Wabi-Sabi Hotel

The Wabi-Sabi Hotel in Lisbon, designed by Sterling Presser architects + engineers, embraces the principles of Wabi-Sabi philosophy. Wabi-sabi is a worldview centered around accepting the transient and imperfect nature of things. It draws from Buddhist teachings of the three marks of existence (三法印, sanbōin), specifically impermanence (無常, mujō), suffering (苦, ku) and emptiness or absence of self-nature (空, kū).

The hotel aims to create an authentic, charming, and stimulating experience for guests, immersing them in a unique environment. It fosters a sense of peace and belonging, treating guests as if they were in the home of a close friend. The hotel encourages a slower pace, appreciating simple activities done in a beautiful and unconventional manner.

The design concept of the hotel incorporates various elements of Wabi-Sabi philosophy. It emphasizes being close to nature and appreciating its beauty. The characteristics of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and a deep appreciation for natural objects and the forces of nature. The hotel utilizes materials that exhibit impermanence, such as bare wood, stone and fabric, as they age and change over time, adding interest and depth to the space. The transformation of these elements further contributes to the overall design.

The hotel's elaborate design and arrangement create a captivating atmosphere, facilitating guests' ability to live in the present moment and reconnect with their inner selves. This quality is known as "Wabi-sabi" in Japan. As Andrew Juniper describes, if an object or expression can evoke a sense of serene melancholy and spiritual longing within us, it can be considered wabi-sabi. The hotel embraces the idea that nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect, nurturing authenticity in every aspect of its existence.