“Gemstone of all gemstones”

The Amethyst Hotel is a proposal for a chain of hotels. The Amethyst Hotel derives its appeal from an almost infinite array of positive effects associated with this seductive gemstone.

“A large number of miraculous powers are attributed to the amethyst in all sorts of cultures. It was said to bring good fortune in war and in the hunt, protect crops against tempests and locusts, drive out evil spirits and inspire the intellect”.

“Amethyst has the capacity to purify any space of negative vibrations. It calms and cools excessive emotions, and eases the transition to a more meditative state by clearing the unnecessary mind clutter”.

“Amethyst is said to strengthen the immune system and help heal imbalances of the respiratory tract and skin.”

“The powerful effects include the capacity to combat addictive problems, prevent nightmares and other healing properties”.

All of these properties are most welcome in any hospitality or wellness environment. The surmised positive energies form a supreme advert.

The Amethyst Hotel has the potential to become a performative symbol; a symbol with actual powers associated with it. Building shape and capacities coincide: form = function.

The building a gem.  

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewellery. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ? a- ("not") and μ?θυστος methustos ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protects its owner from drunkenness.

A sliced Amethyst geode often is referred to as ‘cathedral’. This architectural reference is celebrated in the Hotel; a particularly uplifting space comes into being.

The project could be understood as a mutation of the innovative hotel typology as developed by architect and real-estate entrepreneur John Portman: hotel rooms lining a sensational void. Amethyst hotel in a way is a Marriott Marquis sliced in the centre, exposing its magnificent interior.  

The hotel rooms are placed around a large void, as an offset of the exterior shape. The access to the rooms is organised along the outer perimeter. The inner layer is formed by crystalline clusters that frame the interiors organically.

The Amethyst Hotel aims at eventually sprouting a chain of branches in different locations around the world with slightly different shapes, sizes and forms, all distinct but clearly related. The first member of the family is planned for Ocean Flower in China, a man made island currently under development in the sea north of Hainan.

Amethystos

Dionysus when insulted by a mortal swore to slay the next mortal who crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wrath. The mortal turned out to be a beautiful young woman, Amethystos, who was on her way to pay tribute to Artemis. Her life was spared by Artemis, who transformed the maiden into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears then stained the quartz purple.

“In feng shui, the amethyst is used for its purification qualities, as well as its ability to connect to higher planes of energy. It can be used to calm the emotions in a household where there are excessive arguments and misunderstandings. It can also help with study and learning”.

“With many attributes given to this prestigious stone the most common beliefs are that it offers protection to the wearer from evil spirits.

Amethysts also help clearing skin blemishes and lighten scars. Amethysts make the skin soft and glowing.

Healers use this to offer strength of soul to the healee. Depression and other related mental problems can be reduced by using amethysts near the body or in the room of the individual who requires healing.

Healers also swear by the healing properties of amethyst stone for reducing headaches and insomnia.

Feelings of anxiety, low self esteem, fears that are irrational, obsessions of all kinds, and bad dreams all can be healed by using amethyst near your bed or placing the amethyst under your pillow.

People also prefer to buy amethysts towers, amethysts balls, amethysts pyramids and place them on study table, office table or near the bed for healing and purifying the whole area. This stone will protect the environment from accumulating negative energies and from evil spirits. The amethyst heals past fears and obsessive thoughts.

Confidence, protection and clarity of thoughts are the most important attributes given to this healing stone.

The amethysts wards away undue fears and negative thoughts and protects against nightmares and bad dreams.

For good business and new contracts as well as job promotions place an amethysts stone artefact, amethysts ball or sphere or an amethysts pyramid tower in the north or north west section of your office, living room or bedroom.

With many healing properties attributed to the amethyst it is also a symbol of power and strength”.

All Images © NL Architects

Project Facts

Architect: NL Architects

Amethyst Hotel:Proposal for a Luxury Hotel Chain

Site:First location Ocean Flower, DanZhou city, HanNan province, China

Client:Evergrande Group

NL Architects:Pieter Bannenberg, Walter van Dijk, Kamiel Klaasse

Team:Gen Yamamoto, Lao Zhongnam, Giuliano Lemma, Guang Jie Xue, Tomas Hanak

> via NL Architects