Remember Madonna, the legendary musical artist who popularized the song “Material Girl”? Our headline is a lyrical excerpt from her smash hit, but isn't this expression also more relevant to the world of architecture and design?
Let me explain.
We obviously live in a material world! And for the majority of the human population who have been thriving in cities for as long as one can remember, what are the three most typical building materials that define today’s urban skyline?
Concrete. Glass. Steel. Aren’t they?
Would the modern cities of today exist without the technological breakthroughs of those three building materials? Probably not. Although they are not the only technical components responsible for a project’s fundamental construction, their global applications across various urban developments have proven their appealing beauty, durability, and functionality.
Yes, countless examples of concrete, glass, and steel are evident in any modern city across the planet. However, let’s not wander too far away, but instead focus on one spectacular edifice standing tall within my very own homeland.
Allow me to present Bai Hotel, an outstanding marvel of architecture that caters to the rapidly booming tourism and corporate sectors of Cebu City!
Fun fact: the Cebuano/Visayan word “Bai” means friend, peer, dude, pal, bro, or mate when translated to English. The hotel founder’s decision to adopt this term aligns perfectly with their branding strategy, celebrating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for discerning guests in their hospitality business.
I’ve been a loyal customer of this renowned establishment for many years now. And besides being constantly satisfied with their impeccable service, accommodating staff, and state-of-the-art facilities, I’ve always been fascinated by the hotel building’s design, most importantly, its material composition.
You don't need to be an Architect or Designer to appreciate its timeless appeal. And if you get the chance to pass by this eye-catching skyscraper of over 20 storeys, it’s merely impossible not to notice its minimalistic, sleek, bold, and dark architectural character - even made more pronounced during the day against the bright backdrop of clear blue skies.
Whether viewed from a passing vehicle or approached by foot, Bai Hotel’s exterior facade is a design statement that couldn't be overlooked! Its signature style is truly impressive, escalating it to being one of Cebu City’s most iconic landmarks.
Let’s discuss Bai Hotel’s distinctive physical materialities of concrete, glass, and steel, and its professional execution of these innovative architectural and construction technologies. Here are my personal observations:
Concrete is famous for its raw texture, rough form, and rustic aesthetic. Although it primarily consists of pure cement combined with appropriate ratios of sand, gravel, and reinforced with steel bars, Bai Hotel has seamlessly merged this stone-like building component with the other more prominent claddings of glass, steel and composite surfaces. As opposed to other projects that expose concrete to the outdoor elements creating a “Brutalist” style, they have been smartly hidden instead within the smooth layers of neutral painted colors, protruding solar shades, plus other architectural features.
Glass is by far one of the most versatile building materials ever invented. It still has pros and cons though. Installed in sheets or panels, this material’s visual transparency allows users to clearly view the outside world without scenic obstructions. On the other hand, the interior spaces and their inhabitants also become vulnerable due to privacy concerns. Sure enough, Bai Hotel has resolved this issue with the provisions of glass tints, curtains, draperies, louvers, and blinds - well-fused into the spacious enclosures.
Steel has been around since the Industrial Revolution and has massively contributed to the meteoric rise of cities. These highly durable building components consisting of steel columns, beams, and integral reinforcements act as the structural skeleton of erected projects and also function as decorative elements for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Bai Hotel has definitely taken advantage of steel’s distinctive characteristics by incorporating it in all of its architectural frameworks that require it.
Moreover, there are other building materials not mentioned here but are equally crucial parts of the construction process. We will cover them in future episodes.
Apart from being affected by their physical qualities, these three building materials likewise influence the way we think and feel, don't they? The direct connections, interactions, and engagements we experience with the field of architecture, must always be part and parcel of the design process.
In fact, we sometimes forget that buildings and other types of habitable spaces were crafted for people in the first place. Hence, factoring the human element during the original architectural concept never fails to create successful built environments.
What are your ideas about Bai Hotel’s architecture? Do you think they have properly implemented the material features and benefits of concrete, glass, and steel? Would you design it differently?
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Bai Hotel has been love at first sight for me, and its modern architecture is impressive from the outside and its elegance in the lobby is captivating. I have had the joy of knowing many hotels and all of them have something that makes them stand out, the only thing I wish now is that life takes me to Cebu sometime and if I coincide with this architectural paradise, so much the better...
You are right brother, it is a beautiful material world that has been evolving and perfecting itself, in fact it must be more modern in your part of the world, so thank you for sharing, I am a fan of buildings like this and also Madonna 😅
Like you, I was absolutely impressed by Bai Hotel's architecture the first time I checked-in as a hotel guest. It's one of Cebu City's most iconic modern landmarks and has been receiving positive reviews since it opened its welcoming doors to the public. You'll definitely feel at home in this hospitable place if you plan to visit them in the future. I'll personally tour you around its impeccable facilities. 😁
It's a great pleasure to share this hotel's material awesomeness here. And as much as you've enjoyed its incredible design, you can also nickname this spectacular building as a grand masterpiece of "frozen music"! ☺️
Wow! this hotel was thought and designed to provide comfort and rest to tourists, it also has an excellent location where you can appreciate a beautiful environment, the combination of different materials such as glass and concrete give an excellent result, it is impossible to ignore this outstanding building when walking down the avenue, it looks very elegant and cozy, a great work of modern architecture.
Greetings @storiesoferne!
Indeed, it's truly difficult to ignore this imposing landmark along the road. With its clever use of building materials such as concrete, glass, and steel, this distinguished hotel has continued to stand tall and serve discerning guests from all walks of life. Have an enjoyable weekend @belkyscabrera! ☺️
This hotel is the result of an excellent combination of all the elements you mention, especially the human element. It is an attractive and imposing hotel in a beautiful color. I love the gold metal curtain, which looks elegant and modern.
Concrete, metal and glass all have their advantages and disadvantages. The trick is to know how to choose which material is more suitable for each design, so that it not only guarantees a beautiful work, but also comfortable, functional and safe. Combining them together is a great idea that worked perfectly in this hotel.
I would be very happy to know a building like this. Thanks for sharing. Happy start of the week.
Greetings @doriangel. You've perfectly described Bai Hotel's stunning architecture, most importantly the human ingredient involved whenever projects of this magnitude are concerned. It's simply crucial to consider all factors to satisfy the hotel guest experience at the end of the day.
Exactly! The choice of building materials not only involves the required professional experience and the technical know-how, but also the crucial skill for creative thinking. These are some of the real challenges that Architects and Designers face today. Thank you for sharing your valuable thoughts. Have an awesome week! ☺️
Greetings @storiesoferne, my personal opinion is influenced by yours :) because you have presented the Bai Hotel with its good looks and functionality, this is a construction where they knew how to combine concrete, glass and steel. Wow, it is excellent, beautiful and elegant this hotel 🙂
Hello @sorprendente. Bai Hotel is certainly a remarkable project not only consisting of concrete, glass, and steel but also other equally valuable building materials that add to its stunning architecture. Thank you for your sincere compliments! ☺️
The architectural design of the hotel is beautiful and impressive Sir @storiesoferne . It always caught my eye every time I passed that building.
Hello @diamondinthesky. Indeed, Bai Hotel holds an impressive architecture and is truly an eye-catching landmark in Cebu City. I'm glad you've experienced its actual beauty. Cheers! ☺️
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Nice! Thanks for the update @worldmappin. ☺️
Amazing place...I love the symmetry of the building. It looks so perfect. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice weekend
!PIZZA 🍕
Absolutely! The hotel is a spectacular place, and its cool architecture shows it. ☺️
$PIZZA slices delivered:
(5/5) @chacald.dcymt tipped @storiesoferne