Hong Kong, Beijing and Shenzhen-based architecture studio CL3 Architects has completed the interior design of the iconic skyscraper hotel InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City and the L42 Residential Clubhouse in the Raffles City Chongqing complex designed by prominent architect Moshe Safdie of Safdie Architects. 

CL3 Architects have released the latest images of the completed interior spaces, including the Intercontinental hotel, residential clubhouse and common areas of the hotel and five towers. 

Safdie Architects' 1,127,000-square-metre development, named Raffles City Chongqing, comprises eight towers and a 300-meter-long sky bridge that connects four towers where two of them are linked to other two of the development’s taller towers through "The Crystal". 

Hotel public area

The mega development is realised as a multi-phased project, The Crystal is the second section of the development opened to the public after a five-story retail galleria's opening, other sections of Raffles City Chongqing will continue to open through October 2020. 

For the interiors, CL3 Architects closely worked with Moshe Safdie, together with Singapore’s CapitaLand. The historic backdrop of Chongqing laid the ground for the hotel design, while streamline features telling the experience of sailing the Yangtze River in perfect style. 

Hotel public area

The hotel InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City sits on one of the most historically and geographically significant sites in China. Located at the junction of Yangtze River and Jialing River, this place is called Chaotianmen because this is where the emperor sent his fleet to meet his people. 

On this site, the new Raffles City Chongqing is a super mixed use development destined to be the new landmark for the city and modern China.

Besides the hotel, CL3 together with Safdie Architects designed the residential lobby and common area for towers T1 Jialing Two, T2 Jialing One, T3N One Altitude, T5 Yangtze One, T6 Yangtze Two, as well as the residential clubhouse inside the crystal sky bridge on level 42.

Link Bridge Reception Area

Link Bridge Reception Area

The hotel has its grand reception at the crystal sky bridge on level 42, which is also where the lounge and specialty restaurant "Jing" are located. 

The hotel has 380 custom designed guestrooms and suites above the 250-m-high sky bridge. A contemporary concept for the hotel interior compliments the iconic architecture by extending the sail metaphor inside. Based on the nautical aesthetics, the streamline features are interwoven with touches of Chinese motifs and crafts, moving and flowing from the ground entrance to the crystal sky bridge.

Link Bridge Reception Area

The shape of a sailing vessel is employed in the reception area which is equipped with arc-shaped lighting devices. The shape design echoes the water reflection during sailing in the river. Under the natural light, the inside and outside scenery forms a connection. 

Lounge Lobby

This iconic, contemporary hotel takes a prime site location and maximizes views of the river, mountains, city and sky. These elements combine to create a hotel which is an integral part of any guest voyage, integrating the spirit of river travel, comfort and elegant luxury into a unique hotel experience.

Link Bridge Reception Area

Lobby Lounge

Under the towering arc-shaped dome, green plants grow freely upwards in an array, combined with the round wooden seats under the tree, highlighting the lounge's cozy style. 

Light, shadow and green plants create a "mountain" landscape in the sky, providing the perfect place for free strolling guests.

Lobby Lounge

Lobby Lounge

Hotel Public Area

Executive Lounge

Specialty Restaurant “Jing”

The Specialty Restaurant “Jing” with both modern and elegant temperament shows a distinctive style. The restaurant decorated with dark stone and peacock blue provides a different kind of sensory experience. 

When the night comes, the soft indoor light creates a comfortable and luxurious space atmosphere. Specialty Restaurant “Jing” is the best choice to relax oneself or meet friends. 

Specialty Restaurant “Jing”

Specialty Restaurant “Jing”

Specialty Restaurant “Jing”

Guest room

Hotel Guest Room

The inspiration from the timeless ultra luxury of contemporary sailing vessels is reflected in the ambience, furniture selections, finishes, and guest rooms. 

Designed with the element of yacht cabin and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, the design team is committed to creating a wide view and high-quality experience for guests.

Swimming Pool & Gym

The gym and swimming pool are located on the 43rd floor of the hotel. There is a special viewing lounge area on the side close to the French windows, where guests can appreciate the beautiful river view while exercising.

Sauna room

Gym reception

Grand ballroom

Grand Ballroom

Inspiration from the two rivers, one being blue and one gold, reflects on the choice of colors and materials, to expand the views of the sky and city, and to elevate the eye to the heavens through the canopy of trees. 

Views of the river and city are maximized to create outwardly focused spaces and open vistas for all to enjoy.

Arrival Lobby

During the design phase, William Lim, Founder of CL3 Architects, took efforts to study the local history of Chongqing. Then he drew the sketches of those stories and invited local artists to make them into paintings, which shown on the screens of the arrival lobby.

Residential Clubhouse

Residential Clubhouse

CL3 together with Safdie Architects designed the residential clubhouse inside the crystal sky bridge on level 42, which boast the most dramatic indoor swimming pool, gym, spa and private function rooms.

Residential Clubhouse

Different functional areas bring a peaceful and soothing feeling through vigorous greenery and abundant natural light. High-quality leisure and entertainment facilities with supporting services upgrade the living standard of Chongqing.

Residential Clubhouse

Residential Clubhouse

Residential Clubhouse

Residential Clubhouse

"The newly opened InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City Hotel will be an important work for CL3 and a landmark city hotel for Chongqing," said CL3 Architects.

"The elites and travelers from home and abroad are welcome to experience a new life that combines nature, culture and technology here."

First sketch. Image © CL3 Architects

Project facts

Client: CapitaLand

Project name: InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City & L42 Residential Clubhouse

Project location: No. 2 Changjiang Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China 400010

Completion time: 2020

Interior design firm: CL3 Architects 

Interior design team: William Lim, Jane Arnett, Simon Ho, Jun Tse, Katerin Theys

Architecture design firm: Safdie Architects

All images © Feng Shao

> via CL3 Architects