L'Heure Bleue
How about a hospitality trade show in which designers assemble a team of suppliers to create a complete environment? That's the idea behind HI Connect, held in Nashville, Tennessee on March 21, 22, and 23.
Based on successful past collaboration, Transformit was chosen by VOA Associates to provide the overhead environment for L’Heure Bleue, a bar lounge environment.
The event was challenging for all, but in the end show attendees endorsed the concept because it allows buyers and hotel owners to see complete design concepts, rather than a hodgepodge of individual products.
From VOA's introduction:
L’Heure Bleue is a French expression meaning The Blue Hour, the time of twilight each morning and evening where there is neither full daylight nor complete darkness. The blue hour is special because of the quality of light. As a result of the perceived specialness of this time, VOA Associates Inc. has created L’Heure Bleue Bar + Lounge, a concept bar for HI Connect. Using direct and indirect lighting which bounce and play off of monotone, reflective, and textured surfaces, the design not only captures this special contrast between day and night but also serves to make the installation spatially different at multiple times of operation. L’Heure Bleue is designed to be the perfect balance of day and night with ambiance and activity controlled by softly lit ceiling elements that bounce light off their surroundings. The space will slowly change based on the reflectivity of the twilight colored lighting, its hourly activities, and the number of guests in the space. Internally lit design elements such as the bars surface materials and edge lit openings enhance the lounges atmosphere and sense of space. The organization of the seating areas are multi-functional in that they create both inclusive and exclusive environments. The layout utilizes individual bar seating and a standing drink rail for communal assembly and camraderie, semi-private lounge arrangements for lively smaller group activities, and an exclusive VIP area for a larger see-and-be-seen crowd. L’Heure Bleue is a place in time where guests are invited to experience a special atmosphere of hospitality, design, and light.
