Interiors of Moshe Safdie’s horizontal skyscraper and hotel, 250 meters above the ground

Project description by Safdie Architects - CL3 Architects

The iconic skyscraper hotel InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City, located on the Chaotianmen Square, was opened on August 1st, 2020. CL3 Architects is honored to be the interior design team for Raffles City Chongqing, a grand mixed-use project for Chongqing, China. Following the success of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, the same architect, Moshe Safdie, together with Singapore’s CapitaLand, invited CL3 to join them in creating this iconic Landmark.

City Impression
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. 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.

CL3 Architects is the interior design team of the hotel's main areas. 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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The newly opened InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City Hotel will be an important work for CL3 and a landmark city hotel for Chongqing. The elites and travelers from home and abroad are welcome to experience a new life that combines nature, culture and technology here.

Residential Clubhouse
CL3 together with Safdie Architects designed the residential lobby, 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.

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.