Marriott Autograph Collection

project as Senior Interior Designer for Aroundtown SA

INTERIOR DESIGN OFFICE: Aroundtown SA, SZ Design
ROLE: Senior Interior Designer
LOCATION: Brussels
DATE: 2019-2024
DETAILS: 486 rooms and 46 suites
SCOPE: Guestrooms and Public Space Interior Design, Renovation, Narrative and Customer Journey
PHOTO: Sander Baks, Cardo Brussels

Cardo Brussels invites guests to immerse themselves in local tradition while experiencing a universe of relaxation and self-reflection. The hotel balances extroverted social spaces that celebrate art and interactive experiences with intimate areas where humor and mindfulness coexist.

The design is inspired by the city’s rich comic heritage and, in particular, the surrealist artist René Magritte, who explored the paradox between reality and its representation. Magritte’s work plays with the relationship between signifier, meaning, object, and its imagined or real depiction, suggesting that in a dream, objects and words can carry multiple interpretations. Behind the mirror of reality, he reveals a strange and wondrous universe full of humor, riddles, and poetry.

The hotel interprets the artist’s philosophy by blurring the line between the virtual and the real. Mirrors create playful encounters, allowing guests to explore the boundaries of space, time, and perception. The lobby fosters a lively, playful atmosphere with custom furniture, 3D projections, and funhouse-style mirrors.

The pool area amplifies reflections between water and a mirrored ceiling, emphasizing the playful Droste effect that fascinated Magritte. Public restrooms challenge perception, reminding guests that what you see is not always what it seems. The wellness area emphasizes hospitality, with design translating reflection and well-being through material choices and bold color contrasts.

The 29-story hotel features 486 rooms and 46 suites, versatile meeting and event spaces, a stunning rooftop pool, and an exceptional spa with panoramic city views.

Project done in association with AroundTown SA | SZ Design.