Holiday Inn Lusaka, designed by DMA, opens its doors in the Zambian capital
Global hospitality design expert, Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) is celebrating the opening of a new 162-key Holiday Inn in the Zambian capital of Lusaka. DMA's design successfully incorporates the brand's next generation design principles; open-lobby, local food & beverage offerings and fully connected work-station area, all within the world-famous Holiday Inn family fun environment.
DMA provided a complete architectural and interior design solution for all three phases of the refurbishment of the landmark InterContinental Lusaka which will see the creation of a dual brand Holiday Inn and InterContinental Hotel on this landmark site in Lusaka's Government District.
InterContinental Lusaka is an important part of local history, built in time for Zambia's independence in 1968, InterContinental Lusaka has been the location for significant international political events, as well as the place to celebrate life's big events. DMA's architecture and design concept for the refurbishment therefore references elements from the area's past, present and future and reflects the practice's design philosophy, taking their inspiration in individual neighbourhood stories to ensure each property is authentic, timeless and unique. The skillfully conceived design ensures the hotel is embedded and engaged in the local community, whilst creating a real sense of place for guests and visitors.
Says Joel Iseli, Associate at DMA, says: "Part of a wave of new, mid-range international brand hotels across the Continent, this Holiday Inn, reflects the confident face of modern Africa. We looked to be the place to stay for young Africans, staying for business and pleasure, and translated that into a design that reflects the vibrant local culture whilst avoiding any of the usual stereotypes. In doing so, our design respects the history of this much-loved local landmark whilst delivering the strong, forward-looking character expected by local and international travellers."
DMA's interior design for the Holiday Inn took the idea of modern, urban Africa and developed room styles that used a natural palette, inspired by minerals such as copper, Zambia's largest export. Working against a background of soft neutrals, the design applies accents of strong colours in the joinery detail, accessories and wall art. Patterns are used sparingly, in feature walls and bold, geometrically patterned rugs.
Bathrooms follow the same theme, with sleek materials and the clean contemporary finish expected by Holiday Inn guests, emboldened by vibrantly coloured tiled feature walls. In the communal areas, such as the welcoming open lobby and food and beverage areas, DMA's design mixes strong, simple forms with flashes of colour and pattern in unexpected places, such as wall slats and table tops.
Subsequent phases of the project will see DMA redesigning the food and beverage areas at the InterContinental Hotel and creating additional modern meeting rooms.
