(openPR) - Zürich, May 2009 – The modern, contemporary design that characterises the international hotel chain Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts will from now on include a traditionally Swiss element: lobbies, guest rooms and other areas will feature a “Wheel of Life” in the form of a papercut silhouette bearing images from Switzerland. This further reminder of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts’ origins features as a common theme throughout the deluxe hotels, which are represented worldwide in 15 countries. The creative minds behind, the Design Studio Kessler+Kessler and the artist Jork Andre Dieter, just received the Bronze Award of the Art Directors Club Germany for these design elements.

Papercutting has a long history in Switzerland: in the mid 19th century, Johann Jakob Hauswirth from the mountain region of Pays d’Enhaut was the first in Switzerland to cut images of Alpine processions and scenes from everyday life in the Alps. He used the same motifs as popular painters, embroiderers and woodcarvers: trees of life, hearts, bouquets of flowers and geometric ornamentation. Papercut artists work with playful imagination, harnessing the power of form and expression across a wide spectrum of subjects from genre scenes to art nouveau influenced pieces to caricature, social commentary and abstract works.

At the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, the papercuts are arranged in the form of the “Wheel of Life” in circles divided into three sections, and bear both traditional and modern motifs from Swiss life today. Some circles feature marmots, mountains, Enzian (brandy), chocolate and fondue, while others represent Swiss art and design such as works by Le Corbusier, Mondaine watches and Swiss penknives. The traditional papercut has its roots in the Asian “Wheel of Life”, as seen, for example, in the mandalas from the Himalayas. The first papercuts arrived in central Europe in around 1600 after a 400-year long journey from China via Indonesia, Persia and the Balkans.

“The Zürich design studio Kessler+Kessler together with the Berlin-based illustrator and artist Jork Andre Dieter took this idea of wheels of life and papercuts as their inspiration in designing nine circles on different themes depicting the many facets of Switzerland exclusively for our hotel chain. These illustrations provide memorable and unique design elements which express a new kind of corporate culture. At the same time, the highly recognisable images, combined with high levels of service, Swiss hospitality, and the values and symbols of the country, serve as a discreet and constant reminder to guests of the company’s origins”, explains Lilian Roten, Vice President Operations, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is a distinctive group of deluxe hotels for today’s discerning business and leisure travellers, combining the renowned Swiss touch with a fresh, contemporary and modern design. Each Swissôtel hotel offers personalized service with charm and efficiency. Located in main gateway destinations and city centres, the hotels have convenient access to business and shopping districts, and local attractions. Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts worldwide have won prestigious awards and accolades.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 91 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts under development:
Swissôtel Novosibirsk, Russia (Opening 2011), Swissôtel Dresden, Germany (2011)

www.swissotel.com
Please visit our Private Digital Library at www.leonardo.com/swissotel or get in contact with us for high resolution pictures.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts
Balz-Zimmermannstrasse 7
8032 Zürich - Switzerland

Press contact: Eva-Maria Panzer, Director Communication, evamaria.panzer@swissotel.com, 0041 43 317 62 28