Evolving from existing site conditions and using the foundation of an existing building, Zaha Hadid-designed Morpheus Hotel establishes a new architectural typology.

Owned and developed by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the urban resort comprises four other hotels, a variety of luxury retail, entertainment venues and casinos.

Inspired by the Chinese jade carving tradition, the monolithic and rectangular block reveals its playful character in the fluid form of the three voids of its central atrium.

World’s first free-form high-rise exoskeleton, this fluid form building combines dramatic public spaces and generous guest rooms with innovative engineering and formal cohesion.

The exoskeleton wrapping around the building in a rich pattern of structural members at lower levels, progresses upwards to a less dense grid of lighter members at its summit. It is an engineering marvel that allows the the building stand out as a distinctive landmark.

The interiors are as interesting as the exterior with this curvaceous web visible from the inside. Its 42-meter atrium is filled with complex geometric shapes and plays with light and open space.

40 floors and 130 meters high, the building counts 770 rooms, suites and sky villas, designed by California-based, Macau-born Peter Remedios, and topped by a rooftop pool and spa. Additional resort facilities include a casino, retail hub, 20 restaurants, including by starred chefs Alain Ducasse and Pierre Hermé.

At the ground level, guests enter via a 35-metre-high atrium lobby with walls and reception bristling with white and silver faceted marble. Twelve glass-clad lifts whisk guests upwards through the atrium and skybridges to Chinese fine-dining restaurant Yi, a VIP lounge and cocktail bars in a minimalist, monochromatic palette.

The designer says he also wanted to maximise the dramatic form of the exoskeleton on view from the panoramic windows, and so adjusted the design of each room to reflect the form of the exoskeleton as it morphs across the facade of the building.