Hotel Indigo Xi’an
A sophisticated space shaped by story
Hotel Indigo Xi’an takes its cues from the city it inhabits—a place shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and a restless spirit of innovation. For this project, Stack Studio wanted the interiors to be about more than just decoration; we wanted the city's story to actually drive the architecture. We’ve translated that layered history into calm, considered spaces that balance local heart with a clean, contemporary edge. The result is a hotel that feels truly grounded in its neighborhood, where every design choice is an extension of the local narrative, perfectly in tune with the pace of modern life.
The design for Hotel Indigo Xi’an departs from the traditional weight of history, opting instead for a contemporary exploration of origin. Inspired by Cangjie and the genesis of Chinese characters, the concept draws from natural forms and the translation of the physical world into written language.
Rejecting literal historical references, the interiors adopt a youthful approach, expressing cultural heritage through abstract interpretations. Deconstructed character forms are dispersed throughout the hotel’s large-scale spaces, where bold color contrasts translate urban lifestyles into a refined aesthetic. Here, art and atmosphere merge to create an immersive experience across every function of the hotel.
We designed the entry sequence to feel like a breath of fresh air—a serene buffer between the buzz of the High Tech Zone and the calm of the hotel. A striking architectural canopy features golden, branching columns that lead into a geometric ceiling, creating a play of light that feels as natural as a forest floor. Inside the lobby, Stack Studio played with verticality and a mix of textures, using warm, terracotta-toned fluted paneling to add depth. The reception area feels personal and crafted, with sculpted marble desks sitting under a light installation that looks like a delicate canopy of branches, bringing an artisanal soul to the grand atrium.
In the guest rooms, the roar of the city is replaced by a refined, residential quiet. Stack Studio leaned into soft curves and tactile layers to make these spaces feel like true sanctuaries, from the gentle sweep of the ceilings to the rounded edges of custom headboards. The palette stays grounded with warm oak and pale stone, but we’ve tucked in pops of deep teal and burnt orange through sculptural furniture and bespoke rugs. Every detail, from the way the light hits the room to the curated art on the walls, was chosen with intention to keep things feeling open, easy, and restorative.
The social spaces are where the city’s energy really comes to life. We wanted the Joy Neighborhood Cafe to feel like the heart of the building, balancing industrial precision with plenty of warmth. You’ll find ribbed surfaces, metallic accents, and soft leather upholstery throughout. Stack Studio used high-level shelving to show off curated local ceramics, which act as a vibrant backdrop to the dining area and a nod to the city’s creative heritage. With its deep ochre seating and bespoke lighting, it’s a high-energy, gallery-like spot where guests and locals can naturally hang out and connect.
With Hotel Indigo Xi’an, Stack Studio wanted to move past the predictable and create something that feels like a new design language for the modern Silk Road. By focusing on a sophisticated mix of local materials and a clean execution, we’ve created a space that doesn’t just sit in its location—it belongs to it. It’s a destination entirely shaped by its story.
