The renovation of Le Meridian, New Delhi (then a Starwood Hotels property) was driven by art and tech as per the client brief. It employed new-age materials and lighting techniques, and enjoyed several ‘firsts’ in hotel design. LED as a lighting technology was liberally used across public areas and guest rooms. The flooring of the common areas was lined with white glass imported from Japan, while that of the atrium featured a massive glass mosaic design that could be admired from the higher floors. This became an iconic image for the Meridien group at that time. Another instance of art was the soaring 35-foot optic glass sculpture displayed behind the reception desk, against the backdrop of an award-winning 40-foot-high and 20-foot-wide single piece of back-lit alabaster.

The four and a half ton sculpture was designed in-house at the studio and commissioned to American glass artist Stephen Gormley, who called it one of the best pieces he had produced. Nero, the bar was names after its all-black decor articulated through black leather-clad walls, furniture featuring black velvet and accents of chrome hardware, chandeliers with black crystal and a bar facia rendered in smoked alabaster. The all-day dining was highlighted with biomorphic columns shaped with robotic technology, again cutting-edge for that time.

One more ‘first’ was the guest floors designed in alternating dark and light concepts to appeal to both, Indian and western tastes. In the guest rooms, guests had the option of selecting the light colour of their choice, effected through LEDs hidden behind frosted-glass panels.

The renovated property was immensely successful, and became the topmost performing hotel in Asia.