The Dance of the Red Crowned Crane, China’s national bird, became a strong part of the design narrative for a recent concept pitched by the G.A Group for a luxury hotel in Beijing.
The beauty and spectacular mating dances of Red Crowned Cranes’ have made them highly symbolic birds in China, they bring with them the promise of happiness and eternal youth. It is their deep roots in Asian mythology and their elegance that inspired everything from the colour palette to the architecture of this project. Located near the Beijing Olympic stadium – the Birds Nest, the Red Crowned Crane theme took on further significance.


Wall panels behind the reception are layered to look like spreading wings.


The lobby includes thoughtful details; a private ‘Den of Heaven’ seating area with comfortable furniture invites guests to take time out from the stress of modern life and and be at one with the present. A chessboard allows guests to enjoy a game that challenges the mind. And a display case, housing top quality liquor and spirits, is framed as a ‘Treasure Chest’.

Bringing the outside inside, creating space for the Cranes' to gather.
The new National Convention Centre and the Olympic Park are spaces for people in Beijing to gather and connect.
Nestled in the main axis of the capital, the design of this project would celebrate this gathering and compare it to the gathering of the heavenly Red Crowned Cranes and their ritualistic dance.
The hotel would act as the stage for this metaphorical performance that would translate into the design of the spaces in multiple ways to create a lasting memory for the guests.
The interiors detailing the story of the Red Crowned Cranes would be supported by the actual architectural structure, creating further links through the placement of interior gardens and winglike facade elements.
