Bronze Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026
Ibis Styles Katowice Airport
Hospitality & Hotel Interior Design
Completed / Built / Professional Category
Architect / Designer:
Agata Łapuchowska, Karolina Kowalik
Studio:
AKA Studio
Design Team:
Przemysław Maksym, Michalina Musielak Paś, Alicja Majszak, Magdalena Chrzanowska.
Copyright:
Mood Authors
Country:
Poland
“Fly Me to the Moon” is the narrative framework for the new interior concept of Ibis Styles Katowice Airport. Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s song, the project explores the idea of cosmic travel, freedom and boundless imagination. From the first step inside, guests enter a spatial story that evokes departure, anticipation and the romance of the journey.
Located at the rapidly developing Katowice Airport, focused mainly on charter flights, the hotel acts as a gateway to holidays and rest. After years of operation, the investor introduced a second hotel brand. A completely new guestroom wing was built, while the existing public areas underwent a full transformation. The original ground floor layout no longer met contemporary expectations, creating a rare chance to redefine the interior structure within the existing building.
Our studio reorganised the functional plan to improve clarity, efficiency and guest flow. The reception desk was moved deeper into the space and integrated with the bar, while the former reception area became a spacious entrance lobby. Previously fragmented rooms were combined into one open breakfast zone with flexible use for dining, informal meetings and small events. The redesign also introduced new conference rooms, a gym and a safely separated children’s playroom. Behind the conference area, the new wing of guestrooms significantly raised the overall standard of the property.
The aesthetic concept embraces a bold, dark palette and references to Space Age design. Deep navy, blue and silver tones recall the night sky and the surface of the Moon, while warm metallic details add a futuristic yet inviting character. Glass, wood and metal create a balanced composition that combines modernity with comfort. Identity is strengthened through a deliberate interplay of colour, texture and light: sheer violet and blue fabrics suggest a starry sky, mirrored copper finished columns shimmer like space station panels, and black ribbed tiles introduce a subtle technological accent. Natural wood and grey stone ground the narrative, while vivid orange and red highlights bring the energy of distant stars.
Custom elements complete the story, including bespoke poufs, individually selected upholstery fabrics and a fluted mirror that shifts in tone with daylight, reminiscent of a planet seen from orbit. Personalised door signage and custom joinery unify the whole.
Area: 2830 sqm. Completion: 2025. Location: Katowice International Airport in Pyrzowice.
AKA Studio
AKA Studio is a team of experienced architects and project managers marking 10 years of practice, with an extensive portfolio of completed projects including both newly built and refurbished hotels, restaurants and office spaces. The studio creates distinctive interiors for hospitality and work environments, combining strong narrative concepts with a conscious approach to sustainability.AKA Studio collaborates closely with furniture manufacturers, and many bespoke elements are designed in house, using local materials and the expertise of craftsmen.
For the interior design of Mercure Wien City, the studio received international recognition, including the LIV Hospitality Design Awards, the International Property Awards and the Archello Awards Public Hotel Interior of the Year through online voting. These distinctions reflect the originality of the concept and a responsible design approach.
