Redefining Guest Bathrooms at The Langham, Chicago
How bathroom & shower design amplify guest experience, heritage, and operational excellence inside a Mies van der Rohe landmark.
Background
Located at 330 North Wabash (former IBM Plaza), the building by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was converted to The Langham, Chicago with Richmond International and architect Dirk Lohan contributing to design direction (opening 2013; 316 rooms/suites).
Mies van der RoheRichmond InternationalDirk LohanBathroom & Shower Design Objectives
- Reinforce luxury positioning while honoring architectural legacy.
- Deliver premium shower comfort (materials, fittings, controls).
- Ensure durability & serviceability for high turnover.
- Integrate with the overall guest journey from room to spa.
Material & Finish Strategy
Bathrooms clad in travertine—a nod to Mies—paired with premium fixtures, glass partitions, rainfall heads, and separate bathtubs in many rooms to deliver a spa-quality experience.
Shower Layout & Guest Flow
Generous wet-room or glass-enclosed showers with separate tub zones. Controls positioned for intuitive access and comfort to reinforce luxury perception.
Technology & Guest Comfort
Public documentation emphasizes comfort-forward solutions: rainfall heads, handhelds, generous footprint, and premium fittings—aligning with a “timeless luxury” brand promise.
Operational & Durability Considerations
Robust plumbing, high-durability finishes, clear maintenance pathways, and careful mechanical integration within an adaptive reuse shell to ensure consistent performance at scale.
Brand Narrative & Guest Experience
Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glazing and high ceilings; bathrooms extend that open, luminous character—positioning the shower as a sanctuary and key brand touchpoint.
Lessons for Hospitality Specifiers
- Respect architectural context: Materials that echo the original building elevate perceived value.
- Design the guest journey: Generous, intuitive showers carry the brand’s promise into the room.
- Balance luxury & durability: Commercial-grade fixtures + low-maintenance surfaces.
- Plan for adaptive reuse complexity: Coordinate structure, plumbing, and drainage early.
- Align with brand story: Make the shower an experiential signature, not an afterthought.
