Part 62: the value of local in hospitality & design
Even before the pandemic and Brexit, hotels were looking at new and innovative ways to source local food, hospitality amenities and design materials. In 2022, the demand for local has amplified, as Andrea Brown, Design Director, Mucca, explains…
Luxury hospitality brands have weathered the storm since March 2020, and those fortunate enough to stay above water could use the past few years as a catalyst to rethink their approach. With new consumer patterns and desires emerging during the pandemic, the rules of hospitality have evolved to place more weight on authentic experiences that treat customers like individuals. Options like home-sharing platforms, vacation rentals and glamping all offer an experience that feels unique, private and more memorable than a kitted-out room and valet service.
A small group of ‘superfans’ is more important to a brand’s success than a crowd of fickle followers, and one way to gain those fans is to become a local destination – an authority on one thing that can’t be found anywhere else. To connect with an elusive audience, luxury hospitality needs to look beyond the physical space to create experiences that feel personal and speak to their setting. This could involve collaborating with the cultural community – the artists, artisans and performers who make their city hum – or engaging a new niche audience with ultra-specific offerings.
Image credit: Unsplash
Curate cool
Not everyone has time to research and plan before a trip, so help guests out by making them feel like an insider in a world they’ve just discovered. With a captive audience, hotels have a unique opportunity to celebrate the rising stars of their city, while elevating the neighbourhood along with the guest experience.
For example, Daxton Hotel in Michigan has an artsy, edgy vibe that involves its community at every turn. In-room libraries are curated by nearby Cranbrook Art Museum, Michigan-based fitness gurus lead a running club for guests, and the hotel’s restaurant Madame serves up beers exclusively from nearby brewery Griffin Claw. Meanwhile, Viceroy Hotel’s “A Canvas for Discovery” series offers site-specific works created by innovative local artists—from painters to musicians and photographers–that simultaneously support local artists and give the chain some indie credibility.
Image credit: Daxton Hotel
Make local memorable
We’ve all stayed in a hotel room that we couldn’t describe after we left, and not because of all the champagne from the minibar. Building a hotel brand around its locality can differentiate it from “bland-lux” and create emotional connections that resonate beyond check-out. That’s the approach of The Chicago Athletic Club hotel, which leverages its former life as an elite men’s club while turning its history on its head with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. References to its sporting past are found everywhere from bathrobes to keycards, while the hotel maintains a modern relevance with local-friendly events like roller skating nights and high-fashion clothing swaps.
Image credit: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
And when luxury means escaping too many air-breathing people to wander a remote island, the experience can still be one of local connection. The exclusive Thanda Island resort rejuvenates not only guests but its sea-dwelling community, offering a chance to participate in marine conservation efforts and support endangered whale sharks.
Engage personal passions
Establishing a tribe of true fans means speaking to them in their language. The rise of niche hotels shows that the experience is king (or queen), and travelers will go out of their way to pursue a passion. Those guests will become virtual brand ambassadors, doing the work for you by spreading the word to their like-minded friends.
A great example of this is W Hotels, which are targeting musicians and music lovers by offering professional-level music studios for guests looking to eat, sleep and make sweet music. Other hotels might wince at the thought of rock bands rolling up, but W has embraced the idea of becoming a music industry haunt that caters to a dedicated fanbase.
No one wants to make predictions these days, and staycations may be here to stay, but luxury hospitality brands can retool their approach and adapt their identities to the new needs of travellers. Whether the guest experience is one of discovering a local gem or finding new like-minded mates, the focus should be on creating a lasting connection. Who knows, maybe sometime in the distant future, a hotel stay will make us feel like visitors to a galaxy far, far away.
Think of this element of the Guide to Hotel Design as the troublesome classmate – you know the one – who finds pleasure in going against the lecturer’s every word. In this smug and creative feature, Charlie Svensson explores the loopholes that allow designers and architects to break the rules…
Interior design, just like any art, is part intuitive and part rational. This means that half of the work of an interior designer is studying the geometry of the space. The designer keeps some conventional rules that help achieve an aesthetic room in mind. So, measuring the space and choosing furniture that’s proportional to it is a first step, along with choosing a colour palette. But the interior expert also avoids certain textures, methods, and furniture based on those underlying rules.
Nevertheless, some designs don’t look right even if they tick all the interior design laws. The eye and our taste aren’t always perfectly in line with geometry’s strict policies. Therefore, the other half of the designer’s work should be breaking some rules in favour of an ‘unexplainable’ visual pleasure. The transgression of these rules can offer character to a room and make it feel more ‘at home’.
Here are seven interior design rules that you can strategically break to elevate your space.
1) Symmetry
One of the essentials of interior design is symmetry. While most of the time symmetry can make a space seem clearly structured and organised, it can also make it dull, flat, and generic. Experts will often suggest two identical bedside tables, two identical picture frames centered above the bed, and so on. But the last thing anyone wants is something that seems like a furniture showroom.
Moreover, symmetry isn’t always a wise choice for rooms with asymmetry. Maybe the room isn’t a square, and it has a protruding wall or some other peculiar feature. In these cases, symmetry doesn’t suit the geometry well. So, when you choose your furniture or decor, think twice before choosing plain symmetry. Try to play with different elements and see how it looks. Remember that a healthy dose of asymmetry can break the monotony of the room, making it tridimensional and dynamic.
2) Matching decor
Along with symmetry, many designers keep it safe and pick matching decor: if the wall is beige, all the decor is beige. The result is a two-dimensional space that feels sterile and monotonous. Hence, you should try and mix patterns, textures, and colours, not just shades of the same grey.
Image credit: GS Design
For instance, you can choose an eclectic style that mixes modern furniture with bold and detailed antiques. Sure, it’s challenging to find an equilibrium between radically different styles. Nonetheless, the result can be stunningly chic.
The key to success is choosing the decor pieces that have a different style but tie in with the colour palette you chose. Otherwise, you can select a similar style in a different texture. The elements should relate to each other somehow while bringing some visual interest to the table.
The perfect example is mixing old with new: the sofa, the walls, and modern decor. Meanwhile, the artwork, the drawer, the lamp can interest and a sense of industrial vintage. Lastly, everything can be tied together by a selection of warm colours.
3) Matching metals
When it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, matching metals is common. But this obsession with making everything identical turns spaces into cold-feeling rooms. If your bathroom has a spa aesthetic, you might add golden accents to spice up the space with bamboo furniture and a wooden floor. Play with options and find what looks appropriate.
Image credit: Gessi
4) Small furniture for small rooms
A common misconception in interior design is that furniture needs to be perfectly proportional to the room. This way of thinking often leads to having a room that looks heavy, cluttered or both. The key is to remember the importance of the room’s ‘weight’, not the size. So, pick three main items that take up volume.
Image credit: Lore Group/One Hundred Shoreditch
The furniture should be moderate: a queen-size bed for a small room, a four-person sofa for a medium-size living room. Or you could make one of these main items more dominant. For instance, a small living room can become a sofa room with two big sofas that take up a lot of space. To balance it out, designers may want to try to reduce the number of other elements in the room.
5) Bold colours only the accents
One of the most famous interior design fact is ‘light colours widen the space’. So, many people are often scared of bold and/or non-conforming colour schemes, even in large rooms. Sure, painting the walls in navy blue might not be the best for a living room, but it can add layers (and personality) in the bathroom.
Image credit: Bill Bensley
The winning card is picking your style. Maybe you’re trying to achieve formal, or industrial, or urban jungle. Establish the furniture and decor that works. Then, figure out if a wall could bring out those elements. For instance, if you’re going for Parisian chic decor, you might use a lot of white furniture. In this case, a dark grey wall can bring out the decor and tie everything beautifully without making the room feel small, heavy and cluttered.
6) Avoid faux plants
Green elements, such as plants and flowers can elevate any space. They can add a bit of colour and make the room lively. But real plants can become a burden when it comes to upkeep (especially in hotels) to take care of plants – and there are some great faux plants that are also sustainable.
Image credit: Pan Pacific London
Sure, they’re not the real deal, but they can come in handy when you travel a lot, for example. Also, you can use them in combination with real ones. This way, you get the same effect without more work.
They’re also great for outdoors because they can stay green all year round. Just make sure that you pick the ones that look real and preferably made from recycled materials.
7) Walls should never match the floor or ceiling
Previously, we mentioned that symmetry and matching everything isn’t always the best choice. This time, matching the floor or ceiling to the walls can give off a luxurious look to any room. Again, this needs to be planned carefully beforehand, but your room will seem tailored if you decide to go with it.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde S.p.A
Generally, eclectic rooms with many decor and textures benefit from matching walls and ceilings because they add a sense of continuity within the room. Nonetheless, keep your style in mind before making a decision.
With wellness and wellbeing creeping up on the agenda in modern hotels, more emphasis is being put on bathroom design to ensure these areas, within the context of the overall hotel experience, become more than practical spaces. When designing the bathroom, designers should consider creating a cohesive design narrative that compliments other areas of the hotel, especially the bedroom. Nick Brown, Leader, Hospitality UK, LIXIL EMENA, who is responsible for overseeing hospitality projects for the GROHE brand in the UK, writes…
In recent years, the bathroom has shifted from a purely functional space designed for hygiene and cleanliness to one that now also embodies wellness and relaxation. Much like the bedroom provides a sanctuary for sleep, rest and recuperation, the bathroom now also has a similar role to play in providing the space for us to take care of not only our personal needs on a physical level but on an emotional level too.
Therefore, as the purpose of the bathroom has shifted towards more of a living space, there has been an increasing synergy between bedroom and bathroom design. The harsh boundaries that once separated individual spaces have now been broken down and we are seeing the merging of bedroom and bathroom coming into one shared space more and more.
Other factors such as urbanisation have played into this shift also. The increasing demand for more housing and living spaces in busy urban areas has created the need for micro-living environments that use clever innovations and solutions to optimise on available space. This trend is not only being seen in the residential market but in hotels too, particularly those in busy city centres where space is also at a premium.
Image credit: GROHE
Image credit: GROHE
Similarly, space is often at a premium for hotels in urban areas and particularly those in busy city centres. Designers and suppliers are recognising this need for a more cohesive language between bedroom and bathroom and not only adapting the layout of these spaces but also reconsidering product designs, shapes and colour finishes too. Meanwhile, designers also face the challenge of creating a layer of privacy and the option for the guest to shut off and create a divide if they wish to and typically look to more streamlined, discreet or integrated solutions to provide the best of both worlds.
As designers begin to open up these spaces and physically bring the bathtub or basin into the bedroom, manufacturers are also re-imagining product forms and providing design options that align with the softer aesthetics of a bedroom.
For example, ceramics in soft curves and organic forms are usually far more suited to a cohesive bedroom/bathroom space than harsh geometric shapes or patterns. The sight lines in a bedroom should be soft on the eye, favouring more minimalist design in order to instil a sense of quiet and calmness that can help guests unwind and drift off.
Image credit: GROHE
Bathroom design has shifted away from being merely functional, sterile and clinical to embrace colour and personalisation, allowing for a greater sense of character and an enhanced home-from-home appeal. With the need for design language between bedroom and bathroom to be more in sync than ever before, the psychology of colour will play an increasing important role in how designers bring hotel spaces to life. Rich metallic finishes bring warmth into a space and create cohesion across bedroom and bathroom touchpoints, from light switches and furniture to brassware and accessories. Alternatively, muted metal finishes like nickel can offer a more understated look that creates harmony within the two zones whilst still being sophisticated and minimalist.
Designers can also play with contrasting or complementing textures to create both similarity and difference within the space simultaneously.
GROHE is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
In the next article within the editorial series, Editor Hamish Kilburn and Giles Fuchs, Owner of Burgh Island Hotel, explain how designers and hoteliers can revamp their look and feel while also being sensitive to their building’s history and heritage…
For many hotels, their individuality and charm is rooted in deep historical connections. In the wake of the pandemic, the vintage ambience and sense of escapism this creates has perhaps never been more important for guests’ experience.
As a result, there is a risk that, when these classic and unique hotels need to undergo refurbishment, it creates a clash between the desire to preserve history and need to cater for 21st century guests. However, the two are not mutually exclusive. The recent revamp of bedrooms in Devon’s iconic Burgh Island Hotel, following the renovation of the hotel’s public areas, perfectly demonstrates how refurbishments don’t have to mean compromising their unique character or impressive history. In fact, the co-existence of old and new might just be the perfect combination for today’s guests.
Image credit: Burgh Island Hotel
Consult the experts
Maintaining a rich history throughout a revamp can be challenging- there is a fine line between something appearing simply ‘old’ instead of ‘historic’. To tread this line carefully and ensure that history is not lost, consulting and engaging with experts is essential.
For example, at the Burgh Hotel, experts including Art Historians, Art Deco experts and experienced interior designed have been crucial to ensuring the authenticity of the hotel is preserved during renovation works – whether that’s restoring the iconic domed Crittal skylight in the Palm Court Bar or refreshing the design of the bedrooms. For instance, bold geometrics influenced by Cubism adorn some of the bedrooms, whilst the vibrant colours and lavish materials transport the guests right back to the roaring 20s.
Image caption/credit: Palm Court at Burgh Island Hotel
Beyond the aesthetic, the names of rooms also pay homage to the hotel’s history, putting its famous past front and centre. Whether it’s Agatha’s Beach House, where Agatha Christie wrote the infamous ‘And Then There Were None’, or The Jessie Matthews Room, named after the designer of the hotel’s corridors in the early 20th century, the hotel’s Art Deco style is unmistakeable.
Understanding your audience
While drawing on expertise is crucial to maintaining authenticity, equally key to a successful refurbishment is understanding your target audience.
For example, keeping the guests’ values in mind throughout any renovation can be key to future-proofing your offering, with latest research by booking.com revealing that more than 50 per cent of global travellers develop feelings of annoyance if their accommodation is not engaging in sustainable practices, something they prioritise in their stay.
Image caption: Inhabit Hotel in London is a prime example of a modern hotel sheltered within a Grade II listed building. | Image credit: Inhabit Hotel
Image credit: Inhabit Hotel
Moreover, a staggering 80 per cent believe sustainable travel is vital. So, for historic buildings, refurbishment offers a clear opportunity to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, whilst simultaneously appealing to the growing environmental consciousness of modern guests. At Burgh Island, for instance, solar panels have been installed over the hotel’s disused tennis court, repurposing existing space to enhance its renewable energy commitments without compromising on the traditional Art Deco style of the architecture.
Another hotel brand that is pathing the way for other brands to follow when it comes to meaningful sustainability is Inhabit Hotels, which is committed to focus on green initiatives and green policies by monitoring and reducing consumption levels, converting environmental efforts into cost-reduction and revenue generating opportunities whilst promoting the corporate and social responsibilities mandate contained below.
Image credit: Burgh Island Hotel
Balancing expectations
Guests who seek to gain a sense of escapism or of ‘stepping back in time’ through their holiday accommodation should not have to compromise by giving up technology and detaching from society. The two can, and should, easily co-exist to create the perfect balance between authenticity and modern luxury. In fact, modern amenities such as contactless check-ins and motion-censored lighting can contribute to a far smoother guest journey and movement through the hotel, without detracting from a historical setting.
While lockdown restrictions have eased, hybrid working culture remains the ‘new normal’. According to FlexJobs’ latest remote working statistics, 97 per cent of workers still desire some form of remote working moving forward. This cultural shift has paved the way for a new form of vacation – the ‘workation’. In September this year holiday giant TUI even launched a range of specialised ‘workation’ packages, kitted out with reliable wi-fi, ample desk space and natural lighting.
Drawing on the history of its location should not preclude hotels from taking part in this trend. Indeed, on Burgh Island, Agatha’s Beach House is now a sophisticated, modern, and connected beach retreat, which would make the perfect location for a working holiday. First built in the 1930s as a writer’s retreat for Agatha Christie herself, the room still maintains a certain historic charm and connection to its history, despite offering the creature comforts of modern luxury.
Elsewhere, Grantley Hall has been in the headlines recently following its personality-packed revamp. Inside the building that dates back to 1680 is a modern hotel. The owners were determined the property would retain the sumptuous extravagance of its past during its conversion to a five-star luxury destination. One of its successful approaches to this brief was to inject character into the carpet design. Damasks were fused with herringbones with subtle, luxurious grounds and bold accent pops. Grand florals were used to bring the flora from the surrounding gardens into the property.
Image credit: Grantley Hall
Authenticity meets luxury
So, classic, and traditional hotels need not shy away from refurbishment due to fears to losing their unique authenticity. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Through consultation with the right expert and understanding the expectations of your guests, refurbishment is a great opportunity to align with 21st Century standards of modernity and luxury, without compromising on that original charm.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 55: HOW DESIGN CHANGED THROUGHOUT COVID-19
“Let’s get real – it’s not about the plastic screens, it’s not about pulling tables apart,” says Yuna Megre, Founder of Megre Interiors, who explores how Covid-19 has changed the perception around hygiene and design…
If we are to address the pandemic safety issue in the hospitality business, we are to dig in much deeper – into our design process and, I am sorry to say, into our pockets.
Concepts
The hospitality industry with designers and architects alike has been obsessed with the idea of community for the past few years. It has been the loudest, most dominating theme throughout the world. To combat the psychological effects of the new digital era, industry creatives went far and wide in exploring ways to entice togetherness, community, and closeness.
The pandemic brought this to a screeching halt, with everyone scratching their heads. And if this “pandemic-prone” world is a new reality, how do we solve the dilemma of the community? It remains an open question for all public space industries, and especially for hospitality. As we search for answers, one thing is clear, we can no longer create concepts that are centred on sharing and closeness. Such as those that utilise communal seating, tight space programming, and open-access food displays.
It is also now evident that current and future concepts that will strive ahead are not solely brick and mortar based. Robust online ordering is a must. And the public spaces we design must be adaptable to this extension. It is now evident that brand identity just became essential for survival. Therefore, a wholesome, full circle brand-consumer-space experience must be created calling for deep integration from the industry specialists – designers, visual artists, marketers, digital specialists.
Image credit: Megre Interiors
Image credit: Megre Interiors
Space programming
Space-wise, simply put, everything must get bigger. Providing extra space for entrance areas to avoid crowding, extra space between tables, extra space for passages, and egresses… In an industry reliant on the effective use of each square foot, the new reality will be economically overwhelming and unless substantial rent adjustments happen, in many cities, surviving won’t be an option.
Space programming paradigm will also change as we must pivot from free flow, communal, integrative, adaptive spacing back to prescriptive and rigid. Fixed seating, partitions, private rooms, space separators will once again enter the scene. This does not only affect the conceptual flow of the space but directly impacts the bottom line – both in fit-out costs and lack of operational adaptability. An increase of 20 per cent to FF&E cost and a decrease of 15 percent to revenue would not be surprising.
Design implications
Public space layout implications of this new reality are significant. As an industry, we are still “kind of hoping this will all go away”. And thus, it’s hard for both clients and architects/designers alike to make the decision of whether to go soft of full-on “post-pandemic”. Unfortunately, none of us know. And thus, the advice is – rather overdue, than be faced with having to redo, reinvest once things become clearer.
So what exactly does that mean? Here are some tips:
Allow extra space – yes it’s a budgetary implication, but if all goes well, you can always move to tighter seating arrangements at a later date. However, plan for it now. Have at least 3 layouts for good, medium, bad situation.
Be creative with your partitions – no one wants to socialise in a plastic screen box, avoid using them as much as possible. Invest in decorative dividers, book cabinets, partitions, drapes. Create a cozy nook. Not sterile cubicles.
Let people see each other – just because we cannot be close to each other at the moment, does not mean we don’t want to. People are social beings and places like restaurants or bars are social “watering holes”. Arrange to seat in such ways that each table or couch can see at least 2 other tables while being safely distant. Design partitions and separators with seating eye level in mind. Use mirrors to create a sense of visual movement.
Use low-level lighting (table-specific pendants, floor lamps, and wall sconces) – this will create islands of cozy warm lights, enticing a sense of warmth, protection, and seclusion.
Colour schemes – be mindful of your colour schemes, consider their subconscious psychological effects. You are designing for people in a heightened state of anxiety and stress. Make your public space a welcome sanctuary.
Go basic or go overboard – difficult times call for extreme measures. When faced with difficult times humans seek two diametrically things: First simplicity, so that they “do not have to think about this as there are other, more pressing things to think about”. Thus make yourself understandable, direct, and useful. Or, go the other way. Extravagance. Be the bright, overpowering emotion that yanks your guests out of their daily worries and transport them into a different reality.
Finishes – be gentle, be clean. Again, in such times, people are drawn to soft, tactile, cozy materials, natural textures, and simple forms. They seek nurturing environments. Materiality becomes paramount. But, make sure that finishes that are used can be easily cleaned and sanitised.
What about the bar? – build them, but don’t rely on them in your business model. Most likely, no one will be able to sit at them for another year in most countries. Think about creating a “lounge area” near the bar, where guests can enjoy a cocktail in a “not so restaurant” setting. Another creative way to approach cocktail hour – the return of the bar cart.
Image credit: Megre Interiors
HVAC
One of the most overlooked aspects of the post-pandemic world is the ventilation system in hospitality. And yet, this is the one thing that we should focus on. Especially in countries that utilise closed-circuit systems. Restaurants and hotels must endure the cost of hospital-grade filtration systems and UV sterilisation units. Unfortunately, the hospitality industry is known for its “relaxed” approach to HVAC, with many establishments operating with subpar quality equipment even by pre-COVID standards. This simply must change. And it is best if it does on the legislative and regulatory level. This will ensure the creation of safe environments.
“Once the dust settles, once we recover from the shell shock that has been 2020, new exciting players will emerge” – Yuna Megre, Founder, Megre Interiors.
Hygiene
Frankly, this is the silver lining. It’s safe to say, we all enjoyed the improved cleanliness of establishments with increased cleaning protocols, sanitising, clean gloved hands, and sneeze preventing face shields. We now must design for these good habits to become the new norm. This means providing cleaning equipment stations, rethinking finishes, and creating better, comfortable protective gear for hospitality staff. Because we all miss the staff’s smiles. After all, we are in the hospitality industry.
Rejuvenation
Like many restaurants, no matter how big or small, how new or established, will not survive this pandemic, the competitive landscape is bound to change dramatically. Those who will transition to a partially digital model, those who will adapt to the new norm, those who will cherish their guest relationships – will stand. As morbid as it sounds, for everything that dies, something is born. And the future is bright. Once the dust settles, once we recover from the shell shock that has been 2020, new exciting players will emerge. New paradigms will be created. New ways of doing things. New ideas will take hold. This will be an exciting time for the hospitality industry. A time where creativity and collaboration will redefine the industry.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 52: SPA DESIGN IN THE NEW ERA OF WELLNESS
In the next decade, spa design will seamlessly blend wellness, technology and touch to enhance the guest journey, future-proofing the business for years to come, as Sparcstudio explains…
The future of spa and wellness design remains positive. Out of crisis comes innovation and we have witnessed this in 2020 in the way that many spas have pivoted their business in response to the changing rules and regulations set out of governments around the world. During the year we have considered the impact of the pandemic for spa and wellness design and believe that spas of the future will have to be mindful of personal space for each guest, designing the wellness space to maximise comfort while embracing nature – connecting the inside with the natural world outside.
Sparcstudio has identified a number of design trends for hotel investors and spa operators to be aware of when planning their next project.
Spa in nature
Post-Covid I believe there will be an even greater emphasis on outdoor spa-ing and a link to nature. Guests will want to escape hermetically sealed artificial environments and will embrace the outside. Natural pools and Spa gardens will be even more key such as the ones we helped to create at South Lodge Spa.
A spa garden doesn’t have to include expensive hydro pools and heat cabins. Maximise the use of any outdoor space as part of your spa experience. Be it a garden, courtyard or roof terrace or just a view through an open window. Outdoor sensory experiences could include individual relax zones dotted around an aromatic herb garden, daybeds arranged around a firepit sprinkled with cedar chips, or playful swinging seats alongside a beautiful trickling water feature.
Personalised and Individual spaces
Personalised spaces within large spa communal relaxation spaces will give way to smaller more intimate couples spaces spread throughout the journey. Expect to see pod changing rooms and spaces where guests can enjoy shared treatment experiences for two people or a small private group.
Image credit: Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House
Free to roam areas such as pools and thermal suites and relaxation spaces will need to rely more on signage and other methods to inform about levels of usage. The new added transparency in thermal suite design is a great benefit in that guests can check via glass enclosures as to how busy a heat cabin is prior to entering. Where rooms are dark or enclosed it is possible to incorporate an electronic screen to the exterior of the room such as the one that was designed for the Meditation room at Sopwell Cottonmill Spa. The small screen communicates via sensors to indicate which of the beds are occupied. This has the added benefit of minimising disturbance of guests already in a room by opening the door to check to see if a bed is available.
Image credit; Dormy House
Health is the new wealth
We think there will be a further blurring of the lines between wellness, spa and fitness offers and that there will be even more demand for these facilities post-Covid as we seek to be healthier in mind and body. We anticipate there being a move away from the concept of a ‘spa’ as a once in while treat, and that there could be an increase in the spa as a Private Members Club similar to the model that can be experienced at the Club at Cottonmill Sopwell House Hotel, where spa becomes as regular a isit as the traditional gym and incorporates yoga spin and fitness facilities.
Led by technology
Intelligent use of technology will be adapted to create safe spaces for guests – self-cleaning rooms, UV robots, anti-viral fogging, ‘Star Trek’ type sensor opening doors, and RFID Touch Technology for opening lockers and to pay for services for example. We don’t think this will translate into clinical sensory deprived environments – but tech should enable and facilitate in a discreet way. For example, Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House has digital screens to indicate available space within the Relax Room.
The importance of clean air in spas will see the introduction of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning antivirus treatment systems. These will become commonplace as will the opportunity to naturally heat and ventilate spaces. Expect to see an explosion in the utilisation of outdoor space in spas where spa and wellness experiences in the fresh air will prove popular with guests.
New build properties will rely on naturally antiseptic materials such as copper and include homogenous and large-scale floor and wall finishes which reduce grout and are easier to clean.
With all technological advances and design developments, spa designers must always consider how to integrate the human experience into a guest journey – perhaps drawing on the ‘barefoot luxury’ style we designed at the Spa at South Lodge design, this ideal must always maintain priority, so that it is elegant, beautiful, functional and people friendly.
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A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 50: HOW TO DESIGN FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING
The hospitality sector has been deeply impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. As lockdown eases, hotels are navigating the effects of social distancing and new safety guidelines for their design and guest experience. Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel, safely guides us through what to consider when designing for social distancing…
Although such social distancing measures clearly pose challenges for hotels, there are steps they can and should be taking to create a positive, unrestrictive and reassuring stay for guests. From enhancing the intimacy of the guest experience, showcasing a hotel’s assets, investing in the outdoors and leveraging the latest technology, hotels post-pandemic can keep staff and guests safe – all without compromising on experience.
Image credit: Burgh Island Hotel
Enhance intimacy
Covid-19 health and safety precautions have necessitated the introduction of more restrictive measures across the hospitality industry, which undoubtedly risk compromising the sense of luxury and relaxation that hotels seek to deliver. As guests grasp for escapism in the ‘new normal’ of the pandemic, social distancing can feel like a rude reminder of the world waiting beyond the walls of the hotel.
But, if executed properly, there are ways to enforce and promote safety measures that actually enhance the intimacy of a guest’s stay, rather than imposing a sense of restriction. In fact, social distancing can empower hotels to provide a quieter, more private and intimate experience, for example by extending restaurant sittings so that guests can dine later and in smaller groups. Hotels can also look to open up alternative areas, such as lounges or libraries for private use and dining. In many ways this can be a liberating opportunity to celebrate the spaces, design and identity of a hotel without compromising on safety to meet expectations.
Image credit: Burgh Island Hotel
Showcase design assets
If not managed effectively, footfall routing to manage movement flow through the hotel can naturally detract from the ambience and sense of freedom synonymous with a peaceful getaway. However, repositioning these measures can again serve to enhance, rather than undermine, the luxury and quality of an experience.
For boutique and luxury hotels, this is an ideal opportunity to showcase special features, including interiors, décor and public spaces that make the stay unique. For example, by reframing diversions as a tour rather than an imposition, footfall routing can be used to emphasise a hotel’s best features and services, such as art displays, bars or lounge areas.
At Burgh Island, for example, our authentic art-deco design features, which have been carefully preserved for 90 years and complimented by elegant editions throughout the hotel, are a central pillar of its attraction for guests. By ensuring staff are briefed on the design, in addition to the history of the hotel, and showcasing these features to guests as part of safety measures, we can continue to convey all of Burgh Island’s charm and appeal without affecting safety.
Invest in outside spaces
Making outdoor space part of the hotel’s experience and identity is increasingly important in a time of social distancing, as well as offering crucial space for mental health relief and healthy, peaceful relaxation following the UK lockdown.
So, with constraints on capacity and space use remaining in place in some form for the immediate future, outdoor spaces are an ever more important asset. Especially for smaller boutique hotels, where pressures on interior space use may be even greater, investing in increased alfresco seating and dining areas can ensure both that guests feel safe and that their experience of social distancing is not overtly intrusive. Offering teas or lunches outside not only helps to showcase spaces that guests might not otherwise have benefitted from to the same extent, but also helps people to relax more confidently.
Furthermore, introducing a greater variety of outdoor activities can ensure guests can experience the charm of a hotel and its assets safely. For instance, at Burgh Island, tours of the grounds and the naturalistic gardening style with a strong focus on wild plant varieties across our 23-acre island helps to create a sense of freedom and vitality — the perfect setting for relaxation or exploration.
Leverage technology
When hospitality and guest experience are at the centre of a hotels identity, especially for a boutique, independent or luxury outfit, contact with guests plays a pivotal part. Every detail from pre-arrival communication to in-person greetings, check in and concierge services are designed to create a highly personalised experience.
Although digitalisation has already become increasingly important for guests when planning and booking their stay, it is easy to think that the in-person experience must, to its detriment, be all change in a time of Covid-19. In fact, by leveraging technology hotels can continue to provide an attentive, smooth and reassuring operation for guests. From check-in to room access, contactless alternatives to high touch interfaces, such as elevator buttons and door handles, powered by movement sensors, tracking apps and even voice control can help guests to feel confident in their own safety, as well as providing an even more seamless experience.
“Hotels have a unique opportunity in how they adapt and evolve their design for social distancing, leveraging outdoor spaces to enhance guest experience and creating even more intimate experiences.” – Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel
Think to the future
Many are understandably anxious about what social distancing and new Covid-appropriate health and safety measures mean for the guest experience, especially for boutique hotels for which luxury, peacefulness and freedom form part of their identity.
However, hotels have a unique opportunity in how they adapt and evolve their design for social distancing, leveraging outdoor spaces to enhance guest experience and creating even more intimate experiences. By ensuring that safety measures such as social distancing, footfall routing and contactless tech are in place, guests will feel more confident in their stay. And by rediscovering new ways of best showcasing a hotel’s features and design, this could well enhance guest experience for the long term.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 49: HOW TO USE MIRRORS IN THE GUESTROOM
The right mirror in the right place can have a huge impact on the first perception of the room, explains Mirror Mania. It makes a big impression – a statement about the place where they are. It sets the standards of the room…
Your guests want to be able to see their reflection clearly, in bright light. Mirrors should be in the view of natural light if possible – reflecting a window is perfect for reflecting a feature or stunning view too.
Where to place mirrors
In many cultures, mirrors have a superstition attached to them – especially when it comes to the placement. It’s up to you whether you decide to abide by things like not placing a mirror opposite the bed – but it does often work from an interior design aspect.
Full length art deco mirrors
A full length mirror is an excellent choice for a guest room. It gives your guests the best view of their outfit – and plenty of photo opportunities to post on Instagram. A full length mirror brightens up the space and gives it a feeling of luxury – which is only emphasised by the art deco style.
Full length mirrors shouldn’t just be limited to guest rooms either: communal areas like the reception and corridor junctions are a great way to create the feeling of more space, fill empty walls and give your guests an opportunity to check their appearance before they leave.
Art deco bathroom mirrors
Arguably there’s no such thing as ‘too big’ when it comes to a bathroom mirror. If you’re going for a sleek and contemporary feel, an art deco mirror is the best way to go. Made to fit your exact requirements, our art deco mirrors combine a huge reflective surface with smaller, often tinted mirrors to create a stunning design that beautifully complements any modern interior.
Your guests want a bright bathroom. It feels welcoming – and those extra touches can really create a feeling of luxury. Quality complementary products will always be appreciated. Be considerate of fixtures and fittings. Your bathrooms should always smell nice – reed diffusers work wonderfully and work well in most interiors.
Inspired by luxury
Each mirror we sell is handmade and designed exclusively for Mirror Mania by world-renowned mirror artist Phillip Orr. Taking inspiration from art deco styles, Phillip creates beautiful mirrors and mirror wall art inspired by luxury: chandeliers, diamonds, gold and glamour. A hand-crafted mirror looks glamorous and only adds to the luxury.
Bespoke hotel mirrors
At Mirror Mania, all of our mirrors are handmade to your exact requirements. We can also give you advice about the size and design of mirror if you’re struggling to decide. A beautiful mirror truly is an investment in your guest’s experience at your establishment. Create a lasting impression with a stunning hand-crafted mirror from our exclusive art deco mirror collection.
Mirror Mania is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 47: THE QUEST FOR ORIGINALITY IN ART CONSULTANCY
As an international art consultancy, Artelier specialises in curating art for luxury hospitality, residential, yacht and aviation projects. At a time when there is an inexhaustible supply of art online, Artelier explain why organic and thorough research is essential for offering originality in a hotel art collection.
Drawing on their experience in sourcing contemporary art by leading global artists, Artelier’s art consultants reveal what it takes to avoid the pitfalls of the typical luxury aesthetic found online.
Rarely has there been a time when art has been accessible to so many. Whilst at one time art would mainly have been encountered at galleries or fairs, there are now endless online resources that make art readily available for a wide audience within moments. Online search engines and social media have also given emerging artists platforms for sharing their own work, providing them with the opportunity to gain international attention regardless of where they are based. While the democratisation of access to art is a welcome development, it has also brought an influx of lower-quality art online, making it ever more important to be able to discern which artworks are worth the investment.
Image credit: Artelier
Turning solely to online resources when curating art collections for hotels has many potential pitfalls. The online art market has become inundated with artists who are relatively less credible in professional circles; rather than being early-career artists who are growing their recognition, these more amateur artists often lack the experience or training to create truly original work.
While the notion of ‘originality’ is naturally slippery with regards to art – and indeed, most professional artists acknowledge that they find inspiration by building on existing ideas – here the line is much more distinct. Many amateur artists working at this calibre seem to replicate others’ ideas or follow art ‘trends’, yet they create works that are altogether poorer examples, as they lack the finesse of professional artists. This leads to an overcrowded market of exceedingly similar artworks, that do not offer exciting and challenging ideas. Search engine websites therefore often present an ever more diluted mix of the same imagery, reworked to varying degrees of success.
The pitfalls of art sales websites
Without a professional eye, sourcing art from art sales websites such as Artfinder or Saatchi Art may lead designers to overspend on uninspiring art. It is not clear how artists have been vetted on such websites, and which artworks are put up for sale is likewise not thoroughly regulated. The question arises as to whether these websites are truly capable of offering a refined selection of artworks, which have been edited for quality. Instead, art sales websites are geared towards offering as much quantity as possible to the consumer, regardless of artistic merit.
In cases like these, too much choice may well be an issue. While the breadth and diversity of artworks online reflects the spectrum of work being produced today, if truly special artworks are few and far between, unearthing them can be an arduous process. To put this into perspective, only 3-5% of the artists found on art sales websites would stand up to Artelier’s scrutiny when they research new artists to add to their database – and for this reason, Artelier largely use other research methods for discovering new artists to connect with.
Although there are many reputable artists who present interesting and skilful works online, there are nonetheless plenty of examples of artworks that are less expertly executed. Even if the pieces look generally passable on screens, in person they can lack depth and craftsmanship. It is difficult to determine the quality of the execution online without the practice that an art specialist has at examining works. Unfortunately, this can lead to severe disappoint for the buyer once they receive what is clearly the correct work, but in much poorer quality than they were expecting. As a result, rather than making use of art’s potential to bring together a design scheme and add a layer of sophistication, generic artworks can undermine the quality of the design.
Another concerning aspect is that the price of artworks on art sales websites are often self-evaluated, and so determined by artists themselves; this often leads to ludicrously overpriced pieces flooding the websites. This can be shockingly observed when choosing to filter the search engines from high-to-low price, where too often many of the most expensive artworks are generic in style and by undistinguished artists. These prices are outside of the usual art market forces – in more traditional sales contexts, artworks would be evaluated by way of complex factors, such as their provenance, the artist’s background, and the artistic merit of the piece. The practice of being able to set prices at many thousands of pounds for a work by an unknown artist may leave these websites susceptible to opportunists. Some people may take advantage, seeking to sell a piece to an unsuspecting consumer who believes the price tag would reflect the skill and reputation of the artist. Without the market knowledge and trained eye of art specialists, it is easy to be led to believe an artwork is worth its price.
Pinterest and the dilution of original ideas
The explosion of available visual media through platforms like Pinterest and Instagram has made creative ideas disperse rapidly. Yet, the over-reliance of many art consultants on these platforms for inspiration has also led to a staleness of aesthetic, and a tendency to stick to art ‘trends’. Artists themselves often look to online media to develop their ideas, causing many to simply create versions of generic styles, and for the presence of true originality to become ever more diluted.
Image credit: Artelier
These search engines are often the primary resources for less experienced consultants, who may lack the capability of finding artists from more organic sources – such as being rooted in arts communities and growing networks over time – and the experience to spot potential at new shows and fairs. The overall effect of this approach is a trapped repertoire of art being sourced for luxury commercial design. As a result, the general predictability in the art does not fit with the intentions of cutting-edge interior designers, who are seeking to break new ground.
It goes without saying that art which is characteristically similar to its counterparts will fall not even close to the aesthetic criteria of a sophisticated and discerning hotel guest. Curating art for hotels therefore demands responding to the client’s brief in a surprising way, which requires thorough, in-depth research that is amassed over time.
Interpreting a theme in a visually interesting way takes a breadth of knowledge and creative thinking, in order to form subtle connections that go beyond design trends. While Pinterest presents many excellent examples of both under-the-radar talent and established artists, it cannot be the principal research method, as it simply takes more to fulfil the expectations of a luxury client.
Image credit: Artelier
Image credit: Artelier
Organically evolving a quality database
Discovering artists from the ground up gathers a more diverse range of artworks, and represents the true spectrum of ideas and innovative uses of materials in global contemporary art. Artelier’s research methods are guided by this attitude, and so they seek to become embedded in international artist communities and establish direct connections with artists and galleries. As well as undergoing in-depth research, they are regularly approached by artists themselves, and similarly galleries reach out if they feel an artist they represent especially suits Artelier.
These connections have been established through 20 years’ worth of experience in the industry, allowing Artelier continue to grow a strong repertoire of associated artists. Artelier’s database currently includes 10,000 artists who have been individually researched by Artelier’s team, maintaining the highest of standards through an acute instinct for quality and a wealth of art market expertise.
Image credit: Artelier
Through this organic research method, Artelier prioritise artists who demonstrate an ingenuity of thought, and are true masters of their mediums. Rather than being driven by popular trends, an art specialist’s trained eye is capable of recognising genuine talent. This allows Artelier to be ahead of the curve in terms of proposing stimulating and impressive artworks, rather than being limited to following the online trend of the moment.
When clients approach Artelier with a particular brief or theme in mind, they therefore respond to the hotel client’s concepts with artworks that are truly original, even if the client’s concept is itself inspired by a trend. By offering high-quality artists who are capable of creating artworks that are tailored to the hotel’s context, Artelier ensures the longevity of the stylistic choices and make artworks a worthwhile investment. Such artworks are not typically encountered on online art search engines, and for this reason Artelier chooses not to rely on them as a major resource for research.
Image credit: Artelier
Image credit: Artelier
A complex thematic approach
Through experience, Artelier understands that truly innovative ideas need to be developed from internal, rather than external, influences. At the beginning of a project, their approach is therefore to think like an artist – looking for subtleties within artistic themes, and seeking to unearth complex connections. The process of developing a thematic response to a project brief becomes centred around invention, rather than re-creating versions of what already exists. Since Artelier’s approach involves internally generating ideas for newly commissioned artworks, the outcome is something completely fresh – this brings the critical element of the unexpected to hotel design.
When exploring potential themes for a hotel art collection, it is necessary to root the artworks in their context: artworks must speak to the unique culture of the area, reflect the ethos of the hotel brand, and create an air of luxury which exceeds the expectations of high-end travellers. These key considerations speak to the core of many hotel project briefs. In a recently completed luxury hotel development in Bahrain, for example, Artelier was asked to curate a portfolio of art that related to local history, and referenced the sense of a meeting point between cultures and communities.
After extensive research into the exceptional aspects of Bahrain’s history and geography, Artelier identified a narrative between several interrelated themes. These centred around concepts of navigation, archaeology of the area, local ancient crafts, and the natural wonders of the nearby sea. Together, these themes formed a coherent basis for the proposed art collection; Artelier could then begin to refer to their database, and contemplate how the themes can be reflected in specific artworks.
Image credit: Artelier
‘Ready-made’ art vs. nurturing creativity
The appeal of shopping for and finding an artwork that is readily available, much like a product, has led to the popularity of sourcing ‘ready-made’ artworks for hotel design projects. The trap of sourcing artworks in this way, however, is that these pieces will always be limited to what has already been done – once these works are out there, regardless of how novel the idea may have been originally, they will be copied and popularised.
For the initial stages of a project, there are advantages in looking at ready-made artworks – often designers benefit from a visual hook they can use to assemble a mood board, and the wealth of imagery online is a perfect, quick tool for this. While the artworks at this stage would be interesting enough, inevitably there will be a sense of the familiar about them. Without an insight into the art market, it is difficult to spot an artist who is doing something truly innovative and leading trends.
For Artelier, the process behind sourcing artworks is inherently creative, as they continuously build upon initial concepts, and foster creative thought through collaboration with artists. Once artists have been selected for a project, Artelier closely works with them to develop existing concepts; the artists’ creative input and intimate knowledge of their materials expand initial ideas into something that has not been done before. This collaborative process encourages the risk-taking and experimental attitude that feeds creative work. As newly commissioned artworks are created specifically for a given hotel project, Artelier are able to develop something utterly unique, in its truest sense: tailor-made, freshly created, and one-of-a-kind.
For these new art commissions, Artelier often collaborates with emerging artists who they discover through a variety of sources. Artelier specialises in talent-spotting artists who have the potential to work on high-profile commissions, but need the support of someone who has experience with delivering art to luxury clients in a variety of contexts. In this way, genuine, professional artists have their work nurtured, and their creativity given space to grow – Artelier understand the difference that a substantial commission can make to a deserving, but relatively under-the-radar, artist. If this talent is utilised, however, this gives the best opportunity for boundary-pushing ideas.
The longevity of innovative art
Every innovative idea will, inevitably, make it to online art search-engines and social media platforms; industry professionals will begin to take note, and use these novel concepts for their inspiration. However, by continuing to approach artistic research with a commitment to talent-spotting and fostering the growth of new ideas, Artelier maintains a pioneering vision that enables them to always stay ahead of the curve.
Artelier is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 46: HOW TO MEANINGFULLY USE CGI WHEN PLANNING NEW SPACES
The multi-faceted realm of CGI can be an invaluable resource to any person or company when planning an interior space. Technical drawings of the space can seamlessly be imported into 3D design software. From here the process of CGI starts and can take three main routes.
The technical CAD drawings are transformed into accurate 3D representations of the interior space(s). Many simple 3D software packages allow users with a moderate degree of computer software expertise to create a representative view of the interior space.
Style and photo realism are not key features or abilities of this type of software. However, a revealing view of the space can be created, with bespoke fit-out features and furniture included.
Route one CGI visuals are perfect for the initial stages of planning. The accuracy of the visualised spaces allows for technicalities to be worked out and the space to be ‘filled’ accurately.
Whilst they lack any resemblance of realism, these can suffice for some interior space design requirements. As the skills required to generate this style of CGI are minimal, so are the associated costs.
Route two
Route two CGI visuals take things up to a more realistic level. The accurate 3D spaces of Route 1 are built up to generate visualisations that are not only more aesthetically pleasing, but they also allow for the interior design ideas to be communicated better.
Classed as ‘in-house’ CGI, these visualisations offer good levels of accuracy and visual style without a huge price tag. Cost savings are possible as the visualisation team creating the images are focused on providing a clear vision of the interior space as an overall view. With less time invested into adding photorealism through specialist scene lighting, high polygon models and high-quality texture maps.
The reduced quality allows the CG images to be edited much easier, allowing for revisions to be made and alterative versions of the interior space to be shown.
This form of CG image is excellent for planning, as good levels of accuracy and clearer visual communication of the design ideas, allow for planners and clients to understand the space better.
Overall, Route two CGI visuals offer great bang for your buck, but with limitations.
Route three
The full photorealistic CGI phase. Used to truly communicate an interior design and guarantee planners/clients are engaged and approving of the interior space design idea.
The costs associated with the Route 3 CG imagery is higher and, in some cases, can be deemed expensive. However, these are visualisations that blur the lines between reality and virtual space. The CGI can not only be used as part of the planning phase, it’s accuracy and photo realism allows it to be used for marketing purposes as it accurately depicts the final interior design as it would appear once constructed/fitted-out. Therefore, the additional costs associated with these high-quality photorealistic CGI visualisations are offset and in most cases the return on investment is greater than what is offered via the use of Route one or Route two CGI.
Meaningfully utilising CGI
Which route to take with your CGI requirements is dependent on several factors:
Size of project – smaller projects may offer less intricacy and aesthetic appeal, therefore investing significantly in CGI is not likely to provide good ROI. Larger projects offer more potential for creativity, ensure that potential is fulfilled with several Route 3 CGI visuals.
Budget – Should budget be a key factor, route 2 CG images would suit best, these offer a balance between visual appeal and accuracy.
Competition – For interior design and fit-out firms who are bidding for popular tenders, the Route 3 CGI offering is best. The increased quality and visual attraction that is offered is likely to elevate the design ideas above other offerings.
Deadline – Route 2 CGI services can be produced within just a few days, allowing for tight deadlines to be met without missing out on the ability to offer up attractive visuals for client review.
Ultimately choosing the correct CGI studio will be one of the strongest factors for creating visualisations that are meaningful and successful when planning a space. The right studio will guide you based on the above criteria, utilising custom workflow and design practices to accommodate your requests and produce what has been requested. Therefore, it is vital that communication between client and CGI studio is clear, concise and covers all of the criteria mentioned above. With all of this knowledge a quality CGI studio will provide the correct results.
North Made Studio is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT45: THE ROLE BESPOKE LIGHTING PLAYS IN MODERN HOTELS
The almost all pervasive use of a standardised approach to the construction of medium height and tall buildings does not help with differentiation; a key attribute for any hotel as first impressions are vital. The skilful application of façade lighting can help a great deal, as the LED lighting specialists at Illumination Physics explain…
The use of glass and aluminium in unitised or non-unitised curtain wall construction is pervasive in most modern facades for reasons of cost, performance, and speed of construction: The advantages are irrefutable. However, the facades all look inevitably similar.
Older or more classical hotel designs that do not use all glass facades and use stone and other non-reflective surfaces present an entirely different challenge.
The properties of a double glazed glass panel is determined by factors such as wind load and these dictate the width of the vision glass. There is a magic number of approximately 1500mm between the vertical metal mullions and varies only a little around the world. Any wider; the glass has to be thicker and stronger (and more expensive). Any narrower and the windows seem claustrophobic and the amount of metalwork increases (and is more expensive).
The vertical distance between floors (slab to slab), is also driven by a magic number. High ceilings may be spacious but they cost more because less floors can be built in a certain rise. As a consequence the height of a floor, and hence the height of a curtain wall panel will be somewhere between 3.5 and 3.8 metres. Part of the panel will been to be a window and part will need to be opaque to hide the edge of the slab (the spandrel panel).
Architects and façade consultants strive to achieve any elaboration that is possible with all types of glass and metal structures, but to casual observers, there is a strong resemblance between edifices of many types because the texture is the same.
Hotels, perhaps more than any other genre of building, need to exude a personality and should differentiate themselves from each other and other similar modern structures in the vicinity. The curtain wall system can make it difficult to discern a building as a hotel or an office sometimes.
The one great tool available to distinguish a building and lend it personality, and make a statement, is integrated façade lighting. The curtain wall business has been highly developed over decades but the addition of integrated façade lighting is still immature and hence there are great opportunities for innovation.
To illustrate this potential, the following examples demonstrate projects in which façade lighting has helped to develop and articulate the personality of four very different hotels. All of the projects are constructed with modern façade technology and each of them have developed their character through lighting.
The DoubleTree Hilton in Zagreb, Croatia
Wooden fins on a modern glass building is novel, but provided a striking visual element in daylight, adding interest to the facade. At night the effect was lost, unlit the fins became just shadows. The night time interest was restored by integrating a small custom LED light fixture into the base of each fin. The same width as the fin, the light fixture goes unnoticed by day. After dusk however, it provides an eye catching display that uses subtle warm white and cool white light in a dynamic display, without resorting to coloured light. This was suitable artistic restraint that suited this location.
Image caption: The integrated façade lighting clearly distinguishes the Double Tree Hilton from the similarly proportioned rectangular commercial buildings the surround it. Custom design and manufacture by illumination Physics.
The building is now clearly not an office tower. The lighting display is playful but sophisticated. An ideal message for the positioning of this hotel.
Technically simple, cost effective and totally reliable. The equipment was installed by the electrical contractor with guidance from illumination Physics.
City of Dreams, Macau – Retail Expansion
The retail expansion of the podium in 2015 produced a new 250m wide curved façade, 20 metres high, constructed of glass and aluminium. City of Dreams contained four hotels at that time and a casino. The expansion was a major development of the Cotai Strip and a statement needed to be made. Lighting would be the key for that message.
Image caption: The new retail façade of City of Dreams now dominates the start of the Cotai Strip in Macau. The use of very warm white light and cool white light are used as a metaphor for gold and silver in a display that is constantly evolving. Design and build by illumination Physics.
The signature use of highly coloured neon and now LED have been all pervasive in Macau since the 60s. Those hotel personality messages are unmistakeable.
The new podium at City of Dreams should be treated differently. It would need to demand attention, overt; but not in red, green and blue colour mixing. There is already too much of that. The image of the retail expansion also needed to be distinctly up-market and for once, primary colours would not help.
A different approach would be the one to stand out. The 90 tall light boxes would be illuminated by washing the back panel with two offset focuses, one in very warm white (gold) and one in very cool white (silver) as a metaphor. A custom linear light fixture was specially created. The display is animated and demands attention but the dynamic changes are neither fast nor slow, creating an image of class in deference to the high-end retail brands contained within. The building demands attention and yet clearly communicates its personality.
The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Designed by Moshe Safdie Architects, the three iconic towers joined at the summits by the Skypark have become the contemporary image of Singapore. These were not the only opportunity to create a personality, or many personalities as it turned out. The hotel towers needed little help.
However, at the base of the towers sit three wide low buildings; The Theater, The Exhibition Hall and the MICE centre. The creative company Laservision had identified that the acres of grey convex Clip-Loc aluminium roofing, whist not an asset in day time, might be exploited at night.
illumination Physics developed a luminaire design that was able to evenly illuminate the compound curved surfaces. The overall display utilised more than 1000 custom light fixtures that were among the first to adopt RGBA (red, green, blue & amber) LEDs rather than the more prevalent RGB or RGBW (red, green, blue & white). The inclusion of amber allowed the creation of a true warm white – a specific requirement of the architect, as well as a palate of colours previously unseen. Dynamic control grants the Sands the ability to adopt many personalities and moods according to the time of day and special events such as Singapore’s National Day when the red and white colours of the flag are used.
The Kempinski Hotel Clubhouse, Yinchuan, China
It gets very cold in this part of the world (the average annual daily temperature is 8.9℃) and hence the sporting, spa and pool facilities must be indoors and yet feel spacious and open. It was logical that Novum structures would provide two organically shaped self-supporting glass and steel geodetic domes. This magnificent engineering would be lost at night unless it was celebrated with lighting, which is what illumination Physics did. Each node in the dome was equipped with a direct view LED pixel, a custom designed luminaire that was integrated into the structure at each node. In addition, linear indirect wash lights were installed, hidden around the perimeter of each dome.
The combination of these two light sources creates two views of the domes. From the inside a sky can be created complete with stars. From the outside the glowing domes arouse curiosity and attract attention in a way that invites people in to places of warmth and relaxation. Ideal for this hotel.
The square peg and round hole issue
illumination Physics was founded on a specific philosophy. illumination Physics would focus on the exact needs of the project above all else. Integrated architectural lighting requires that the design of lighting equipment must be perfectly adapted for fit and function and also maintainability. Custom design played a key role in the success of all of these hotel based projects. Our manufacturing facilities are organised for agility and flexibility so that a particular type of light fixture can be designed, proven and produced as, if not more quickly than an off-the- shelf product. The support for illumination Physics’ products has extended for a decade and the company have debunked the popular myth that custom products are more expensive. Illumination Physics apply the same level of care to projects large and small.
Illumination Physics is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 44: 6 WAYS TO ADD NATURE INTO INTERIOR DESIGN
Getting in touch with nature has moved from the eco-friendly fringes to the mainstream in the hospitality industry. Designer and author Angelina Schmidt shares tips on how designers can seamlessly add natural elements within an interior design scheme…
The indoor-outdoor trend is about more than adding some greenery into hotel lobbies. It’s rooted in the term “biophilia”, which refers to our desire as humans to connect with nature. “Biophilic design” refers to using these principles in architectural and interior design. Here are some tips on how you can extend these ideas to your room design.
Wood
From floor to ceiling and all the space between, wood is a natural choice when using nature in guestroom design, but should not be limited to the bedroom. Wooden floors in common spaces are durable, easy to clean, and blend well with countless design themes.
Image credit: Pixabay
Make a statement in these areas with a wood ceiling (these are a trending design feature right now). Wooden accent walls add warmth and cosiness that’s hard to duplicate with other materials. Consider smaller touches like wood accent shelves or wood fireplace mantles. Wooden coffee tables, desks, lighting fixtures, and accessories will also bring a touch of nature to any room.
Stone
There are so many ways to incorporate stone into interior design. From flooring to feature walls to decorative accents, stone offers a timeless and natural charm. Surround a fireplace or cover a wall with stone veneer.
Image credit: Pixabay
In rooms with kitchens, perhaps use stacked stone as a backsplash or around a kitchen island. Remodeling the bathrooms? How about a river pebble shower floor or slate tiles for the shower walls? Be sure to properly seal the natural stone in bathrooms and use slip-resistant materials for the floors.
The power of plants
Biophilic design is about more than plants. Greenery can play a role in helping travellers feel connected to nature. Potted plants help green up common spaces and individual rooms. Aloe, jade, and snake plants are good low maintenance choices.
Image credit: Pixabay
For an upscale touch, consider luxe plants such as a bird of paradise or bonsai tree. Add pops of colour with strategically placed floral arrangements. Dried flowers last longer than fresh ones, and they’re the epitome of low maintenance. Faux flowers and greenery have come a long way, and they don’t need any care.
Natural light
The more the better! Natural light feeds our minds, bodies, and souls and can promote a sense of wellbeing. Take advantage of natural light in as many rooms as possible. If you’re redesigning a property or building a new one, incorporate windows to let in the light and maximise the view.
Image credit: Pixabay
Choose lighter colour palettes to reflect light rather than absorb it. Remove heavy window coverings and keep windows clean. Clean windows allow in more light and improve the appearance of your space.
Breathe life into your walls
Living or green walls are having a moment in interior design. They’re popular in office buildings, shopping centres, and hotel lobbies.
Image credit: PxFuel
Living walls need regular care and an adequate watering system. Make sure you’ve planned for this because dead or dying plants are an eyesore.
Accessories, with Nature in Mind
Hang pictures of natural settings or landscapes, or display art made from natural items like stones, wood, or shells. Wallpaper or carpet with nature-inspired patterns is another option. So is bedding or accent pillows with floral or leaf designs.
Image credit: Pixabay
Your guests’ connection to the outdoors doesn’t have to end at your property’s entrance. Use these biophilic tips to help incorporate nature into your room design. While these ideas won’t replace going outside, they can provide your guests with an environment that helps them feel connected to nature.
A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 41: DESIGNING MEANINGFUL CO-WORKING SPACES
Art and FF&E logistics company Momentous explains why we must react to consumer demands for a flexible hotel public areas. The company’s Mike Brazier has explains what designers should consider when creating flexible working spaces…
I’ve just finished a consultation regarding a workplace project in central London where we are hoping to support, and now I’m on my way to join a work colleague for a meeting to discuss logistics support with an interior design and hotels projects contact of ours.
The destination is the beautiful five-star St Martins Lane Hotel. It’s centrally based and extremely convenient when you’re buzzing around the city looking for a relaxed space to meet clients.
I arrive following an eventful tube journey (not an uncommon situation in the capital) but the large and open hotel lobby instantly creates a strong sense of calm.
As well as bar, a lobby and a restaurant, there is also a snug (AKA- The Den); a peaceful retreat from the metropolis outside, ideal for checking emails as well as providing a good base for meetings in the city. As I set myself down and open my laptop, I take a look around and notice that I’m not alone. In fact, I realise there are quite a few other business people nestled around the room, all checking their emails, holding meetings and working pretty effectively. My colleague arrives shortly after me and it gives us some time to catch up, it all feels very constructive.
Image caption: The Den inside St Martin Lane Hotel, London
A fortunate appeal to the agile worker
When our contact arrives, the discussion instantly turns to the unique attributes of ‘bleisure’ hotels and the benefits they offer to agile workers. With hotel groups such as Hoxton Hotels and Citizen M leading a movement to create design-led, practical public areas, could the possibility of exchanging our offices for hotels as co-working locations be a reality?
Image credit: Hoxton Hotels
Of course, what we are talking about is nothing new. Business men and women have been holding meetings in coffee shops and hotels since commerce began. And co-working has been shaping the workplace market for years with companies such as WeWork, its many contemporaries and HubbleHQ creating flexible and funky workspace options for the next generation of businesses. Yet, hotel co-working offers something deeper.
In fact, when you look at hotels as another new option for co-working spaces, it starts to make a lot of sense. Many of them have the basic demands that consumers require. They are often located exactly where you need them to be with amazing travel links. They have Wi-Fi, power sockets, chairs, tables, informal meeting areas, boardroom-style rooms, refreshments and they are not dull spaces.
It is hardly any surprise to see that many of the large hotel chains such as AccorHotels X WOJO, Marriott International and their Sheraton brand are redesigning their lobbies are following quirky hotel brands to create co-working spaces and rethinking the type of services and resources that would convert the casual agile working visitor into adopting them as a patron willing to pay more for their services.
What hotel designs can be implemented do to capitalise on this opportunity for coworking?
Based on the collective experience of interior design, hotels and workplace in the room you can imagine that we had plenty of ideas flashing around. One of the key challenges would be that workplaces can get quite noisy with phone calls and the general level of communication, so hotels would need to work on a way around this.
Data security, networks and call handling, are all factors that need to be taken into consideration. In reality, these are all challenges that a designer and workplace specialist would have no problem overcoming. There are also some ready and off the shelf options that can be easily incorporated. Work pods can solve many of the challenges listed above and we have access to those today. The trick would be, how do hotels get this to flow into their existing core hotel proposition.
For hotels that are restricted with space, usually urban hotels, the hotel lobby has to work harder. For it to be able to transformed into different atmospheres throughout the day, the lobby has to be flexible in its design. Using a neutral coloured surface, with art pieces injecting personality, the lobby will become a blank canvas of ideas. Modular furniture will adapt with your guests’ needs and can allow the space to transform quickly without fuss.
There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution for designing co-working spaces in hotels. One thing is for certain, the hotels that are at the curve of this movement are using innovation, new technology and clever design to to create meaningful functional spaces that are appealing to work and hold meetings in.
PART 37: PUTTING SUSTAINABILITY FRONT AND CENTRE IN THE BATHROOM
Recommended Supplier Roca discusses sustainability in order to highlight how the international hotel design industry can save water and reduce wastage…
Any way we can reduce water consumption is going to be good for the hotel and good for the environment.
Bathroom manufacturing has become more sustainable in recent years and Roca has remained at the forefront of sustainable design by creating products that conserve water and protect the environment. For example, the bathroom manufacturer has reduced the capacity of its WC cisterns to optimise water consumption and developed plumbing products that shrink energy usage.
Guests are also being far more aware of the need to reduce water and energy consumption. In-roads have already been made in this regard, with a growing number of bathrooms now having a dual-flush cistern.
The objective is to stop unnecessary waste of water, without negatively impacting the perception of the user.
The right choice of products plays an important part in the management of water usage. And we deliberately say ‘management’ of water usage, because, although the overall aim is to reduce water usage, each of the products still has to work effectively. The objective is to stop unnecessary waste of water, without negatively impacting the perception of the user.
Water saving developments
Firstly, let’s look at some products that have been designed to reduce water-usage.
One of the latest innovations to hit the market are rimless toilets. The box rim has been eliminated, making the pan much easier to clean and eliminating areas in which bacteria can accumulate. The shape of the pan has also been redesigned, allowing us to flush very efficiently with as little as a 4/2L dual flush cistern. Considering that the average flush for new WCs is between 4L and 6L, a product like this can help to save considerable amounts of water.
Water saving technology can also be found in many brassware solutions. For example, Cold Start technology ensures water is only heated when it is required. Traditionally, when you turn on a tap, the water will be warm. This will automatically trigger the boiler, which can be expensive and wasteful, especially in a home where multigenerational families use water at different times.
Roca also has an exclusive piece of technology in its ECO disc cartridge, which helps to save water and energy. As the tap handle is raised, a slight resistance is reached at 50 per cent of the water flow and lifting beyond this bite point produces a full flow. The cartridge includes a temperature limiter which can be set at installation to eliminate the risk of scalding.
Innovation and product development are making significant headway in delivering greater water savings. For instance, the ground-breaking W+W from Roca uses waste water from the basin to fill the WC cistern, thereby reducing water usage by up to 25 per cent compared to a standard 6/3 litre dual-flush WC. The W+W basin has two wastes – the basin waste and one further down the waste pipe. The user has the option of either diverting it to the mains or recycling it by storing it in the cistern ready for the next flush.
Our Responsibility
As well as delivering bathroom solutions that save water and reduce wastage, Roca actively works to improve sanitation and increase access to water across the world.
Created in 2010, the We Are Water Foundation is a Roca initiative which reinforces the brand’s historic engagement with society. On a planet with about 768 million people without access to drinking water and 2.7 billion without basic sanitation infrastructure, the Foundation aims to achieve two main objectives. First, to contribute to the spread of a new culture of water which is more caring, just and sustainable, and second, to help the world’s poorest and those with major water and sanitation problems.
The vision of the We Are Water Foundation is to continue growing worldwide, especially in countries where the Roca Group can, through its activities, participate more intensively to identify collaboration projects and contribute to the solution for water and sanitation problems.
Sustainable manufacturing
Roca also knows that how its products are produced is important so has created the Eco-Roca project, which looks at the production processes at its factory, as well as the development of its products and the social activities of the company. The project has two core goals, to cut CO2 emissions and to manage waste-free industrial processes via its Zero Waste Programme.
We have a greater understanding of the value of water and its wastage than ever before. Hoteliers and guests are mindful about the amount of water they are using and want ways to reduce it. It’s time to think seriously about water conservation.
Main image credit: Roca
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