Gert Voorjans and the Essence of Place in Design
Gert Voorjans, the Antwerp-based designer behind the interiors of the Dries Van Noten stores and the iconic Joyce boutique flagships in Hong Kong, has spent the last five years crafting an ultra-luxury property for the Shangri-La group. The Silk Lakehouse, part of the new Shangri-la Signatures brand, is nestled in the woodlands along the UNESCO-listed West Lake in Hangzhou, China.
On a recent journey to Asia, Voorjans visited Manila House, a private members' club he designed in 2016, en route to Hong Kong, where he unveiled his latest home collections, 'Joy and Flair,' for Jim Thompson. These collections, featuring furnishing fabrics, wall coverings, and trimmings, mark his second collaboration with the global lifestyle brand based in Thailand.
During his presentation, Voorjans emphasized the significance of conveying 'the sense of place' in his design projects, a concept that has redefined luxury in an era of globalization, where shopping, dressing, consuming, and living have become homogenized.
'Until now, traveling the world meant staying in hotels that, while nice and well-designed, lacked distinctiveness,' he explained. 'They are the same everywhere, and that's a problem. Whether in New York, Hong Kong, or Manila, they are beautifully executed but lack a unique sense of place.'
Voorjans believes that the sense of place is crucial for creating authenticity, character, and individuality in design. In The Silk Lakehouse, a 68-room hotel smaller than standard Shangri-La properties, the focus was on well-being and nature. Hangzhou's natural beauty and the iconic lotus flower, which blooms in June, inspired the design.
'We mirrored the location in the interiors, products, food, and amenities,' Voorjans said. 'The walk around the lake, the fauna, and the flora were all incorporated into the design.'
Four distinct room templates were created, each echoing elements of the surrounding nature through motifs on fabrics, carpets, and walls, featuring lotus flowers, willow leaves, peacocks, and cranes, all prominent in Chinese culture. The 'Garden Room' was an ultra-luxury departure from the standard room category, while other rooms included the 'Romance Room,' 'Peacock Room,' and the one-of-a-kind 'Presidential Suite.'
Voorjans is a strong proponent of color, believing it to be vital in enhancing the sense of place. 'Color is essential and energizing,' he stated. 'We shouldn't survive on gray or off-white; it can be dull. Of course, opinions and demands vary, but that's my perspective.'
His 30-year experience designing Dries Van Noten stores has shaped his approach. When designing the Paris store, he resisted the urge to make it identical to other Dries stores, understanding that each location should reflect its unique context. This approach contrasts with brands like Prada and Giorgio Armani, which maintained uniform interiors across cities, leading to a sense of boredom and uniformity.
Voorjans' philosophy revolves around blending heritage and modernity in a fresh and relatable way. He emphasizes that it's not about living in the past but about the new generation's challenge to redefine heritage with contemporary relevance. 'Heritage can be reimagined and adapted for today's needs and the future,' he said, discouraging nostalgia and retro styles.
'I prefer to look into and study heritage, but create something new and fresh from it,' he added, cautioning against over-romanticizing the past. 'It should be contemporary and modern, with a touch of heritage, creating a beautiful, new experience.'
