*17세기 요새 리뉴얼한 인도 호텔 [ Lotus Praxis Initiative ] RAAS Hotel in Jodhpur, India

인도의 이국적인 풍경을 담고 있는 알에이에이 에스 인 인도 호텔은
17세기 요새를 현대적인 감각으로 새롭게 재구성한다.
전통적인 배치와 패턴 속에 현대적인 모던니즘 디자인 구성은
과거와 현재의 경계를 없애버린다.
이렇게 재구성된 호텔은 돈으로는 결코 살 수 없는 전통,시간,역사를
럭셔리로 승화 시키며 호텔을 찾는 고객들의 마음을 사로 잡는다.
-공간의 값어치를 올리는 일은 값비싼 보석이나 오브제 또는 재료를 사용한다고 해서
올라가지 않는다. 공간의 값어치는 그 쓰임새가 맞도록 영겁의 시간동안
공들여진 공간이 결실을 맺어 적합한 장소로 거듭날때 비로소 들어난다.
즉, 우리의 삶이 깃든 문화와 전통이 녹아 있는 곳을 의미한다.-
한켠으로는 우리네 한옥에 대한 생각이 주마등처럼 스쳐 지나가지만
이번 자리에서는 언급 하지 않겠다. 왜냐면 이 프로젝트를 보고 있는
사람들의 반응이 분명 호불호가 나뉠테니까 말이다.
'그러한 역사적인 장소를 기껏 호텔 같은 곳으로 만들었어.'
또는 '역시 시간을 재구성하여 현대적인 장소로 만드는 일은 매력있는 일이야.'
라고 둘중 하나는 이야기 할테니까 말이다.
무튼 이야기를 이어간다.
특히 중앙에 위치한 중앙정원은 기존 컨텍스트를 재구성하여
신선함을 추구한다. -풀장 및 정원을 재구성한다.-
중앙정원을 기점으로 펼쳐진 건물의 거대한 아치는
32개의 일반객실과 7개의 스위트룸으로 구성된다.
여기 스위트룸은 특별히 계획된 개별정원을 통하여
프라빗 아웃도어를 즐길 수 있다.
그리고 각 공간을 정의하는 다양한 컬러는 핑크/사암/블루/블랙/테라조로
공간의 시간을 디자인한다.

사실은 걱정이다. 더 없이 좋을 공간이라는 거 한눈에 봐도 알겠다.
하지만 이곳이 인도의 전부일꺼라는 오판을 할 것 같아, 걱정이다.
그래도 과거의 시간을 현재의 시간으로 잘 재구성한 프로젝트인 것은
틀림없다.

reviewed by SJ

Keeping with tradition, the Yatzer family welcomes a New Year with the breathtaking beauty and artistic wonder we have become known for sharing. We couldn’t think of a better example of the two than the RAAS Hotel in Jodhpur, India, member of Design Hotels™ and the World’s Best Holiday Building of 2011 according to the 2011 WAF | World Architecture Festival Awards.

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Here, we find ourselves in a colorful corner of the world, an inherently exotic country known for its spices, colors, fabrics, and scents. The Walled City of Jodhpur has a rich history where the ''rose red'' sandstone makes up most of the buildings. The Mehrangarh’s Victory Palace and Gate commands attention as it sits atop the center of the city. Completed in the 17th century and surrounded by a large protective wall, this majestic fort was built to protect the historic palaces of Rajasthan. At the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort (rated as ''Asia’s Best Fortress by Time Magazine in 2008''), you will find the only luxury boutique hotel in an Indian Walled City; the RAAS.

Where does one even begin to describe the understated elegance that has been captured at the RAAS Hotel? The architects behind this rare hotel complex are the Lotus Praxis Initiative based in India. Their talent knows no bounds as exemplified in their approach to designing the four original standing buildings together with three modern ones (all built in the sultry red sandstone) whilst maintaining an organic earthiness throughout the property. This natural feel is a nice opposition to the luxury that abounds and works to ground the hotel avoiding a ''stuffy'' or snobby aspect. The architects allowed the natural beauty of Jodhpur to lead them. One can see the story that The Lotus Praxis Initiative has put into the luxurious hideaway. The RAAS is a re creation of the city in which it stands with its body of water in the center, a square, an eclectic mix of styles both old and new and striking views of the Mehrangarh from each and every room just as each house within Jodhpur has a view of the fortress.  ''Its ground- breaking architecture seamlessly integrates a modern use of light and space with an eighteenth century Rajput haveli, offering the best in modern and traditional luxury. By marrying sensational vistas with a beautifully calm central garden oasis, the RAAS’ all-pervasive warmth mirrors the city itself.''

The modern buildings’ perimeter walls are perforated with rectangular slats that allow a checkerboard of light into the hallways while the sun is up. Playing with light is a modern characteristic executed well, and surprises you as you enter a modern building from an older one. In so many instances the tie between new and old is executed with such expertise and so seamlessly that it is in the details like the perforations in the walls, that truly make you step back and admire the thought that was put in behind the scenes. “Jodhpur’s red sand-stone unites the new with the old, even as modern designs and patterns in its dressing and carving add an exciting and fresh dimension to the region’s age-old stone carving industry. This seamless harmony between the modern and the traditional, the familiar and the surprising … extend to all aspects of the RAAS; it is everywhere, at all times, as comforting as it is inspirational.”

Harmony as a theme is evident not only in the architecture, but in the landscaping, the vistas, the restaurants, and the overall tranquility the hotel has become known for. Warm and welcoming, many travel to the RAAS once a year like a pilgrimage for those who find relaxation to be their religion.

There are 32 spacious rooms and 7 delicious suites that each has its own sitting area (separate from the bedroom) that sit below sprawling arches, large balconies and very large bathrooms. There are 35 rooms with views of the Mehrangarh and the remaining four have views of private gardens that overlook the older restored buildings. All rooms are designed in a clean and modern manner and decorated with great attention to detail including high-end designer furniture and fixtures. The décor is modern and eclectic with reference to the rich colors Jodhpur, The BLUE city which is known for (pink/sandstone, blue/''Jodhpur blue'' blue washed homes, black/ terrazzo).  One look at the rooms and it is easy to imagine yourself like a swan diving into the large bed or relaxing in the sitting rooms in a soft white robe after an Ayuverdic treatment at the spa. A barefoot walk through the enchanting grounds would be enough to both ground you and take your mind to faraway places. It is almost magical, as if the air within the walls of the RAAS is intoxicating, there is a raw emotion that is shared and everyone is at peace.

In addition to a spa that leans towards Ayuverdic treatments, there are two restaurants; one that is indoors, the other is outdoors, a chic café by the gorgeous pool area.  The RAAS is Jodhpur’s gem, a prestigious boutique hotel nestled into the foothills of the Mehrangarh, a layering of natural beauty and manmade beauty, the epitome of Rajasthan culture. As Yatzer enters its fifth year, we are grateful for both the opportunity and the challenge to keep on taking your breath away. 

from yatzer