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DETAILS

Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, Belgium

Formerly the Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, the reimagined Belle Epoque landmark now comprises 126 beautifully designed rooms and suites, an exquisite restaurant, and a subterranean spa. At the centre of the interior, Palm Court features a hand-crafted stained-glass skylight, extending to an elegant ballroom and intimate private dining spaces.

dpa lighting consultants worked closely with GA Design to ensure that both the refurbished and newly introduced lighting elements preserved and enhanced the character of this historic building, whilst supporting the interior design narrative in tandem with the Corinthia brand.  Due to the sensitivity of the building fabric, it was important for the lighting implementation to minimise intrusion and visual clutter.  The lighting equipment is neatly integrated and concealed where appropriate, within decorative layers, such as chandeliers, wall lights, table lamps, cornices and furniture details, and the extent to which recessed downlights were employed was reduced in the historic spaces.  Extensive lighting trials were undertaken to ensure that the technical lighting equipment specifications worked in harmony with the materiality and detailing, for instance a section of the hand-crafted stained-glass skylight was constructed in a warehouse and lighting tests completed to determine the most appropriate placement and colour temperature range for the lighting, taking in to account the natural light ingress in Palm Court.

The various lighting components are balanced in intensity via the architectural lighting control system, which provides dimming and is programmed to facilitate a palette of lighting ambiances that are curated and correspond to the venue, functionality, and time of day.

The historic facade is beautifully presented externally with its prominence on Rue Royale, having been relit following extensive lighting trials and articulated with sensitively positioned architectural lighting, which celebrate key features that define and celebrate this landmark building.

It has been a privilege for dpa to have experienced the 8-year refurbishment journey, from inception to delivery.

Client: Corinthia
Client Representative: RBW Estate
Interior Designer: GA Design
Architect: Ma2
Project Managers: QPM
Procurement: Argenta Projects Ltd
General Contractor: Group Jansen
Photography: Courtesy of Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels