Situated in the centre of Qufu in China’s Shandong Province is the World Heritage site known as Confucius temple. The JW Marriott Hotel pays homage to China’s most famous philosopher.

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A series of adjoined low-level buildings arranged in traditional Chinese courtyards includes a lobby, lobby lounge, tea library, chinese restaurant and a spa.

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Carefully curated architectural and decorative lighting solutions convey a subtle sense of sanctuary, in interiors that recall an elegant manor of the ancient scholar. Textures and silhouettes are delicately expressed with dramatic accent to sculptures and features. Architectural downlights are minimal and tailored within the plaster and timber patterned ceilings.

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A key strategy involved incorporating functional accent light sources within the decorative luminaires. This minimised the need for architectural luminaires but enabled the designers to provide accent to buffet counters, display tables and the like. Several rounds of drawings were required at the design stages, followed by numerous physical mock-up reviews and shop drawings commentaries prior to final production. The luminaires are elegant and contemporary but have distinct references to traditional forms and materials.