http://www.amanresorts.com/amangiri/home.aspx

Innovations
Furniture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlS7qqMGA98

Sling bags...Check them out!!
http://mylani.webs.com/

Wall texture

weeeeeird!!!

zen furniture

Chandeliers

Aqua creations

Stunning!!

Lumion rendering

KALWALL

design spaces

Reception

Upon entering the reception area, pathways as in Zen gardens, lead the viewer throughout the space, the positive and negative spaces that are created are closely related to the Yin and Yang.  Colour and lighting within the reception area should be restful and relaxing, in order for people to shift from work related stresses and outside stimuli to the calm and nurturing environment that is to come. The colour of the space will be tranquil and monochromatic with regards to shades of white and stone.  A colour accent does not always have to be related to walls solely, but also could be certain elements or objects within the space. Light will be used in moderation the balance of artificial and natural light will give a tranquil interior environment.

The floors of the reception area will be polished concrete, but path areas will be polished porcelain tiles to symbolize reflection. Stones and pebbles areas will distinguish negative and positive spaces within the interior. Certain areas could be off limits, the pebbles would act as a two dimensional barrier between paths or whether it just be just to force the viewer a certain way. The rocks and pebbles also have a strong connection to Zen gardens and horticulture, as well as being the symbol for water in a Feng Shui interior design. The colour of the floor will also balance between dark and light shades of stone, to incorporate the concept of masculine and feminine balancing in perfect harmony. In certain areas of importance, such like a cross road, mosaic designs can be incorporated to symbolize the transition.

Walls within the reception area will be geometric cut stone clad wall, in a light tone, to maximize the amount of daylight reflection, especially considering morning sun. The textured stone cladding will also add a dynamic quality to the space as the shadows of the sharp edges will move, as the sun moves. In the waiting area against one of the walls, a graphic of a forest scene is super imposed onto the wall, to make a stronger connection to the healing powers of nature.

The ceiling within the waiting area is dark, to contrast the light fixtures within the space. According to (Cirlot, 2002) clouds can signify the veil that hides the face of God, to make a stronger connection to the concept of heaven and earth (Yin and yang), light fixtures will epitomise clouds. Therefore the light fixtures will be made from a translucent lace fabric, to make a connection to the ethereal quality of clouds. Lighting also plays a role here as the colour and intensity of the light will add the desired mood of the space, as well as it will create and interesting contrast with the dark ceiling. Connecting from one “cloud” to the next, will be fibre optic lights, which will imitate a calm starry night.

The reception should also give a feeling of tranquillity and peace of mind. Running water symbolises tranquillity, the waiting area will have a water feature to add to the experience. The reception area also leads off to the yoga and Pilates studio, throughout the restaurant, but is not offensive, the same geometric tunnel element in the courtyard is repeated, to form a semi-transparent hallway, the same feeling and essence of sanctuary is created.

According to (Lee, 1999) the reception will also have green plants, to bring in the element and idea of nature, and striving to be closer to nature. Soft shaped plants such as ferns redress the balance of linear or angular shapes, like that of the geometric tunnel.

Waiting area

Also part of the reception area is various pause spaces and waiting areas, one has the opportunity to choose where they would like to wait. The waiting area will also double up as an area to take a cup of coffee or tea while reading a book ort magazine. The book shelf will act as a partition of spaces as well as being a sculptural element. The bookshelf was designed according to the idea of weaving. According to (Cirlot, 2002) weaving can be related to the concept of creation and life, particularly the latter in so far as it denotes accumulation or growth. The weaving concept is closely related to the concept of the yin and yang and binary, the final piece of fabric that is to be created cannot work without having both strands to weave together this creates a binding factor of opposite sides that work together in harmonious balance. Too much of either side could cause an uneven end product. Waiting areas will also have stone paths leading to and from them, to add to the idea of being within a Zen garden inside.  The zen garden can be incorporated into the space to have spaces for quiet contemplation or meditation. Certain areas such as pause spaces will encompass elements form zen garden design in an abstracted form within he interior.

Restaurant

The restaurant will encourage humility and modesty, to share and eat amongst all different cultures and be humble. The dining area will be simple and a peaceful environment to enjoy a fine meal. The restaurant is part of the courtyard area, and is situated on the left side of the courtyard. Tables will all be white, symbolising masculinity, and the chairs will be black, symbolising the feminine, which relates back to the yin and yang. The restaurant feeds out to the outside courtyard, which will be timber decking. To bring in the colour concept of the yin and yang, some parts of the decking will be raised and darkened to create differentiation between certain areas. One area in particular is the raised platform with awning above for protection against weather. The furniture within the restaurant will be plain and not ornate or overcompensated, but rather simple and to the point.

A prime example for a furniture piece is a design by Weylandts, which is an unfinished timber table top with tapered steel legs. This range especially epitomizes classic clean lines and consists of sturdy construction which adds to the principle of Kanso within Zen design. Kanso refers to portraying things in a plain and simple, natural manner which reminds one to contemplate with complete clarity.

A chair suggestion for the restaurant is the Series 7, by Arne Jacobson, which is a four-legged stackable chair created by using the lamination technique. The chair is lightweight as well as stackable and also is not visually distracting, but rather adds to the interior or exterior environment in natural way. The chair is especially attractive within the nine different types of woof grain which reflect a comprehensive palette of natural timber tones and hues.

Healing journey

The journey starts by removing ones shoes to signify humbling oneself, the first space of the journey divides the guests into men and women. At the point of removing ones shoes, guests will place their shoes in a fabric shelf, like that of the bookshelf in the reception area.

After shoes are removed the floor in the concerning areas will become textured, in order to exfoliate and create a massage experience. The textures can change and develop as the space transcends into the next to enhance the overall experience. Pebbles represent serenity as well as symbolise running water. As mentioned in the theories chapter Zen design should be asymmetrical, as symmetry does not occur in nature. A more asymmetrical journey creates harmony and balance with nature.