a new york take on the italian courtyard, ODA's bedford hotel

the firm ODA has announced it will design new hotel in the brooklyn neighborhood of crown heights. located on the prospect parkway — near the brooklyn museum and prospect park — the bedford hotel is noteworthy for its interesting use of exterior arches that separate public and private in a fluid way. the 100 room hotel continues this arch pattern from exterior to interior, where it can be found in various details in hotel rooms.

all images courtesy ODA

ODA says that this archway motif references the historical architecture of brooklyn, notably the soldiers’ and sailors’ arch at grand army plaza nearby. the design team places a great emphasis on natural light and breathability of the building and spaces inside, which is to be incorporated in most of the spaces of the five story hotel. naturally, the hotel has a bar on the roof and a restaurant on the first floor, each allowing visitors and guests to engage with the architects’ vision of an ideal human dwelling. the building meets the human requirements of ‘ample natural light, access to green spaces, and opportunities for connection,‘ said executive director and founder of ODA, eran chen.

a close up of the courtyard which is accessible form the street

the building’s exterior will be constructed largely of concrete infused with a black dye to give it an almost stone-like effect. internally, the walls will be lined with whitewashed oak. these two contrasting materials give visitors a tangible change when moving from public spaces into their personal rooms. the building is set to be erected within the next few years — stay tuned for further details. 

depictions of the arches in the hotel

public spaces for relaxation and encounters with other guests

use of marble and other stone to complement the black concrete arches 

a depiction of the contrast with the exterior 

another archway, can you spot it?