Future Shaping Hospitality Design Trends
In recent years, several hospitality trends reflecting a blend of technological advancements, sustainability imperatives and a growing emphasis on bespoke experiences have emerged. From the innovative, versatile and flexible use of spaces to the integration of local culture and wellness amenities, such nuances continue to shape the way hotels are conceptualized, designed and experienced by guests worldwide.
For hospitality brands, the question is how to not only capture success in today’s market, but also pave the way for growth and category leadership in years to come. So, what does the future of hospitality look like and how are designers creating places that speak to the current landscape and future expectations? Below are a few predictive trends that developers and hospitality executives should monitor to remain well-positioned for the future.
Technology Will Become More Prevalent - But So Too Will Human Connection
While technology is key to innovation, finding the right balance between the digital world and human connection is just as consequential. As we look to the future, hotels and resorts will continue to integrate tech-forward amenities and offerings – such as self-check-ins and personalized room settings – as a way to set themselves apart. But how we pair captured data analytics with guest preferences to tailor individual experiences and amenities for more memorable stays will be the differentiator.
Successful resorts are designed for the best possible guest experience and that ultimately entails technology integration and alternatives for digital downtime. But outstanding, let us not underscore the value of quality customized service as the foundation for it. This alone is why human-focused exchanges like interactions with an in-person concierge makes all the difference as we move into a world increasingly dominated by algorithms.
On the design side, EDSA continues to invest in a virtual design and construction team to aid in modeling projects to discover multiple design solutions. Where we once relied solely on a 2D approach, most of our current projects employ a tech-empowered 3D model-based workflow. This enables designers to retain the artistry and originality of their sketches while evolving projects into immersive deliverables that are much easier for clients to understand.
We view AI and technology not as a replacement for people powered thought, but a design tool that creates an environment for more meaningful data-driven processes. In this way, our designers focus on raising the bar for what’s creatively possible. So, while technology and analytics can be daunting, our pen-to-pixel approach maintains the artistry of design coupled with intelligent digital platforms for a refined balance between technology and designer intuition.
Spontaneous Interactions
Another design trend gaining momentum is the creation of spaces for ‘spontaneous’ interactions. Guests want to reconnect with the world and each other as a collective to enrich life through experiences. By focusing on people, not transaction, hoteliers can increase guest engagement and hotel performance.
The roots of this trend are anchored in traditional neighborhood design where a sense of community, walkability and connectivity create vibrant livable places and a rediscovery of the great outdoors. Human scaled transition zones and greenways, winding paths and activity trails get people out and about – breathing in fresh air, stretching their limbs and immersing themselves in nature with opportunities to meet new people. These points of gathering can be crafted along one’s journey to and from their hotel room with fountains, pools, restaurants and/or activity courts – spaces intentionally designed for humans to gather and connect.
Additionally, the rise of the ‘deconstructed resort’, repositions key amenities and offerings away from a central location to key nodes around the property. The journey to and from amenities is then carefully choreographed to inspire guests to create their own experiences and essentially choose when and how they interact with others. Additionally, this integrated approach to guest immersion encourages exploration – adding to the overall ambiance of a property.
Resorts Reimagination
Successful resorts have an engaging site design balanced with proper land use, distinctive offerings and an enriched story of place that captivates a mix of audiences from morning to night. But, remaining competition requires ongoing evaluations and new perspectives to align aging resorts with the expectations of today’s travelers. Maximizing a resort’s existing footprint, in conjunction with reevaluating amenities, operations, programming and potential revenue sources, leads to reimagined properties and increased market share.
For assurance that investments and operation costs are well spent, the periodic review of the guests’ entire experience is essential. Whether for business, leisure or a combination of both, it’s important to recognize that visitors are seeking hospitable encounters that serve as memory makers and life enhancers. A healthy balance of family-friendly offerings, recreation zones, health and wellness alternatives, flexible multi-functional spaces and regional connectivity allow for a refined hierarchy of a property’s visual assets based on target markets and growth plans.
Resorts and Travelers Become More Environmentally Conscious
With conscious travelers having eco-priorities that opt for more planet-first options, the future of the hotel industry includes everyone doing more of the right things. Green principles are expected and being more aware of the innate value of Mother Nature and what truly works for a site from an environmental, educational and social perspective is non-negotiable.
A new report from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) suggests that sustainable building practices, including those involving energy, water conservation and waste reduction, are increasingly being incorporated throughout the hospitality sector to add value and provide a competitive edge. And, as climate change continues to impact weather patterns and thus alter how resorts are built and maintained, a larger percentage of travelers are seeking more resilient options that align with their environmental consciousness.
Moving forward, it’s vitally important for property owners to plan for climate change as early as possible in the design process – not only for the health and longevity of their building assets and guests’ experiences, but also for our planet. Having a landscape architect on the team is essential for creating more resilient resorts as we play a vital role in keeping natural ecosystems alive, while considering potential environmental threats and the long-term well-being of the site.
What’s also trending (and needed) in hospitality design is the increasing importance of certification tools that serve as an exemplary gauge in eco-friendly planning and solutions. More developers are investing in LEED and SITES certifications – taking the extra step toward making tomorrow a safer and greener world. And, with such positive steps in motion, the future looks bright.
Devin Rank
FINN Partners
EDSA
