A Living Canvas: The Design Story of W New York – Union Square
A Living Canvas: The Design Story of W New York – Union Square
Imagine this – the vibrant energy of Union Square Park, the ever-shifting hues and textures of the city’s seasons, the historical tapestry woven through the passage of time – all artfully interwoven into the fabric of our rejuvenated space. Under the guidance of the award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, we’ve brought to life a design that seamlessly merges modern innovation with the timeless allure of the past. The outcome? A symphony of intricate patterns and contemporary artwork coalescing harmoniously with historical architectural details, echoing the multifaceted persona of Union Square itself.
Carpet design inspired by the Faig Ahmed artwork ‘Doubts,’ used with permission.
As you step into the hotel, you move seamlessly from the vibrant street into a curated haven that defines W Hotels – Union Square. A bold, asymmetrical curved stair — clad in champagne-hued polished metal and grounded by a magnificently colorful bespoke rug — takes center stage. The rug, an abstraction of the hotel’s collective colors, gracefully pools into the check-in zone, captivating the gaze and guiding it upward, hinting at the manifold diversity, creativity, and experiences that await within these walls.
The energy and bustle of urban life come alive through the high-contrast interplay of black-and-white houndstooth banquettes, marble floors with intricate veining, and a striking site-specific mural by London-born artist Shantell Martin. Her empowering, large-scale line drawings infuse the space with the dynamism of the cityscape
The interiors of our lift cabs are wrapped in custom digital artwork that has been printed on backlit glass. This striking design is inspired by Manhattanhenge and seeks to recreate the mesmerizing glow and ethereal beauty of the phenomenon.
As our connectors step into the elevators, they are immediately transported into a world where the magic of Manhattanhenge is captured and celebrated in every detail. The luminous artwork creates an immersive experience, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning spectacle at any time of the year, even when the actual event is not occurring.
Nestled at the intersection of Union Square, Seahorse—operated by Mercer Street Hospitality—offers a fresh approach to American seafood in a setting that feels like a neighborhood favorite. Designed by Rockwell Group, the restaurant blends maritime touches with architectural cues from the surrounding streetscape, reflecting both New York’s nautical past and its urban energy.
An archway leads guests into a 162-seat space where a zinc-topped bar and warm wood paneling create a welcoming first impression. Subtle nods to the city’s oyster heritage appear in mother-of-pearl accents and sculptural textures that evoke the sea. The palette of deep blues and natural woods recalls sailboats and open water, while handmade scallop tiles, nautical lighting, and yacht-style floors add a sense of craft and authenticity. A large mural by a local artist anchors the dining room, tying the design back to Union Square’s creative spirit.
A monochromatic palette of greens bring the foliage and seasonality of the park inside to the Living Room Lounge. Polished metal accents along the perimeter of the ceiling provides reflectivity and creates the illusion of a much higher space. Serpentine benches and curvy lounge chairs, facing the park, forge a constant connection to the outdoors. Layers of rich materials, including polished lacquer, leather, velvet, and wool bouclé are both sophisticated and fresh.
Two sets of doors in the lounge lead to the Living Room, originally a ballroom dazzling with intricate details and soaring ceilings that now radiates a fresh ambiance. The colour palette shifts from the calmer green of the lounge to a more energized blue and orange. Monumental white marble columns topped with ornate Corinthian capitals underscore the room’s loftiness, while on the floor, an array of plush velvet chairs, love seats, sofas, and banquettes—perfect for connecting with friends and family.
The floral pattern in the corridors has been amplified in scale for a graphic foundation to the guestrooms. Standout features are the lavish full-height velvet headboard and custom nightstands with carved fronts nod to the “Metronome” art installation at Union Square South. Embedded in the design are thoughtful elements, such wall sconces that evoke the lighting found at the entry to subway stations. Chessboard tables add a playful touch, referencing Union Square Park’s lively chess scene.
Within the more expansive E-WOW suites, a captivating transformation takes place as the color palette evolves from autumnal to spring, mirroring seasonal transformations. Luxurious fabrics in soothing neutral tones infuse the space with a serene oasis-like atmosphere. An eye-catching minibar becomes the centrepiece, adorned with a dynamic checkerboard pattern that effectively divides the area into two distinct zones.
Designed by AvroKO, the Rooftop design takes inspiration from the historical, physical and social context of the Union Square neighbourhood. History of the square as a location for theatre and performance inspires a tiered seating element at the prime corner of the rooftop, backlit by the stage-like framework and glow of the building signage. Experiential aspects of the design nod to the location’s cultural past, when socialite hubs such as Andy Warhol’s Factory and Max’s Kansas City defined the square as a Bohemian epicentre.
The art collection at W New York – Union Square draws from the same ideas that shaped the hotel’s design: the forms and motifs of its architecture, the movement and connectivity of nearby subway lines, the geometry of the city grid, and New York’s enduring legacy of street art and abstract expressionism. Layered into this is the city’s unmistakable personality — its attitude, wit, and rhythm — expressed even in pieces that play with words. The curated mix of paintings, photography, collage, screen prints, objects, and sculptural mirrors includes both commissioned works and select existing pieces that capture the creative spirit of New York.
