The Atrium is the heart of the new Bayleaf Hotel Cavite. The client asked for a refreshing, memorable, and flexible public space. It was designed to be the showcase restaurant of the hotel to serve guests all day and double up as a dramatic function space. The design direction was inspired by the veining patterns of the bayleaf. A geometric pattern was derived and developed into the wall panel system mounted on all sides of the Atrium. The floor plan, also inspired by this pattern, was designed as clusters of activity islands to accommodate lounging, working, and dining. The furniture was custom designed for each function – the semi-private work pods, the modular lounge sofas, the various chairs (dining, lounge, bar stool), and the different tables. The pattern is also reflected in the tufting patterns of the furniture and the form of all the seating. To capitalize on the natural daylight in the space, there was a strong emphasis on creating an outdoor atmosphere in the Atrium. Colorful planters were installed in the wall system and sculptural planter boxes were organized around the activity clusters and in the center buffet display. As the space transforms from day to night, the back-lit LED feature wall is the focal point and the primary source of light in the space. The choices of materials took in budgetary and maintenance concerns of the client – terrazzo flooring; Flotex carpets; Marmorcast (a patented high grade cast polymer by Nature’s Legacy) for the wall panels, buffet table, and counter; salvaged antique lumber (for the reception counter); and locally designed and fabricated furniture.