Hotels in objects of adaptive architecture: design as a means of transferring the image of the past

The search for new solutions for identification, identity and individuality in the hotel industry has led to creation of hotels in buildings, the original function of which has been exhausted. Such an approach to modern adaptation of degraded objects is important both for their effective use and for successful development of urban environment. Hotels created in redesigned facilities are interesting because their design solution preserves evidence of previous function of structure and this fact forms a sense of time travel in the visitors' view. An analytical study was carried out at the following hotel industry facilities: Hotel Emma (USA), which was renovated from the brewery; 21c Museum Hotels Oklahoma City (USA) located at the premises of the FordMotor Company plant; Hotel Cycle (Japan) is located in the former marine warehouse, as well as Hotel Waterhouse (China) opened in the warehouse building and Hotel Alila Yangshuo (China) was created on the site of an abandoned sugar mill. The paper reveals design solutions that convey specifics of old buildings in their new function.