World of Signs 1

World of Signs
Exclusive hotels
- exclusive signs
The customer magazine of Obad Beschriftungen Graz | www.obad.at | No.1 / 2006
Including:
Hotel Adlon
Palais Coburg
Hilton Meetings
The Ritz-Carlton
Editorial
Dear readers,
inscription is our business, hotel sign production is our passion. This is why
I am so delighted to be able to show you some of our most exciting hotel
projects in this issue of World of Signs.
We would like to take you with us: on a journey through several countries
and cities, through time and its architectural eras - and into the future. Because
it has already started in our enterprise: with DISIPOS, our intelligent, digital
signage system.
Furthermore, we would also like to inspire you with this issue of World of
Signs. View the projects without haste. Perhaps you will thus obtain an idea
or two for your own signage. If so, we will provide for the exclusive design
and implementation - all with our usual focused zeal.
Enjoy your reading!
Friedrich P. Obad
Contents
Hilton Vienna, Prague, Budapest:
High-tech in a tailor-made suit
Page 4
Palais Coburg:
With much attention to detail
Page 6
Ritz-Carlton and Marriott:
Golden times in Berlin
Page 8
Hotel Adlon:
Tradition connects
Page 10
Obad clients:
Around the World
Page 12
Marble:
A taste of luxury
Page 14
It was not to be just any old signage system. It had to be
perfect. And directed towards the needs of hotels and
conference centres. The development phase was worth
its while. DISIPOS was able to convince at once - and
currently shows guests the way in first class hotels. Such
as in Hilton Vienna, Prague and Budapest.
High-tech
in a tailor-made suit
DISIPOS in Hilton Vienna:
Appealing Welcome Boards inform
hotel guest about all oncoming
internal events.
Obad continuously received
requests for a digital hotel signage
system. But the market had nothing
appropriate to offer. What to do?
Friedrich P. Obad decided to take on
the issue himself. He selected a
development and design partner and
created an innovative product within
a few months: DISIPOS.
The entry mask enables you to
achieve your aim promptly and
securely: The chosen information is
displayed automatically and at the
designated point in time on the
respective sign posts and door signs.
In addition to texts you can also
display photos, animations and
videos.
Web technologies
Software interfaces
DISIPOS is based on established and
especially efficient web technologies. We developed software in
cooperation with icomedias Systemhaus GmbH which offers simple
handling of the digital signage
system.
DISIPOS was designed especially
for large conference centres and
hotels. That is why the system
possesses interfaces to existing
facility and event management
programmes. Information can be
transferred automatically.
The genial stroke: It can be
displayed with all prevalent Internet
browsers. The room occupancy
information can be compiled by
hotel staff members from all
connected computers.
Despite so much high-tech - Obad has
not forgotten one aspect: noble
vesture. The signs are designed
according to the client's desires. High
quality material and brilliant displays
make DISIPOS a true eye-catcher.
Obad Graz
It's as simple as this:
Room occupation information can be
entered into the system via a simple
entry mask or can be automatically
transferred via a software interface.
World of Signs | Hotels
5
Preserve the past, shape the future:
This guiding principle became lived
reality in the Wiener Palais Coburg.
The building was reopened in 2003
and currently houses one of Europe's
most noble hotels. The signage comes
from Graz - from Obad.
With much attention to detail
The Palais Coburg lies in
the heart of Vienna. It is
an architectural jewel. It
was revitalised with
reverence towards its
historic significance, and
reopened in 2003. A place
to feel comfortable in.
6
World of Signs | Hotels
Obad Graz
It was a great challenge for all
participants: the revitalisation of
Palais Coburg. The historic building
was built by Duke Ferdinand of
Sachsen-Coburg and Gotha on the
Braunbastei from 1840 till 1845 - on
part of the city defences dating back
to the 16th century. In its current
form it unites six centuries of
architectural history. The modification into a modern hotel,
gastronomy and event-catering
Obad Graz
edifice called for style consistency
and sensitivity - from the Obad
enterprise too.
den letters and frames act in such a
noble yet discrete fashion as in Palais Coburg.
Noble yet discrete
The combination of brass and glass,
of gold and white, of solid material
and airy transparency make the signs
and symbols unique. A result which
gives reason for pride - not only the
Obad team.
In cooperation with the responsible
architects and designers, Obad
developed a signage system which
manages to underline this successful
synthesis of historic and modern
architecture. It is seldom that gol-
www.palais-coburg.at
World of Signs | Hotels
7
Golden times
in the centre
of Berlin
A touch of New York in Berlin. Certainly since the
opening of Ritz-Carlton and Marriott on the Potsdamer
Platz. Both grand hotels have similar designs. Inside
their uniqueness comes to light - made in Austria.
The completion and opening of the
Beisheim Centers in Berlin was
anticipated with great excitement especially by Friedrich P. Obad and
his team. They had the task to fit two
buildings with noble signs: RitzCarlton Berlin and Berlin Marriott.
Skyscrapers in Art Deco
Both five-star hotels merge
seamlessly with the elegant
architecture of the surrounding
ensemble and remind of American
skyscrapers from the golden Art
Deco years. Inside they offer the
appropriate luxury, each in its
particular manner.
Brass and exotic wood
The signs in Ritz-Carlton combine
mirror finished brass with dark
exotic wood. Experience was called
8
World of Signs | Hotels
for - especially in the choice of wood.
Colour and grain had to be carefully
attuned to the classic interior.
Stainless steel and glass
Notably more modern is the
atmosphere at the Berlin Marriott.
This is mirrored in the signage.
Where stainless steel and glass
dominate. They radiate lightness,
without acting any less exclusive.
This is arranged for by modern
design and perfect workmanship.
Fascinating edifices
Meantime the openings of both
hotels is part of the past, and
Friedrich P. Obad has much reason
to be satisfied. The fascination these
exceptional hotels exert is unbroken
and will remain so forever. It's great
to have contributed towards this.
Exquisite material: Ritz-Carlton is
dominated by dark wood and brass,
Marriott by glass and stainless steel.
Obad Graz
Obad Graz
World of Signs | Hotels
9
Unter den Linden 77: After more
than 50 years it has been resurrected:
the legendary Hotel Adlon in Berlin.
On a historic site, in traditional style
and emitting an atmosphere which
connects glamorous history and the
lived present.
Tradition connects
Residing in Hotel Adlon is like time travel. Architecture
and atmosphere are new - they nevertheless mirror
the almost 100 year old history of the establishment.
Exquisite material and perfect workmanship are to be
admired everywhere. The signage included. No wonder
- they originate from an enterprise with tradition.
Hotel Adlon first opened in 1907. It
developed into one of the most
beautiful and luxurious hotels
worldwide. It set standards which
had to be adhered to by more than
other hotels.
Obad was one of the partners. Obad
too can look back on 100 years of
tradition. Obad too feels obliged to
uphold tradition.
With its reconstruction after the fall
of the Berlin wall - the Adlon was
meant to continue in its own
tradition. It was to combine glamorous history with lived present.
In collaboration with the respective
architects, Obad designed signs
which merge harmonically into the
surroundings and demonstrate
independency non the less. The
project was implemented with
modern technology and careful
handwork.
New building with a history
With the help of the appropriate
partners the Kempinski Group
succeeded in fulfilling all
expectations. In 1997 Adlon
reopened once again, in new yet
familiar brilliance.
10
World of Signs | Hotels
Technology and workmanship
A clasp of specially-treated brass
fixes the satined glass panes; golden
letters inform with style. Perfection
in all details - that is what gives these
signs the additional extra.
Obad Graz
Signs with a concept: The metal clasp not only fixes the satined glass, but also symbolizes Pariser Platz
(Paris Square) with its reconstructed buildings, one of which is Hotel Aldon.
Obad Graz
World of Signs | Hotels
11
"The world" from A-Z:
Obad clients
Aachen: Dorint Parkhotel Quellenhof | Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace |
Amstetten: Hotel Excel | Baden
near Vienna: Casino Baden; Schlosshotel Weikersdorf | Bad Heilbrunn:
Vital Hotel Royal | Bad Radkersburg:
Kurhotel im Park; Thermenhotel
Radkersburger Hof; Vital Hotel Bad
Radkersburg | Bad Waltersdorf:
H2O Hotel Therme Resort | Berlin:
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin; Berlin
Marriott Hotel; The Ritz-Carlton |
Bremen: Park Hotel | Budapest:
Hilton Budapest; Kempinski Hotel
Corvinus; Marriott Residenz Vasudvar;
Hotel Sport; Hotel Taverna | Dresden:
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski |
Dubrovnik: Hilton Dubrovnik | Gars
am Kamp: Dungl Zentrum | Görlitz:
Mercure Parkhotel | Graz: Augartenhotel Art & Design; Hotel Europa;
Hotel Mercure; Schlossberg Hotel |
Innsbruck: Casino Innsbruck | Corinthia: Falkensteiner Hotel Carinzia |
Kitzbühel: Casino Kitzbühel; Hotel
A-Rosa | Krakau: Radisson SAS Hotel
Filharmonika | Loipersdorf: Life
Resort; Loipersdorf Spa & Conference Hotel; Thermenhotel Stoiser;
Hotel Vital Resort | Mallorca:
Mardavall Hotel & Spa Arabella
Sheraton | Meran: Steigenberger
Hotel Therme Meran | Moscow: Hotel Baltschug Kempinski | Seefeld:
Vital Hotel Royal | St. Moritz:
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains |
Munich: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Kempinksi | Paris: Mövenpick Dream
Castle Hotel | St. Petersburg: Hotel
Baltiskaja | Prague: Hilton Prague |
Saalbach: Casino Saalbach | Salzburg:
Hotel Mercure | Seefeld: Casino
Seefeld | Travemünde: A-Rosa
Travemünde Golf & Spa | Velden:
Casino Velden; Casinohotel Velden |
Warsaw: Hotel InterContinental |
Vienna: Casino Wien; Hotel Bristol;
Hilton Vienna; Hotel Imperial; Intercity Hotel; Le Meridien; Hotel
Mercure; Hotel Opernring; Palais
Coburg; Radisson SAS Style Hotel;
Café im Hotel Sacher | Zagreb:
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel ...
12
World of Signs | Hotels
Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
Around the World
The Obad Team gets around - not only through Austria its home country. In regular intervals suitcases are packed
and off we go to distant countries: United Arab Emirates,
Russia, Spain... The sign maker's know-how is in demand
around the whole world.
Moscow: Hotel Baltschug Kempinski
Mallorca: Mardavall Hotel & Spa
Obad staff felt as if in Arabian
Nights: The luxurious atmosphere of
the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi
outshined all we had hitherto seen even for these globetrotting signage
specialists.
Tons of material
The planning procedure and project
implementation was a logistic
masterstroke. Several tons of
marble, brass and gold had to be
processed during the construction
phase of the gigantic hotel complex.
No simple job - but one to talk about
for ages to come.
Budapest: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus
Obad Graz
It never becomes drab with Obad
anyway. The products from Graz are
sought after all over the world.
Renowned hoteliers such as
Kempinski, Arabella Sheraton,
Radisson SAS, Mövenpick or Hilton
all trust in the experience, the knowhow and service of the sign maker
from Graz.
solutions and fulfils dreams - in
Arabian Nights style.
"Not possible" is not something
you will ever hear from us
A glance into the future
Obad is not only renowned for its
reliability. Its flexibility is also much
appreciated. The medium-sized
business produced tailor-made
Paris: Mövenpick Dream Castle Hotel
In such a case foreign characters
pose no problem. They are produced
in millimetre precision in the
companies own production halls by
computer guided machines. A absolute must for global players.
Thus the next international projects
await implementation in the pipe line.
Where? We will tell you all about it
next time.
St. Moritz: Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
World of Signs | Hotels
13
Marble:
a taste of luxury
Hardly any stone is so multi-facetted - so full of opposing qualities - as marble: It is
cool yet emits warmth. It is simple yet embodies luxury. It is natural yet symbolizes
culture. It presents itself in perfection in Mardavall Hotel & Spa.
The Mardavall Hotel & Spa is one of
the most beautiful and luxurious
resorts in Mallorca. It belongs to the
"Luxury Collection" of the Arabella
Sheraton Group and offers 133 rooms
and suites as well as the largest spa
in Europe.
Marble is one of the forming
materials in Mardavall Hotel & Spa.
The architects and designers utilized
this refined stone in manifold
colours and grains. It can be found
on the interior and exterior areas of
the building and was also chosen for
the signage.
A place to relax
Signs for eternity
The five-star hotel combines
elegance with "feel-good" ambiance,
luxury with nature. This is enhanced
due to the fantastic location of the
building between sea and mountains.
The decisive feature is its unique
design. Natural material, warm
colours and organic shapes form the
Mediterranean atmosphere of this
wellness hotel. All is perfectly
attuned to fit.
14
World of Signs | Hotels
Obad received the assignment. They
created the design in collaboration
with the client, compiled the
materials, and produced the massive signs. Today they decorate the
hotel and show guests the way - as
if they had always been there - and
always will be.
Obad Graz
Imprint
Editor
Obad Beschriftungen GmbH, Graz
Editorial and production
icomedias Systemhaus GmbH
Graz - Berlin
www.icomedias.com
Photos
Uli Staiger, Joachim Senger; Arabella
Sheraton; Kempinski Hotels; Palais
Coburg: F. Zwickl, C. Alessandri;
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Obad Beschriftungen GmbH
A-8020 Graz, Karlauer Str. 57
Telephone +43 (316) 7084-0
Telefax +43 (316) 7084-30
[email protected] | www.obad.at
Germany office:
10969 Berlin, Alexandrinenstr. 2
Telephone +49 (30) 695 399-221
Telefax +49 (30) 695 399-113