The David Citadel Hotel - Kids Club | Sarit Shani Hay

Considering children as equally important clients in the hospitality sphere, the Kids Club at the David Citadel Hotel offers an idyllic experience, addressing their individual needs through thoughtful design of activity spaces. Our studio has invented a whimsical space, that aligns with the belief that a spatial environment can have a profound impact on the well-being and development of children.

Following the success of our original Kids Club design ten years ago, we were recommissioned to expand the space, devoting the entire floor of the hotel to younger guests. The division of space for two different age groups presented the challenge of maintaining a spatial flow, whilst finding exciting ways to connect the areas. The consistent colour palette, soft textures and organic wood finishes create a unified language across the two spaces, promoting a sense of calm. An additional feature that enables a fluid structure is the playful keyhole doorway, welcoming children to exercise their endless curiosities.

The combination of Modernist design with traditional motifs of the Old City pays homage to the unique heritage of the city. Additional attention has been paid to the characteristics of the Citadel Hotel itself, planned by Moshe Safdie in 1998; a series of intimate arched nooks are nestled into the wall that divides the space, to mirror the iconic arches of the hotel and the city. The lion, the emblem of Jerusalem, is a recurring theme in the space that pays tribute through playful iconography. Kid-sized landmarks, such as the Montefiore windmill and Machane Yehuda market establish experiential connections as well, inviting the identity of the city into the playroom.

Establishing a balance between active and intimate spaces contributes to the success of the design, as it allows children to shape their own experiences by selecting activities to suit their needs. Younger children can enjoy a variety of activity stations, soft furniture play spots, and inclusive seating for individual or group play, whilst for older children, there are pool tables, a soccer area and a multi-media room featuring computers, video games and a projector.

The traditional game of wooden blocks appears as a motif across the club in mixed proportions, such as furniture and hand-crafted toys. Children can build their own mini-Jerusalem using smaller blocks, with larger block furniture populating the space too.

The Kid’s Club design applies a child-centric design language, inviting younger guests to encounter the city and its architecture, whilst fostering a harmonious family-friendly environment. Taking inspiration from the interiors of the rest of the hotel, we have translated the spatial encounter of the David Citadel into a child-friendly retreat. Valuing children as formative to the design concept, the Kids Club provides a unique home away from home, where young guests can have an unforgettable hospitality experience that prioritises their enjoyment and well-being.