Building a hotel is an enormous challenge. But the true art of the hotelier is to breath life into that hotel and give it a soul, offering guests an individualized atmosphere in extraordinary surroundings. This has been the tradition of Hotel Atlantic for over 100 years, and for more than 10 years I have had a special relationship with this magnificent hotel, professionally as well as personally.
The Atlantic has many faces. The “grande dame” appears in ever new guises; each guest sees her differently. I have long wanted to capture these many faces. Five young artists, graduates of the design program at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, looked at this venerable building from their own unique perspectives. Their efforts resulted not only in wonderful pictures, but also in special moments at a very special hotel.
Completing such a project requires many friends and helpers. The management of Hotel Atlantic welcomed the photographers with open arms and granted them unprecedented access. With determination and enthusiasm, the photographers captured unique images.
My thanks go to the Hotel Atlantic management for its support. Thanks also to the vice-dean of the design school at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts and particularly to the artists Natalie Plaskura, Lisa Ridder, Helen Sobiralski, Klaus Wolter and Dimitri Zaitsev for this gift.
Author: Ronald Hetzke, architect and managing partner, HP Developments