Earlier this week, we took a detailed look at the Airbus of the future and got a sense of what commercial flight might look like by 2050. But what’s the use of an incredible futuristic flight if there’s nowhere equally impressive to stay? Judging by some of the following Utopian hotel concepts, it doesn’t look like securing dramatic accommodation will be a problem.
Heart of the District, New York City
Hanging between two buildings above the bustling streets of New York City, the Heart of the District hotel could permanently change the iconic skyline of the Big Apple. Designed by ZA Architects, the concept behind the hotel is simple: interconnectivity. With a host of bars, cafés and creative accommodations on offer, the building will act as a central hub (or “heart”) where visitors and locals can share amenities, while also sharing stories.
Solar Floating Island, Maldives
Designs for the Maldives’ US $145 million Solar Floating Island were released earlier this year by Italian design firm MPD Designs. Conceptualised to battle rising sea levels – which are threatening to submerge the shallow islands of the Indian Ocean archipelago – the five-star concept comprises several luxury villas, entertainment areas and living spaces that can be tethered together and maneuvered via integrated motors and a built-in steering wheel.
Manned Cloud Hotel
Carrying a maximum of 40 passengers above the world’s most delicate ecosystems, the Manned Cloud Hotel has been dreamt-up by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud. Boasting a large two-deck cabin, the whale-shaped blimp will include a restaurant, library, fitness suite and spa, while the roof will host a spacious sun deck. In theory, the hotel will allow guests to view exotic, never-before-seen locations from above, over a three-day trip.
Floating Hotel, Qatar
Designed as a practical solution to the influx of fans that will descend upon Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Doha’s Floating Hotel will offer five-star luxury across its collection of designer suites, residences and rooms. Designed by Finland-based Sigge Architects – who specialise in floating properties – the offshore resort will also boast independent sewage treatment, power generation and recycling capabilities, allowing the waterborne behemoth to coast from shore to shore.
Jetway Hotel
For well-to-do jetsetters who want to avoid the customs and city-centre slog on short stopovers, Margot Krasojevic’s Jetway Hotel is the perfect solution. Designed to effectively pop-up beside a just-landed private jet, the futuristic hotel can be extended or retracted accordingly and includes an integrated entertainment area, sleeping space and cantilevered canopy to protect your private plane from the elements.
Aerotel Hotel
Whether it’s reservoirs or oceans, this creative hotel offers an entirely unique opportunity to experience life above water. Admittedly, the towering, webbed Aerotel Hotel wouldn’t look out of place in a remake of War of the Worlds, but the resort also serves a more practical purpose. Conceptualised by Russian architect Alexander Asadov, the 200-metre wide construct has been designed as an alternative to man-made islands and, according to Asadov, will dramatically reduce construction cost while delivering a “full recreation complex.”
www.asadov.ru
Full Moon Bay, Azerbaijan
If, for you, Azerbaijan’s Full Moon Bay hotel conjures up images of the Death Star, rest assured you’re not the only one. The towering 150-metre-tall, 382-room resort has been specially designed by Heerim Architects to look dramatically different depending on what angle you view the building from and will be one of two ultra-modern hotels set to redefine the skyline of Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital.
MORPHotel
The fully adaptive MORPHotel has been designed by Gianluca Santosuosso as a floating “vertebral spine” concept, which, if built, will meander across the ocean’s surface on a continuous journey. Boasting an ever-changing shape, the hotel slowly snakes between destinations and can adapt to almost any weather conditions or site morphology. Luxurious rooms will be spread throughout each limb of the hotel, while the central area will be reserved exclusively for amenities and entertainment.
Shimao Wonderland InterContinental, Shimao
Currently under construction in an abandoned, flooded quarry at the base of China’s Tianmenshan Mountain, the Shimao Wonderland InterContinental is set to become one of Asia’s most innovative luxury hotels – with a US $490 million development budget to match. British architectural firm Atkins is behind the design, which will see its most discerning guests enjoy a stay in an underwater suite and experience a bungee jump on the surrounding cliffs.
www.atkinsglobal.com
Water Discus Underwater Hotel, Dubai
It may resemble the Starship Enterprise on top, but to truly understand Dubai’s Water Discus Underwater Hotel concept – which has been designed by underwater specialists Deep Ocean Technology – you need to look beyond the surface. Constructed of two parts, the resort will boast a sprawling chamber of underwater rooms and suites, all linked to the above-water “discus” by three structural legs, which contain connecting elevators. Additional luxurious amenities include a helipad, rooftop swimming pool and dive centre.
