THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER IS THE LARGEST MEDICAL COMPLEX IN THE WORLD. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL HAS OPENED A PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE CENTER TO SERVE HOSPITAL VISITORS, STAFF AND VISITING PROFESSIONALS, AS WELL AS LEISURE TRAVELLERS ATTRACTED TO HOUSTON’S LIVELY ART SCENE. PRECIOSA LIGHTING WORKED WITH HOK NEW YORK TO CREATE A WELLNESS-FOCUSED VIBE IN THE HOTEL’S PUBLIC SPACES.

HOK wanted to share the healing power of nature with hotel guests. They also took natural inspiration from the Texan bayous. The reception area is where this lovely look is best featured; a backdrop behind the desks evokes the look and feel of a lush, living wall. Preciosa created the wonderful cloud-shaped pendants that highlight the greenery. The clouds are made from acrylic frosted leaves and stainless steel rods with a polished brass finish. Two smaller versions of this installation can be found in the lobby seating area.

Elsewhere in the lobby, guests can relax under a canopy of falling leaves. Reflections from natural light add to the feeling of warming sunlight. Hand-blown glass leaves in green and off-white tones recreate the forest feel. Green was the primary colour used in order to give the installation a luxurious feel.

Twelve crystal waves of light bring the calming atmosphere of a flowing river to the ballroom. Preciosa created these waves from glass cylinders that are both clear and frosted. Two more fixtures feature in the lift lobbies. One gives a breezy impression with its fan-shaped shades. The other brings again a cool flow, with six different sized glass cylinders, both frosted and clear, specifically arranged in a curving formation.