Generator London
Nikolas Koenig

Generator urban design hostels

DesignAgency as Interior Architects

In the competitive market of design hostels, Generator is leading the pack with eight locations in seven cities, and Paris and Rome poised to open at the end of 2014. Under the vision and direction of Director of Hospitality and Leisure, Josh Wyatt of Patron Capital (Generator’s parent company), Generators are now across Europe with a plan to go global.


Generator offers cool, stylish and affordable accommodations. Their overall creative direction and design language has been crafted by DesignAgency, led by partner and Generator’s Creative Director, Anwar Mekhayech. Each location has its own unique style that reflects the local spirit and culture of its host city, while also maintaining a common aesthetic, and an emphasis on bold and exciting social spaces.


GENERATOR LONDON


The restyled Generator London updates the original flagship of the growing chain of urban design hostels with Generator’s signature energy and a distinctly modern flare. Located in a former police station in Russell Square, a quick walk from Covent Garden, Regent’s Park and the British Museum, the interiors were refurbished to express a layering of British culture and the dynamism of London’s bustling streets. The new design concept created by Anwar Mekhayech and his team from Toronto-based DesignAgency, in partnership with local architects ORBIT and Shoreditch-based art collective Acrylicize, plays with bold graphics, rich patterns, and British cultural icons to covey the spirit of London’s streets, weaving strands of history, culture and styles within Generator London’s diverse social and intimate spaces.


The design layers spaces, experiences and styles, while also aiming to form a cohesive interior that will invite, entertain and encourage travellers to make connections, relax, party, hang out and feel as though they have a comfortable home away from home. Generator London is the essence of this new brand of hostels, with industrial, classic, modern, graphic, mod design styles and a subtle homage to the history of London and its local flavor.


QUOTES


“The London Generator has been the longstanding pillar in the Company’s history and original genesis. As the grande dame, she was the foundation and provenance of Generator. However, a makeover was due, one that would respect the past whilst introducing a few more modern genres into the property. The outcome of this creative process, with a deep collaboration amongst Generator, Patron and DesignAgency, has led to the London Generator’s fresh debut. At once a storied history, and a playful look to the future, London Generator begins its new chapter.”


Josh Wyatt, Partner, Hospitality & Leisure at Patron Capital


“London presented the tricky task of updating a fifteen year old hostel, housed in a former police station. Made up of a labyrinth of rooms we were inspired to create a series of concept spaces, each with a distinct character and feel. Our goal was to accentuate Generator’s newly developed branding and design-style while paying tribute to London’s hip, mod character. Walking through the new Generator London, you become immersed in the Generator experience that now exists all over Europe”.


Anwar Mekhayech, Partner, DesignAgency; Creative Director, Generator


Project Credits
Interior Architects
Designers
Architects
Photographers
Products used in this project
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrandProduct name
StoolVitra.
StoolTolix
HPD metal, High stool
LampMoooi
Product Spec Sheet
Stool
Stool
HPD metal, High stool by Tolix
Lamp
by Moooi
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Introducing Partner Geopietra
19 Apr 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Geopietra

Geopietra® is an international brand and an Italian company founded in 1996, specialized in the... More

Shigeru Ban’s Paper Log House at Philip Johnson’s Glass House
18 Apr 2024 News
Shigeru Ban’s Paper Log House at Philip Johnson’s Glass House

In New Canaan, Connecticut, Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House has opened as part of the 75th annivers... More

10 commercial buildings that benefit from planted facades
18 Apr 2024 Specification
10 commercial buildings that benefit from planted facades

The integration of nature into architecture marks a proactive urban response to the climate emergenc... More

Hudson Valley Residence by HGX Design draws inspiration from local agricultural vernacular
17 Apr 2024 News
Hudson Valley Residence by HGX Design draws inspiration from local agricultural vernacular

New York City-based creative studio HGX Design has completed the Hudson Valley Residence, a modern,... More

Key projects by Perkins&Will
17 Apr 2024 News
Key projects by Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will, a global interdisciplinary design practice, places architecture at its core. With... More

Archello Awards 2024 – Early Bird submissions ending April 30th
16 Apr 2024 News
Archello Awards 2024 – Early Bird submissions ending April 30th

The Archello Awards is an exhilarating and affordable global awards program celebrating the best arc... More

Albion Stone creates stone bricks from “unloved” stone
15 Apr 2024 Innovations
Albion Stone creates stone bricks from “unloved” stone

A stone brick is a sustainable building material made using stone blocks and slabs that do not meet... More

25 best engineered wood flooring manufacturers
15 Apr 2024 Specification
25 best engineered wood flooring manufacturers

Engineered wood flooring is a versatile building product that offers several advantages over traditi... More