The Power of Porcelain

Set in phase 2 of Taoxichuan, an art and tourism development in the heart of Jingdezhen, the Taoxichuan Hotel by Hyatt explores the vast ways to incorporate ceramics in design and interior architecture. With architecture by David Chipperfield Architects and interior design by AIM Architects, each space incorporates ceramics in moving ways, staying true to the spirit and history of the material.

Jingdezhen is in the Jiangxi province of eastern China, a region known for its porcelain. The hotel is in fact situated on the site of a former porcelain factory complex. The industrial campus is transformed in a masterplan by David Chipperfield Architects consisting of The Grand Theater, a music academy, and a hotel complex, which includes the Toaxichuan Hotel.

Left: Toaxichuan Hotel reception. Photos by WenStudio, courtesy of AIM Architects

AIM’s interior design of the hotel is greatly influenced by the cultural context of its location. To build upon the history of the site, AIM embraces the earthen roots of the project, extending the brick facades inside.

The physical spaces of the hotel are metaphors for steps of the journey of porcelain from China, its spread and influence in the broader world, and the return to its origins. The different spaces are the origin (Lobby), the creation (Lounge Emerald), the discovery (Ballroom), the fascination (Cobalt Restaurant), the appreciation (Fitness Center), and the return (Guestrooms).

The restaurant (right) and fitness center (bathroom at left) are dedicated to the practice of using cobalt for blue coloring.

The guest rooms, called Ateliers, are places for guests to retreat and rejuvenate. The unglazed, workshop-like textures—canvas walls, clay colors—feel like a place of self-creation and unaffected relaxation.