabanas and a secret garden café.
“We had the opportunity to not design just one or two destinations, but an entire complex,” said Sullivan. “The experience takes up almost an entire block of Hollywood that offers nightlife, hospitality and dining.
“It feels like an exciting new approach to planning that invites guests and locals alike to stay and linger. It’s an immersive playground for the city.”
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