Tszwai So’s The Blue hotel redefines Taipei’s landscape
The Blue hotel sees architect Tszwai So take an experimental approach with Just Inn’s new flagship in Central Taipei

Architect Tszwai So has taken an experimental approach with The Blue hotel, the new flagship of the art-led Taiwanese hotel group Just Inn, in Central Taipei. The transformative project revitalises a 1970s commercial building, originally constructed during Taiwan’s White Terror era, repurposing it into a dynamic space accommodating 59 guestrooms, an upcoming restaurant, and a public art venue.
The Blue hotel, designed by Tszwai So, in Central Taipei
Exterior of The Blue hotel at nighttime
The ethos behind the Emotionalism art movement (the idea of communicating mood and feeling), championed by So himself and a global cohort of creatives challenging traditional architectural norms, guided the design principles for The Blue hotel. (Fans of the hue should also see our pick of calming blue designs.)
The team embraced a fluid ‘design-as-you-go’ approach, stripping the building down to its essence and remodelling waste materials into innovative artworks and furnishings. Drawing inspiration from the old town of Taipei through principles of psychogeography (the effect of location on behaviour), the project exudes a unique sense of place.
Corridor at The Blue Hotel
Bedroom at The Blue Hotel
All-blue stairs at The Blue Hotel
The building’s façade, bearing the marks of time, sees layers of blue glaze enwrap the structure and enhance its integrity, inspired by local heritage and the work of artist Yves Klein. Inside, every detail narrates a tale of forward-thinking and circularity, from the repurposed steel staircase-turned-reception desk to the collaborative artworks adorning the lobby floor.
Lobby area at The Blue Hotel
Lobby area at The Blue Hotel
Lobby area at The Blue Hotel
The ground floor lobby doubles as an art space, showcasing contributions from more than 50 artists, architects, and thinkers worldwide in its inaugural installation. Figures such as Dutch architect Francine Houben, British artist Wolfgang Buttress, and South African architect Jo Noero underscore Emotionalism’s global impact and collaborative ethos. Notably, AI language models contribute their voice to the project, while smashed glass recycled from on-site building waste punctuates the exhibition, adding texture.
Exterior view of The Blue Hotel
Gallery space at The Blue Hotel
The Blue is available to book here
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.
-
Unlike the gloriously grotesque imagery in his films, Yorgos Lanthimos’ photographs are quietly beautiful
An exhibition at Webber Gallery in Los Angeles presents Yorgos Lanthimos’ photography
By Katie Tobin Published
-
Remembering architect David M Childs (1941-2025) and his New York skyline legacy
David M Childs, a former chairman of architectural powerhouse SOM, has passed away. We celebrate his professional achievements
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
At the Institute of Indology, a humble new addition makes all the difference
Continuing the late Balkrishna V Doshi’s legacy, Sangath studio design a new take on the toilet in Gujarat
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
TaG Living’s redesign of Thomas Chien Restaurant delivers a lesson in circular design
TaG Living transforms Michelin green-starred Thomas Chien Restaurant using repurposed waste from Taiwan
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Hoshinoya Guguan — Taichung City, Taiwan
By Melina Keays Last updated
-
Kimpton Da An — Taipei, Taiwan
By Melina Keays Last updated
-
Gloria Manor — Pingtung County, Taiwan
By Melina Keays Last updated
-
CitizenM North Gate — Taipei, Taiwan
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Go Eat Tapas Dining Bar — Hsinchu City, Taiwan
By Ella Marshall Last updated
-
Raw — Taipei, Taiwan
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Amba Taipei Ximending — Taipei, Taiwan
By Amy Fabris-Shi Last updated