Architecture becomes art

Rafael Moneo, the most prized of Spanish designers, had his priorities clear from the initial sketches: “Architecture has obligations, the buildings acquire importance when they complete something that is bigger than they are: the city”, he explains. His objective for this project consisted of creating a work that was also a part of the common project of the city of Barcelona and found its fulfilment in form of the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza.

This architect from Navarre has created such great works as the new Beirut Souks (in Lebanon), the cathedral of Los Angeles (in California), the Kursaal of San Sebastián, the Museo Thyssen, the extension of the Museo del Prado and the Atocha train station (in Madrid), among others. In addition to the Pritzker (the Oscar’s of architecture), he has also received other prestigious awards such as the National Architecture Award, the Gold Medal of the International Union of Architects, the Mies van de Rohe Award for Contemporary Architecture and the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts.

His project for Barcelona, this iconic architectural and hospitality work, is located in the legendary district of Les Corts, a neighbourhood that has lived through one of the greatest urban revolutions of recent times and that has become an example of the development of a metropolis.

For this project, Moneo received the support of two other masters, architects Manuel de Solà-Morales and Lucho Marcial. So, in addition to comfort, design is one of the greatest protagonists of each corner of the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza. It is infused in the building’s DNA, identified with the spirit of the Barcelona, a global reference in the most avant-garde and trendy way.

Along the wide hallways of the hotel, between concrete walls and green and blue glass, small corners offer the ideal sites to rest, meet up with others or simply read. The other common areas are also of interest due to their large sizes, open spaces and plays on natural light. Marcial, responsible for the interior design, has made seriousness the primary element. The colours –white, black and grey– add to the forcefulness of the materials –marble, glass and steel– making no other ornaments necessary.

The 308 rooms of the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza are all exteriors and very spacious. Designed as modern cabins, they all contain a bath and shower. From the start, the emphasis has been on quality through materials as well as the relationship of the interior with the exterior thanks to the huge windows. The majority of the hotel rooms are of a high or premium quality. There are seven junior suites and one suite.

While wood and glass are the principle elements of the bedroom, rectified black tile rules in the bathroom. It is only altered by large sheets of tinted glass that define the different areas. Wide, spacious and comfortable, all bathrooms have a rain-effect shower, a selection of NH Collection amenities and a professional hair dryer.

A glimpse of art and of Barcelona is seen in the photograph of “L’ou com balla” (how the egg dances) found next to the bathtubs. “L’ou com balla” represents a century old tradition of the city symbolizing the “renewal of new life “. On the celebrated Corpus Christi day, the Barcelona’s cloisters, patios and gardens are adorned with flowers and fruits and the spouts of its fountains are filled with an egg that “dances” over the water.

Get to know the captivating beauty of architecture and design created by world famous professionals and let yourself be charmed by surprising, thought through details. The NH Collection Barcelona Constanza will definitely not leave you indifferent.