Opened last April, the 36-story building brings together two establishments with distinct identities in an architectural harmony that embodies the adventurous spirit of California and the artistic soul of downtown Los Angeles.
International design studio Yabu Pushelberg has unveiled the interiors of a new dual-branded hotel that unites Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles under one roof. The 727-room hotel combines two distinct experiences in one location, spanning over 55 square meters. Yabu Pushelberg completes the interior design of Moxy's first Los Angeles address and enhances the AC brand identity with a distinctly Californian feel.
Capitalizing on Los Angeles' status as a vibrant cultural hub, the agency envisioned two distinct yet cohesive identities for a unique new address that would establish itself in the ever-evolving local hospitality scene.
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles… Concept and inspiration
Following the success of Moxy Times Square and Moxy Chelsea, developer Lightstone, which already operates six Moxy locations in New York and Miami South Beach, has tapped Yabu Pushelberg to create the first Moxy location in Los Angeles. The studio's vision for Moxy Downtown Los Angeles is a place seen through the eyes of a desert nomad, a place that combines the playful, quirky spirit of Moxy with the quintessential Californian adventure.
Drawing in particular on the imagination of the cult film Easy Rider from 1969, a true ode to counter-culture and the great American road trip, the interiors are intended to be sexy, shameless and playful, with references to the culture of bikers, to desert reptiles and the wild romance of the road. This unique look depicts a universe of bold choices inspired by the freedom of personal expression.
Lobby Lounge
Le LOBBY is spacious with open ceilings and surprising decorative elements including a vintage motorcycle with sidecar. Inspired by the colors of desert rock formations, neutral rammed earth walls rise in the lobby, contrasting in form and atmosphere with mirror-clad columns, echoing the captivating experience of a mirage.
On the ground, a snake adorns a carpet specially designed by Yabu Pushelberg, guiding the green path Moxy Bar adjoining. Sofa islands enliven this spacious space, and leather upholstery inspired by motorcycle upholstery evokes adventures in the heart of the Californian desert. Playful hanging chairs and communal tables create more of a gathering place. At the ends of the sofas, side tables have a finish reminiscent of desert sand, while the lobby's signature coffee table is a nod to the deadwood found in the desert.
To complement this biker vibe, Yabu Pushelberg designed a comfortable, upholstered ottoman specifically for Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, which guests can easily move and rearrange to create lounge areas tailored to their group size. To give the lobby a more spacious feel, the reception area is housed in a strikingly voluminous alcove, covered in iridescent tiles to recreate the effect of a gasoline spill in the sun in the middle of a desert road.
Moxy Bar
Inspired by roadside gas stations, the Moxy Bar becomes a landmark in the customer journey. With its bold geometric design, the bar is composed of vertical grid units that are spirits cellars and is surrounded by a terraced counter, adorned with a custom pattern of stones flush with the surface of the desert's shifting sands.
The stools are shaded in shades ranging from plum to vibrant berry red. The layout is complemented by seating, including cocoon-shaped armchairs, suitable for groups and individuals, for all occasions. A natural palette of beautiful, warm neutrals is offset here by black and brass metal elements that add character and strength.
Studios
Studios are located on the mezzanine floor, with breathtaking views of the Lobby below, stimulating imagination and creativity. The chromatic story of the Lobby Lounge continues in the Studios…
Transparent technicolor glass walls separate the different workspaces, and the furniture is the same natural color, anchoring this space in its context. Yabu Pushelberg specially designed custom-made modular furniture that easily transforms the space from a professional work environment to a pleasant secondary lounge for evenings.
Neon works on the walls discreetly evoke the metamorphosis of the place at sunset and distill the playful energy of the nightlife throughout the working day.
Bedrooms
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a custom copper mosaic wall that replicates the glow of a desert sunset. Here, Yabu Pushelberg favors warm tones between scarlet red and cedar green, paired with materials like copper that gently reflect and bounce light.
This lighting effect draws the eye to the soft, warm bed offered to guests after a long journey. The headboard, upholstered in aged green leather, tells the story of a beautiful leather jacket marked by time. Finally, handlebar-shaped sculptures reinterpret the traditional hunting trophy in a contemporary way.
AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles… Concept and inspiration
Yabu Pushelberg designed the new AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles as an artist residence, combining the renowned excellence of AC Hotels with the artistic soul of Los Angeles.
The studio was able to tap into the AC brand's Hispanic roots to open a conversation about Southern California's Iberian heritage. The result is a creative space designed for traveling artists. Works of art will accompany guests throughout their journey through the hotel, like a visit to an artist's studio.
Satellite Lobby and Sky Lobby reception
Le Satellite Lobby is designed as the entrance to an artist's residence, allowing a first glimpse of the owner's perspective. Nods to Hispanic architecture can be found in the textured wall coverings, which evoke the spirit of sun-drenched stucco. Located at 33e floor, the Sky Lobby reception, with 360-degree views of Los Angeles, invites guests to experience the custom artwork that runs throughout the hotel's amenities. Yabu Pushelberg worked closely with artisan Dennis Lin to create a series of carved wooden totem poles created exclusively for the AC Hotel Los Angeles.
Like the rest of the hotel, the frames and materiality of the Sky Lobby and the open and fluid configuration of the different spaces pay homage to the aesthetic ranchFive magnificent wooden sculptures surround the space, demonstrating the artist's love of woodworking and natural materials.
library lounge
A spectacular black steel fireplace sits in the Library Lounge, inviting guests to enjoy a quiet moment by the fire. A sculpted mantel serves as the focal point of the room, flanked by corner banquettes to encourage interaction and socializing.
A place dedicated to comfort and sophistication, the Lounge offers views of the Los Angeles skyline framed from floor to ceiling by rows of handcrafted sculptures selected by Yabu Pushelberg. The Library Lounge's furnishings are dominated by rich natural tones and textured finishes that echo the wood species throughout the space. Finally, to further define the Library Lounge's spatiality, Yabu Pushelberg paired spherical armchairs and L-shaped sofas with modern pendulum floor lamps that define the room's perimeter.
Sky Lobby Bar and Terrace
Next to the Library Lounge, the Sky Lobby Bar invites you into the heart of the space, where through the giant bay windows, the Los Angeles skyline is reflected on mirrored columns and large metal suspensions hovering above the bar.
Like a reception hall, the space brings together all the signature elements of AC Los Angeles in its palette of colors, textures and materials. The Sky Lobby terrace is designed to bring people together. With a lounge, outdoor bar, and dining area, it offers a variety of experiences for every occasion, whether it's a drink with friends or a special family event. Art installations and rich vegetation complete the picture, immersing guests in the peaceful setting of lush gardens.
Bedroom
Majestic, soothing, and refined, the hotel's rooms are designed to feel as intimate and familiar as a creative friend's studio. Oak is featured from floor to ceiling, creating a high-end environment reminiscent of home, while artwork showcases the artist's work.
Contemporary, residential-style furnishings in clean, contrasting materials create a sense of relaxation and modern comfort. Specially designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the guestroom carpets follow the geometric patterns and color narratives common to all areas of the hotel, while the birch wood flooring offers cooler tones, more suited to revitalization and rest.
As Los Angeles continues to captivate visitors with its unique history and ever-evolving culture and wonders, Yabu Pushelberg joins the conversation in a uniquely creative way, centered on positioning Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles at the apex of a thriving hospitality landscape.
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles & AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles / 1260 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 / For more information, visit www.ac-hotels.com et www.marriottbonvoy.com
André Tirlet
