Case Study: Redefining Guest Bathrooms at The Langham, Chicago

Case Study: The Langham, Chicago — Guest Bathrooms & Shower Design
Case Study

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.

Adaptive ReuseLuxuryguest-centric
The Langham, Chicago — guest bathroom ambiance

Background

Mies Legacy 330 N Wabash exterior — replace with real image
Conversion Interior conversion visuals — replace

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 Lohan

Bathroom & Shower Design Objectives

Brand Fit Brand-aligned bathroom — replace
Guest Journey Guest journey through bath — replace
  • 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

Travertine Travertine detail — replace
Fixtures Premium shower fixtures — replace

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

Wet Room Wet room layout — replace
Glass Enclosure Generous glass enclosure — replace

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

Rainfall Rainfall shower head — replace
Handheld Handheld shower — replace

Public documentation emphasizes comfort-forward solutions: rainfall heads, handhelds, generous footprint, and premium fittings—aligning with a “timeless luxury” brand promise.

Operational & Durability Considerations

Service Access Service access schematic — replace
MEP Fit MEP integration — replace

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

Light & Calm Light-filled bathroom — replace
Sanctuary Sanctuary moment — replace

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

Context Contextual materials — replace
Coordination Early coordination — replace
  • 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.
Tip: pilot a small run of rooms to validate comfort, cleaning cycles, and maintenance access before full rollout.

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