The twisting geometric facade of the Morpheus Hotel in Macau, China, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, symbolizes the innovative approach of the building. According to ZHA, the building is the world’s first free-form high-rise structure with an exterior frame that eliminates the need for interior walls or columns that would typically divide the hotel’s interior spaces. Viviana Muscettola, ZHA's project director, said, "Morpheus combines the optimal layout with structural integrity and sculptural form. The design is intriguing because it does not reference traditional architectural typologies."
She continued, "Buildings in Macau have traditionally referenced architectural styles from around the world. Morpheus, however, has clearly evolved as a new architecture from the unique environment and site conditions of this city."
When ZHA was brought onto the project in 2012, the site already had existing foundations for an unbuilt tower.
The architects used these foundations to design a 40-story building consisting of two circulation cores that connect at the base via a podium and then merge again at the roof level.
According to the architects, voids were carved into the building’s design to create rectangular block-shaped windows that reflect the city’s views, influenced by traditional Chinese jade carving techniques that produce liquid forms from hard minerals.
An atrium runs the height of the building between the two towers, with the hotel's restaurants and bars located on bridges passing through this central void.
Twelve glass elevators running through the Morpheus offer guests views of the hotel's sculptural interiors as well as panoramic views of the sprawling city of Macau below.
The undulating shape of the building caused by the three voids in the glass facades, which connect the north and south elevations, also creates unique interior spaces.
Corner suites offer views both of the interior atrium and the city beyond, maximizing the number of rooms with external views. The hotel features 770 rooms, suites, and sky villas, along with a rooftop spa and pool.
The high-performance glazing minimizes solar gain, while the protruding exterior frame provides shading. Rather than cooling the entire atrium, localized air conditioning is used in areas like staff spaces, lounges, and restaurants where guests are present.
Content: Interior Architecture Magazine
Written by: ÇİLSE MERVE GÜNEL
