How architect Jean-Michel Gathy created a “private retreat” with Aman New York
Architect Jean-Michel Gathy has spoken about how he combined Asian influences with the energy of Manhattan when designing the newly opened Aman New York.
The hotel opened in August, and was designed by Gathy with his team at architectural and interior design firm Denniston.
Located in the 100-year-old Crown Building at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, the property underwent a full refurbishment, and now comprises 83 guest rooms and suites, three dining venues, a spa and 22 private homes, which are the first urban Aman Residences.
Gathy said peacefulness is the ethos of Aman, which can be seen in Aman New York through the “muted colours, simplicity of materials and the overall harmony”.
He continued: “What makes Aman New York peaceful is the high level of attention given to the acoustic treatment within the building, enhanced further by layers of panelling and material as well as the incorporation of the fireplace to create a quiet environment within the guest rooms.”
He said the new property reflected Aman’s trademark style of “understated elegance”, alongside “the energy that New York City requires”.
Guests are greeted by the double-height atrium in the hotel, which features a textured ceiling and wall panels dressed in natural fabrics in muted tones, which are a nod to the brand’s Asian heritage. In a first for New York, each suite offers a functioning fireplace, with oval soaking baths, marble rain showers and double vanities.
Inspired by the architecture of Aman’s properties in south-east Asia, pairs of bespoke double-pivot doors have been created to form bespoke central partitions in suites, which can be used to create an open-plan layout or small private spaces.
Dining options include the 14th floor, 7,000-square-foot wraparound Garden Terrace and Italian restaurant Arva. Nama is Aman’s interpretation of Japan’s washoku dining tradition, which features a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for omakase-style fine dining.
“Aman New York has included all the facilities that you would want right at your door,” Gathy said. “Travellers can go down to the city streets and are in the epicentre of the city, but when you want to come back and relax, you have your own sanctuary. The venue we have designed is extremely well located, in the middle of the action, but still remaining a peaceful retreat.”
The property is also home to lounges including the Aman Club, Jazz Club of Aman and the Cigar Lounge, alongside the Wine Room. The Aman Spa is set over three floors, with 10 treatment rooms, fitness facilities and an indoor 20-metre pool.
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Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
