ReardonSmith was introduced to the opportunity to design a new hotel for Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, by the operator, Four Seasons, who, together with the developer, Pasha Group, was seeking to create a jewel in the crown of Baku architecture as well as the most luxurious hotel in the city. The location is prestigious, at a crossroads facing the sea with a smart promenade to one side and the President's palace to the other, and beautifully landscaped public gardens to the rear. In a city where Ottoman and Islamic styles meet European influences, ReardonSmith, taking a specific design direction defined by the client, created a building which draws its inspiration from late 19th century French urban public buildings. A suitably ceremonial sense of arrival has been created by introducing a 12-metre high colonnade along the entire length of the sea-facing facade while, inside, the spaces are beautiful and lofty. Interior schemes, developed in close coordination with design company Richmond International, reflect a classical manner that is both sophisticated and comfortable. Structural integrity was a major consideration since Baku sits in an active earthquake zone and a particularly thoughtful solution was developed to achieve a large, column-free ballroom. There are 175 keys with many of the suites accommodated within the roof level domes, thereby offering 180-degree views; there is a roof top restaurant and a spa with a pool at fourth floor level under an atrium that soars upwards to a glazed vaulted ceiling.