HALLMARK OF INGENUITY
Prestige Singapore|August 2023
Remaking a landmark so that it becomes an icon again takes a certain genius, while creating a legendary building requires a bold vision.
HALLMARK OF INGENUITY

One of the new and revamped hotels set to make an impact is Raffles London at The OWO, which is opening this September. The OWO stands for Old War Office the former incarnation of the heritage building now housing the hotel. The most storied rooms have been converted into suites, with the top one named after Sir Winston Churchill, as it was his office when he was the prime minister during World War II. The OWO also inspired the 007 series: Ian Fleming apparently dreamed up James Bond while working as a naval intelligence officer there. Respecting the legacy of the OWO while restoring it requires an ingenuous orchestra of hundreds of craftsmen, who were commissioned to restore the historic interior elements, including hand-laid mosaic floors and oak panelling. One of the lead designers is the renowned Thierry Despont, well-known for transforming landmarks like Maison Cartier, The Carlyle and The Getty Center.

AN ICON REIMAGINED

This story is from the August 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.

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This story is from the August 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.

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