Swissotel Hotels & Resorts : new design features with Swiss papercuts

The modern design of the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts international chain will now be complimented with a  traditional Swiss element: the “Wheel of Life” - a papercut silhouette bearing images of Switzerland. It is a further reminder of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts’ origins and features as a common theme throughout the deluxe hotels, which are represented in 15 countries worldwide.

The creative minds behind this design element are the Kessler+Kessler design studio and artist Jork Andre Dieter, who just received the Bronze Award from the Art Directors Club Germany for the wheel.

Papercutting has a long history in Switzerland: in the mid 19th century, Johann Jakob Hauswirth from the mountain region of Pays d’Enhaut was the first in Switzerland to cut images of Alpine processions and scenes from everyday life in the Alps. He used the same motifs as popular painters, embroiderers and woodcarvers: trees of life, hearts, flower bouquets and geometric ornamentation.

At the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, the papercuts are arranged in the form of the “Wheel of Life” in circles divided into three sections, and bear both traditional and modern motifs from Swiss life today. Some circles feature marmots, mountains, Enzian (brandy), chocolate and fondue, while others represent Swiss art and design such as works by Le Corbusier, Mondaine watches and Swiss army knives.

The traditional papercut has its roots in the Asian “Wheel of Life”, as seen, for example, in the mandalas from the Himalayas. The first papercuts arrived in central Europe in around 1600 after a 400-year long journey from China via Indonesia, Persia and the Balkans.