JW MARRIOTT, BAKU

Facing central Azadliq (Freedom) Square and Government House, the new JW Marriott is a stylish business and leisure hotel with 243-guestrooms, ballroom, spa and fitness facilities. Rising to 22 floors, the JW is at home among the modern architecture and wealth of historic buildings of Baku's skyline.

Scape has designed the Main Entry arrival court and the surrounding public urban realm with new shops and cafes. This includes the cosmopolitan Zest Café, one of four innovative food concepts that provide a contemporary reiteration of local and international cuisines. Two other speciality restaurants spill out onto sophisticated dining terraces with private dining and lounge with fireplaces, all designed to be sheltered from Baku's prevailing winds, while framing views over the famous Baku Boulevard to the Caspian Sea.

Enhancing this restaurant experience, formal gardens extend to Freedom Square. This axial public landscape concludes the 3km long Baku Boulevard and compliments the impressive Government House, featuring dramatic water cascades, dancing fountains, palms grids and performance space.

Client: Pasha Construction
Completion: 2012
Contractor: Strabag
Architect: Reardon Smith Architects