Design showcase: Top five bird’s eye views

We take a look at five outstanding examples of top-down photography within the luxury hotel sector in the latest instalment of our ongoing collaboration with TOPHOTELDESIGN.

Today, we dive into new perspectives of design; the aerial point of view.

Viewing the world’s top hotels from above

This used to be a privilege reserved for helicopter passengers, a lucky bird or the architect’s eye when looking at the blueprint, but nowadays guests are getting their hands on low-cost drones that can show them just the same.

We chose five magnificent projects that surpassed our expectations and were expertly photographed.

This unique perspective shows the essence of the designers’ process in a different scale. We zoom out and notice the few elements that distinguish their interior space; the dominant shapes and lines; the landscape design; the dialogue between the constructions and nature; the flows, routes and circuits of the guests; and the overall feel of the experience.

Just as there are different ways to start a drawing, there are multiple ways to outline a design concept. It can start from a curve, textures, a particular detail, a big shape that divides into smaller ones, the colours of the landscape or the materials, etc. Those are the things that are noticeable when we look at the projects from above or with distance.

Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi

The Maldives
by SCSY Studio

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Maldives
by Highness
Supplied by Forest Group

Como Uma Canggu

Bali
by Atelier Ikebuchi and One Degree North

L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa

The Seychelles
by Winch Design and Landmark Studios
Supplied by Kaldewei

Imagery: © Elsa Young

Lux* North Male Atoll

The Maldives
by Miaja Design Group and Hannan Yoosuf Architects

Click here to find more inspiring designs on TOPHOTELDESIGN.

Many TOPHOTELNEWS articles draw on exclusive information from the TOPHOTELPROJECTS construction database. This subscription-based product includes details of thousands of hotel projects around the world, along with the key decision-makers behind them. Please note, our data may differ from records held by other organisations. Generally, the database focuses on four- and five-star schemes of significant scale; tracks projects in either the vision, pre-planning, planning, under-construction, pre-opening or newly opened phase; and covers newbuilds, extensions, refurbishments and conversions.

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