04-APRIL-AUSTRALIA-A personal project for 2026

April was for Australia, a country that I have visited several times but I need to confess, only being to a minimal part of this vast land, I had visited Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Hamilton Island (Great Coral reef area).

It’s a country proud of his architectural heritage that looks towards the future with a sense of pride, striving to create in these cities a modern skyline of tall buildings, a reflection of the power and energy of his people.

I will describe below, from a designer point of view, what impressed me the most form the places I visited.

Swimming Pools: I’m a huge fan of them, and this one—located at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Iceberg's—is in my top 10 swimming pools around the world. The location, the shape, and the contrast between the pool water and the sea create something truly special. Definitely a place to visit and enjoy!

New buildings and verticality: Brisbane will host the Olympic Games in 2032, which helps explain the number of cranes and new buildings seen all around. On the Gold Coast, the quantity and design of the skyscrapers surprised me and added to the vibrant spirit of this beautiful Australian city.

A hotel is NOT a hotel: I never imagined the word “hotel” could mean something different from a place to rest, sleep, or socialize. In Australia, it can also refer to a pub or a place to party. Maybe it’s because hospitality is involved in both—I'm not sure—but if you pass by one, go in and find out for yourself!

Sky Tower: I’m a big fan of these architectural features, and I believe each one conveys the spirit of the city where it is located. The Sydney Tower Eye stands 309 meters tall and is the tallest structure in Sydney. Built starting in 1970 and completed in 1981, the 56 steel cables added for stability give the tower a very unique and distinctive design.

Architectural Masterpiece-Sydney Opera House: Designed in 1957 by Danish architect, Jørn Utzon, the refined sails or shells, were a construction challenge and he developed for them "the spherical solution", completed long before curvilinear buildings where on fashion. I love architecture and design, and to be able to spend a full day discovering every corner an angle was a dream come true!

All the images in this blog has been taken by me (jose@olivares.hk) and if you want to see-comment each daily image for April, please check our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/olivares_hoteldesign/#