The Sofitel Stephansdom Hotel in Vienna was opened last December 14th – it is the latest project of the French architect Jean Nouvel (2008 Pritzker Prize). This sophisticated hotel is housed in Stilwerk, an 18-story building which also includes 2 restaurants and 30 exclusive shops, and is one of the largest showcases dedicated to design.
Undoubtedly, the centrepiece of the project and the most impressive area is the viewpoint-restaurant Le Loft located on the top floor, with wonderful views of the Austrian capital. But the views are not the only thing that makes of Le Loft a very special place. The decoration is also a factor, and to a great degree – especially the ceilings of the Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist and the Sancal furniture: 114 Artica chairs and 66 Vela-Dora tables in a rich, cool grey.
Jean Nouvel chose Artica chairs for their cubic design and clean lines. During the press conference, before the inauguration, the architect was seated in one as he met the press. The singular trapezoidal floor and a steel and glass façade, which are perfectly integrated with the environment and the way in which light changes the colours of the building as the day goes on, make Stilwerk the new symbol of the city and set it in the higher echelons of architecture.
2011 Vienna, Austria
Project: Jean Nouvel.
Product: Artica, Vela-Dora.
Pictures by UNIQA
