It is the first tower in the world, to use an external skeleton to support its massive structure, the Morpheus hotel is one of the final projects designed by celebrated architect Zaha Hadid. DesignCurial were offered the chance to speak to viviana to find out more about the Morpheus hotel project, which is due to open in the spring of 2018. 28,000 tons of steel were used to construct the supportive exoskeleton that makes this project one-of-a-kind. The result is a sensuous and intriguing form which provides the construction advantage of contributing to the building’s stability, and reduces the internal structural requirements optimising the interior layout. By using a pioneering exoskeleton, there is more freedom with regards to how to use the space inside.
The building will contain approximately 780 guest rooms, suites and sky villas in the two main towers. These are joined at the top – by an infinity pool and leisure area on the 40th floor – and at the base, by the hotel’s central atrium. In between these connecting points, there will also be two sky bridges that connects the towers and gives the overall design the appearance of a melting sculpture. The aim for Zaha Hadid Architects was to create something new and original for the city, which represented the future of buildings and helped set Macau apart from other popular high end travel destinations. One of the ways that the team overcame these challenges was through the use of technology. Two highly connected pieces of tech were used in the project: bespoke scripts to control the geometry, and computer controlled robots to assemble components. A unique piece of architecture, as the last project of a great design legend, the Morpheus hotel will undoubtedly make a mark on its surroundings – and give Macau a bright future as a luxury travel destination.