Background
Nikola Tesla is the sometimes forgotten hero of science, known for his experiments in electricity and eccentric behavior. While it is easy to remember Tesla as an offbeat scientist with poor marketing and budgeting skills, a deeper look into his life shows Tesla to be much more than that. Tesla had unique hobbies, was always impeccably dressed, and spent the last 10 years of his life living in the Art Deco-styled New Yorker Hotel.
Hotel Tesla is designed for travelers seeking a memorable hotel experience in NYC. The boutique concept accommodation has a vibrant atmosphere inspired by the esteemed inventor. Hotel Tesla not only incorporates sleek and industrial design elements to channel Tesla’s legacy, but it also utilizes cutting-edge technology to enhance your stay and further the inventor’s vision of a connected and efficient world.
My Role
Brand concept and design
Corporate identity package
Art direction
Photo mockups
Initial logo sketches show explorations of electrical symbols, wires, coils, and hand lettering based on typefaces popular during Tesla’s lifetime.
Design Process
Inspired by Tesla’s own striking style and personality, his namesake luxury hotel has an industrial yet sophisticated aesthetic. The logomark is a prominent letter T inspired by early Tesla patent sketches. Additionally, the color palette of black, white, and copper reflects the electrical and mechanical nature of Tesla’s inventions while complementing architectural details of the hotel’s Manhattan location.
The hotel lobby showcases the logomark in copper and dark metal finishes to reflect the industrial nature of Nikola Tesla's inventions, as well as his tasteful personal style.
Printed materials like the hotel identity package feature the logo in copper foil.
Leveraging modern cloud technology, the Hotel Tesla app allows guests to use their phone as their room key. A wireless charger in each room is also a nod to Tesla's desire for an easily connected world.
The hotel's landing page references the inventor's contribution to electricity, while also taking cues from a key design feature of the hotel lobby.
The Lab
The hotel bar, which is separately branded as The Lab, sports a neon sign and cocktail napkins featuring real Tesla patents. Small details like a branded orange peel complete the luxurious yet playful atmosphere found throughout the entire hotel.
