FIVE ZURICH
The newly launched FIVE Zurich is a brand-new addition to the Five Global Holdings portfolio and the brand’s first venture outside of Dubai.
This refurbishment project was designed by iconic interior design practice, Russell Sage Studio, to draw on the hotel’s glamorous heritage, inspired by music and film. The lavish hotel, which was built in the 1970s, is located between Zurich city centre and the Uetliberg mountain and offers stunning views of the city skyline, lake, and mountains.
FIVE Hotels and Resorts appointed Victoria Jerram Lighting Design for the venue’s lighting scheme, to create an outstanding and unforgettable atmosphere. The lighting played an important role in bringing a unique atmosphere to each area of the hotel, while keeping a cohesive ambience throughout.
Client: FIVE Hotels and Resorts
Interior Designer: Russell Sage Studio
Photography: Courtesy of FIVE Hotels and Resorts
The lighting design needed to meet Swiss energy standards, and the exterior lighting had to conform to International Dark Skies exterior lighting recommendations due to its location at the foot of the Uetliberg mountain.
The bespoke lighting design and installation was crafted to highlight the theatrical design throughout the seven new dining and nightlife venues, including popular hotspots such as the rooftop nightclub and outdoor social pool. Victoria Jerram Lighting Design specified a wide range of lighting solutions from various manufacturers into the design, including fittings from Orluna, light sheets from Applelec, and custom UV fittings from Mike Stoane.
The lighting design catches your eye as soon as you step inside the Five Zurich, with the lighting of a 12m high Alphorn sculpture, which forms the dramatic entrance feature to the hotel entrance and five restaurants. The lighting design also illuminates a collection of artworks, including the visually stunning entrance mural featuring famous musicians Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and Rihanna, and guitar sculptures by the US artist Dixon Bergman.
The lighting design exceeded the client’s expectations, with extremely positive feedback from guests and the design team alike. This is despite the challenge that the timing of the project produced, as it began during lockdown. Collaborative work began remotely between the large client team in Dubai, the architect and designers in Switzerland, Russell Stage Studio and Victoria Jerram Lighting Design in the UK, and artists in the USA and Germany.
Through digital communication, the contractors interpreted the lighting design put forward, with Victoria Jerram visiting the hotel site for the final scene setting, which took place over four nights. Setting the hundreds of lighting circuits to different levels for each scene elevated the spaces, creating theatrical magic.
