Bren-Da Tan

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a peculiar yet captivating film directed by Wes Anderson.  Aspects of his unique approach to cinematography comprise of symmetrical compositions, bright colour palates, and his distinct use of camera movements. The project to design an underground Jazz Bar for the hotel was established followed by the creation of a narrative which would complement the space. The inspiration for the design of the bar was drawn from 2 disciplines- art and film. The interpretation of Wassily Kandinsky’s ‘Composition 8’ and subsequent relation to the distinct camera movements used by Anderson in the film; a unique design methodology was developed. In essence, the spaces are ‘designed’ by what and how the camera moves and sees in partnership with the inspiration drawn from Kandinsky’s abstract composition.