A Better Mindset

When renovating an existing building, I’m learning that it’s important to find the hidden potential in problematic areas.  Rather than fighting against the quirks of the previous design you have to put down your boxing gloves and work with it to create something even better and more unique. 

Atrium space in the Palace Hotel

The atrium space at the Hotel could be thought of as a quirk.   Many architects now would reject this atrium layout because it doesn’t use space efficiently and units with windows facing an atrium are considered undesirable.  But at the time (in the late 1920s) an atrium was a viable solution because the palace was expanding quickly with a large, new concrete addition and small, cheap hotel rooms with some natural light were needed. 

In taking up a new mindset I need to think, “How can we make the atrium a space where people want to be?”  This 100'x20’ rectangle could be a potential for some really awesome outdoor-indoor space, with fountains, walking paths, gardens, green walls, plants, benches, fire pits, a volleyball court, etc.  It could become the focal point for activity in the condo units, kind of a semi-private mini park that the residents of the Palace can enjoy.

Sketches showing potential re-use of atrium space.

Cherem-serrano-arquitectos recently renovated a 17^th century hotel in Mexico City, and I think they did a great job of making the most of their atrium with space for seating, a green wall, and an operable canvas roof.

Downtown Mexico Hotel atrium.

I think that at the Palace Hotel we have the opportunity to do the same.  Or better :)