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YAYS Antwerp

A refreshing interior and accommodation in the centre of Antwerp

YAYS Antwerp

Location Antwerp
Client YAYS Group
Size 94 rooms, 4000m2
Timing 2021
Commision Branding & Interior
Challenge Transform an existing parking garage into a local boutique short stay apartment concept
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Welcome home

Yays is a short and long-term fully furnished hotel apartment complex, for visiting families and working professionals, located in the heart of Antwerp near the central Koningin Astridplein. Apto Architects took the distinct architectural design of the city center and combined it with the defining interior of the Opera Antwerpen to inspire the new interiors of YAYS Antwerp.

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The past reimagined for the future

Apto was commissioned to redesign what was previously a barren parking garage into a series of short-stay apartments to provide a homely living space for those visiting and exploring the beautiful city of Antwerp.

Influenced by the timeless art deco interior of the Opera Antwerp these apartments feature a sleek and minimalistic design approach. With stylistic references to its art deco predecessor through the use of brushed brass light fixtures and communal seating areas mirroring the speak-easy salon lounges of times gone by.

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Apto Architects believes that when it comes to hospitality those visiting one of Apto’s creations should not just feel like a guest but they should truly feel at home. Apto designed the lobby of Yays Antwerp to embody this design philosophy. The layout of the lobby paints a picture of a familiar home kitchen, with tables for people to come together and space for new guests to be welcomed into their homes for the time being.

Many cities across Europe including Antwerpen have had a challenging time balancing their commitments to be hospitable to guests whilst taking the needs of locals into account.

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Part of the neighbourhood

Apto took an integrative approach to this solution by creating a design and operation culture within Yays to truly embed the hotel into the neighborhood. Allowing guests to be properly informed of the neighborly dos and don’ts to follow when walking the historic district surrounding the hotel. As part of this approach, Apto ensured that the lobby and hotel restaurant were minimized in order to encourage guests of Yays to visit the local cafes and shops, boosting local businesses in the area.

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