Sofitel Stephansdom, Vienna by Jean Nouvel

14th of December 2010 marked the opening of the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom in the Austrian capital. Described as a Sofitel flagship, the new five-star hotel is named for the landmark St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Offering a splendid view of St. Stephen’s gothic cathedral which gives it its name, the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom is a building in the purest 21st century style. The glass and steel sculpture uses light and shadow to provide an airy feel and blends seamlessly with its surroundings. A state of the art construction for business trips and luxury breaks. Marvel at the breathtaking view from the top floor of the glass-fronted Le LOFTrestaurant, bar and lounge. Experience the beauty of Vienna at night while enjoying a cool drink or feasting on unique Austrian and French dishes created by Antoine Westermann. The spa and fitness center will open in March 2011. Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom boasts 182 elegant rooms and suites with views of Vienna.

The building offers a festival of light and reflections creating continuity between the interior and the exterior. For the finishing touches of this purist aesthetic, the Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist has created glossy and multicoloured video ceilings, and the French architect-landscaper Patrick Blanc has planted a magnificent vertical garden, a ‘living’ wall covered with 20,000 species of plants.

Jean Nouvel is an internationally renowned architect who has masterfully integrated his contemporary vision into the traditional Viennese architecture. The slanting, floating roof seems to merge into a glass façade allowing light to stream into the spacious lobby and illuminating the 5 upper levels. The elegant white, black and grey facades give a taste of the monochrome décor of the rooms.