Design Trend : Cultural Context

A current trend in design is relating to the cultural environment of the project. Designers bring in cultural context in a variety of ways, from artwork to design strategy, to programming. Relating to context helps ensure the longevity of the project and increases acceptance by the community. In line with the trend of lifestyle hotels, designing to reflect the context allows for a truly unique experience for the guests.

Le Meridien hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand is an example of design that takes cultural context into account. The carpets of the hotel were inspired by historical maps of the city. Artwork displayed throughout the hotel in a variety of ways are products of the local culture.

[lemeridienhotelchiangmai.com]

Profit by Design

In a world where the bottomline is always an influencing factor, can design be a tool that influences profits? Hotelier India gets three leading Indian architects to scope out the truth behind the role of design in the hospitality scenario.

Can you indeed, ‘profit’ from your hotel’s design?

PREM NATH: Yes, hotel designs can be one of the factors of profit element. A good design can lead to efficiency in space planning, utilities and service management, which cuts down maintenance cost. Bad design will lead to inefficiency, frequent break-downs and recurring cost of replacement, all heading to dissatisfaction.

ABHAY KULKARNI: Hotel design in totality has various aspects and all of them are equally important, iconic design can be used as a marketing tool as well as to impress guests.

It is primarily visual information that the guest absorbs. The second factor is comfort of the guest, whether it is the lighting, the furniture or the amenities, which make the guest feel comfortable. The third factor is service, which is important for the guest experience that is directly dependent on the quality of service.

RAJIV KHANNA: Profit is two-fold: first comes customer satisfaction and second is energy efficiency. Hotel design is a synergy between the following elements – spatial, which includes front zone, the back office, public and private areas, service and aesthetics. One can indeed profit by synergising these elements in the right format.

What are the challenges you face?

PREM NATH: I will be voicing the opinion of not just myself but all architects and owners of projects, that the biggest challenges are pertaining to rules, regulations of various sanctioning departments, NOCs, clearances etc. Restrictions and limits put by excise department, health department and many more can become real impediments.

These days, new challenges lie in maintaining a top notch security in the hotel to make the guest comfortable. The rising global terrorism issues are a big threat.

ABHAY KULKARNI: The main challenge would be to get a good consultant who has the right amount of exposure to the culture of the location, is very creative and knows how to handle the operational part of things to make a good product.

Also, in urban areas, especially tier one and two cities, there are constraints on land size. Getting land is a challenging process.

RAJIV KHANNA: Challenges lie in optimisation of the previously mentioned elements vis a vis the local by-laws and financial inputs.

What elements of a hotel’s design are most important? How can you make them more efficient?

PREM NATH: Public areas of the hotel are most important like lobbies, restaurants, recreational areas, etc and the back of house services like engineering services and such, need to have inbuilt invisible efficiency.

Internal backup, new technology in terms of energy and resource efficiency should form part of the planning criteria. Energy is the largest expenditure in the hotel and efficient utilisation can result in exceptional cost savings.

ABHAY KULKARNI: The most important factor is the guest’s experience. The guest’s comfort is the primary objective. It starts from the guest’s arrival and goes on to the service, the room ambience, etc.

Hotel design should revolve around the guest. To make things more efficient, you have to look at things from a guest’s point of view and keep in mind their needs whether the property is in the luxury, upscale or budget segment.

RAJIV KHANNA: The energy zone, which is the back of house and the comfort zone, which is the rooms and F&B, are the important elements of a hotel’s design. By better anthropometrics and incorporating the energy planning, the earlier mentioned elements can be made more efficient.

How do you work out how much budget to allocate for your hotel’s interior design?

PREM NATH: Hotel interiors play a very important role in visibility and comfort impact on the guest/customers. Good hotels should normally have 15-20% of overall outlay of the hotel cost, which is also influenced by the overall theme of the hotel.

RAJIV KHANNA: The interior budget of a hotel is maintained firstly by keeping the classification in perspective and secondly, the look and feel that is desired.

What are the key design areas that need to be addressed when planning a hotel?

PREM NATH: Any hotel has two key design areas, firstly the lobby/reception lounge and secondly the guest rooms and bathrooms, which the customer should find welcoming and comforting.

The lobby/reception lounge is the first points of visual contact for the guest in a hotel and therefore creates the first impression. The grandeur or simplicity and theme speak volumes of what might be in store during their stay.

As for the guest rooms and bathrooms – when the most basic yet overlooked facility is taken care well it creates lasting memories and this brings the guest back over and over again. Anything else is just an add-on.

ABHAY KULKARNI: All the areas are of equal importance. I cannot afford to have any area compromised whether it is the rooms, or the public areas or the back of the house. One cannot isolate any area of planning, right from the traffic planning to the public areas.

RAJIV KHANNA: The key design areas that need to be addressed are front office, public areas, and private zone such as the rooms, back of the house, the energy systems and the aesthetics.

What part of the design process is crucial to a hotel’s success?

PREM NATH: Site selection, theme, branding and budget is crucial to a hotel’s success apart from the hotel’s business model, the celebrity quotient, tariff etc.

Site or location of the hotel dominates the designing and planning as it should be sustainable. The theme of the hotel/resort designing may also be influenced by the local culture/environment.

ABHAY KULKARNI: The concept and the schematic stage are very important when planning the anatomy of the building. So is the distribution of the spaces. The crucial elements are detailing and execution.

The detailing is very important and has to be executed very carefully. Even if the owner spends a lot of money and gets the best of the materials, without quality execution, it can all become a waste.

RAJIV KHANNA: The right facilities planning vis a vis energy is the part of the design process that is crucial.

With catchphrases like ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ of prime importance these days, how easy is it to incorporate these concepts in a hotel’s design?

PREM NATH: Green and sustainable has become part of life. For engineering projects the world over, sustainability is the most important aspect.

People have become conscientious about their usage as well as conservation of resources. It is not a question of easy or difficult, green and sustainable characteristics are mandatory now. Most importantly for a hotel, which operates 24x7, it saves a lot of water and energy reducing the overhead costs.

ABHAY KULKARNI: If you talk of them as design concepts they are not difficult, one just needs to have a conscious design to achieve this. The cost factor is a concern though because sustainable buildings help to recover the operational costs with savings in the long run.

It has to be thought over well in advance. If you do it as an afterthought, it becomes difficult to accommodate changes in the design.

RAJIV KHANNA: Even though it undertakes initial cost, we are conscious of creating energy efficient and self sustained hotels and make an effort to incorporate the energy concepts with reference to water and power.

What role does design play in a hotel’s overall image?

PREM NATH: A hotel is perceived to a great extent just by its design. Design creates a visual image of the hotel. Some of the good hotels are marketed in the media with the help of their design visuals alone.

A hotel’s elevation, décor, theme should be able to make a statement.

ABHAY KULKARNI: Everything is important. What I want to emphasise is that design is not just visual. It has to be a thought out process.

For me, design comes from all aspects. The superficial visual needs to be supported by the actually functional aspects of the hotel.

RAJIV KHANNA: Design is an integral part of a successful hotel and its overall image. The design format evolves the elements, which blend together to create the desired image, both visual and functional.

What are the trends in hospitality design right now?

PREM NATH: Hotels are places of attractions and therefore should have a special appeal. Hospitality designing is becoming hi-tech in appearance and function.

There is inbuilt efficiency in terms of space designing, usage and consumption.

The new generation is well acquainted with the latest in technology, art, even architecture and engineering and this expectation seeps down to their expectation of a hotel in terms of the design - to be modern, contemporary as well as lavish. These bases have formed the trends of today.

ABHAY KULKARNI: Friendly, clean, luxury.

RAJIV KHANNA: Minimalistic aesthetics, functional and comfortable such as sleeping systems, energy efficient with a stress on mood lighting, and electronically savvy.

What are the challenges of creating designs that are sensitive to the culture and location of a hotel?

PREM NATH: A hotel’s location and culture can be suitably exploited to bring in the saleable theme. But this requires in-depth study and representation so that it becomes universally acceptable for multifarious customers/clients.

This can be achieved through local art /artefacts, dress codes, cuisines, also cultural activities etc.

ABHAY KULKARNI: The major challenge is the owner and the designer need to be at par as far as sensitivity is concerned. Matching an efficient consultant and responsible owner is a challenge. We have no dearth of talent and quality in India.

RAJIV KHANNA: The hotel design process revolves around the five elements and juxtaposes with location, the climatic reference and culture such as the material aesthetics.

The cultural ethos of the location has its own idiosyncrasies and is blended within the designs for the discerning traveller or tourist. The challenge of creating a wholesome hotel experience lies within the subtlety of this blend, which though challenging, is achievable.

Abhay Kulkarni
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, TECHNICAL SERVICES, HILTON WORLDWIDE

He has worked as chief architect for Hotel Leela Venture Ltd for Leela Projects such as Leela Palace Bangalore, Leela Palace, Goa, and Leela palace, Udaipur. He then joined K Raheja Corp, Mumbai and worked on Westin, Marriot, Renaissance and Four points by Sheraton.

Presently working with Hilton Worldwide, as Regional Director, Projects, Technical Services since Jan 2009, he is involved in all the Hilton brands coming to India.

Prem Nath
ARCHITECT, PREM NATH ASSOCIATES

A gold medalist from JJ School of Architecture, he heads Prem Nath And Associates, a total design group that has received recognition for having maintained a high standard of design from an aesthetic, environmental, energy-efficient and utility point of view for over 40 years.

He has achieved success in a wide array of projects in residential and commercial complexes, IT/SEZ Parks, large integrated townships, starred hotels and resorts, malls/multiplexes, high-end residential villas and celebrity homes.

Rajiv Khanna
MANAGING DIRECTOR, GRID PLC

An architect from IIT Kharagpur, he is the MD of GridPLC, a leading architects firm based in New Delhi.

In its 18 years of existence the firm’s portfolio is into hospitality, commercial and housing projects pan India with clients like DLF, Parsvnath, Bestwestern, Choice, and NBCC to name a few.

 [hotelierindia.com]

Hotel Lobbies

Although this Hotel Design was written in 1998, there are some themes and principles that still ring true for hotel design. Seeing hotels as a showcase or social scene is one thing that has not fundamentally changed. Based on the culture of days past, lobbies of historic hotels were grand and featured staircases in which people were intending so see and be seen. A sort of catwalk. This analysis reminds me of what I learned in a History of Design class when we talked about the lobby of the Paris Opera House. The lobby featured two grand staircases and was a social showcase more than anything else. This sentiment was lost as box hotels took over. Hotels, especially their lobbies, became grand lifeless vestibules used solely for checking in and circulation. They had lost their social significance. As hotel design has shifted away from box hotels and towards boutique hotels, this social notion of design has been rediscovered and implemented in a new way. As stated in the “Seven Radical Trends”, hotel lobbies are returning to their social form, but in less grand fashion.  Lobbies are becoming multipurpose gathering spaces that resemble great rooms and living rooms. Guests want a scene that feels like home away from home.

Trends in Hotel Design

"The Inn : Seven Radical New Trends in Hotel Design" by Jay W. Schneider, Senior Editor of Building Design and Construction

1. MULTIPURPOSE LOBBIES. Lobbies were once dead, formal spaces that had little usefulness other than for  users to check in. Now, hotel owners want to maximize space by making more areas useable. The result is lobbies that resemble great rooms or living rooms. They are becoming gathering spaces for guests, whether for social or business purposes.

2. RESIZING GUEST ROOMS. Guest rooms are becoming smaller and more square. Previously typical rooms were about 13x29 feet (375-425 sq. ft.) compared with an average of 18x18 feet (350 sq. ft.) which is more typical now. Although the square footage is less, the room feels bigger. By removing bulky items, like armoires, and adding amenities like flat screen tvs, hoteliers actually get more yield from the newly-dimensioned rooms.

3. LOSE THE TUB. Guests rarely use the tubs in hotels. They are perceived as not clean enough to use. Plus they are only five feet long and usually only about nine inches deep. So hotels are going for the shower-only option. With upscale tile walls and floors, or even glass, these showers prove to be an appealing option. better lighting and larger showerheads can also sweeten the deal.

4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Common in foreign markets, rooms that require a hotel key to activate electricity and HVAC are becoming more common. Hotels are also introducing the ability to remotely control thermostat settings and lighting in guest rooms to save energy.

5. CHECK-IN KIOSKS. Self check-in kiosks will allow guest to save time by avoiding the front desk. This idea was first introduced in the late 1990's, but did not catch on until it caught on in airports.

6. 'EXPERIENCE DESIGN'. The goal is to create a unique experience for guests... one that they feel comfortable in and can relate to. One of the biggest examples is the "casual, comfortable, clean-line elegance" seen in Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel. New coatings allow designers to achieve tactile richness in a less expensive way. It also is worth considering experience hotels that are completely immersive. Imagine an Apple or Nike hotel...

7. UPSCALING OF LOWER-END BRANDS. Global Hyatt Corporation's Hyatt Place and Starwood Hotels' aloft  are two lower-end brands going through upgrade processes. They are doing so by employing some of the same techniques that were discussed in this article.

For the original article, click here.

American Hotel Classification

Usually, hotels fall into one of three categories: 

Budget hotels offer clean albeit simple rooms that provide the basics of places to sleep and shower. Usually budget hotels are designed for travelers looking to maximize their funds and minimize expenses. Prices can range from $20US per night to $70US per night.

Business hotels offer a high standard by providing rooms equipped with what business travelers would consider necessities. Usually found in business-class hotel rooms are high speed Internet connections, alarm clocks, comfortable beds, irons and ironing boards, coffee makers, complimentary newspaper delivery and hairdryers. Rates can range from $80US per night to $250US per night.       
        The facility of a business hotel would also offer an in-house restaurant, 
bar, exercise room and shuttle service to nearby airports. Limit concierge assistance is often included as well as room service, laundry and dry cleaning and wake-up calls.
 
Luxury hotels are known for their lavish decor and extraordinary service. With superior amenities, accommodations at luxury hotels are designed to thoroughly pamper and impress guests. According to a Business Week Online article, those in the luxury market are getting harder to please stating that luxury goods and service providers can't afford to blunder with the level of service and customer experience they provide. For this reason, many luxury hotels go far beyond the norm by providing a lifestyle experience equal to or better than what guests have become accustomed to at home.
        Luxury hotels frequently offer full-service day spas, five-star restaurants staffed by world-class chefs, ballrooms, lavish pools, golf packages and guest services that are unsurpassed by any other class of hotel. In addition, luxury rooms generally include those amenities found in business class hotels plus in-room safes, goose down comforters and pillows, marble showers and tubs, larger rooms, separate sitting or living area and fog-free bathroom mirrors. Rates can range from $129US per night to $2,000US per night.

[source]

Although these are the main types, hotels can fall into other subcategories.

Commercial Hotels cater mainly to business clients and usually offers room service, coffee-shop, dining room, cocktail lounge, laundry and valet service as well as access to computers and fax services.

Airport Hotels are located near airports and are a conveniently located to provide any level of service from just a clean room, to room service, they provide bus or limousine service to the air lines. 

Conference Centers are designed to specifically provide meeting space for groups, they provide all services and equipment necessary to handle conventions. 

Residential Hotels seam to be in the decline. They used to be very popular. The typical residential hotel offers long term accommodations.

Casino Hotels are often quite luxurious. Their main purpose is in support of the gambling operation. Casino Hotels often offer top name entertainment and excellent restaurants.

Resort Hotels is the planned destination of guests, usually vacationers. This is because resorts are located at the ocean or in the mountains away from inner cities. Resort hotels may offer any form of entertainment to keep their guest happy and busy.

Boutique + Lifestyle Hotels

I had never heard of this concept before. Today, I ran across and article in USA Today about a company called Joie De Vivre in California that is running with this concept. Started in 1987 by Chip Conley, JDV opened its first of 38 hotels. The Phoenix was the first hotel to break the mold and be designed for a specific niche market: rock and roll. This company appeals to me because it integrates psychology and design in a deliberate way. Conley is inspired by psychologist Carl Maslow and his hierarchy of needs. Self-actualization is the highest need and JDV strives to design hotels that allow for an experience for self actualization. Here is the link for the article in USA Today : Boutique Hotel . Also visit the company website : JDVhotels.com .