DESIGN
a dhoti rides a skateboard while gripping the side of an auto rickshaw .
Design touches were also inspired by the surroundings — bathroom tiles , baroque furniture details inspired by the Indo-Saracenic era , colorful hand-painted trunks and globe lights inspired by the street lamps in the British cantonment .
“ resource-responsible ,” Shankhwalker adds .
“ We sought to rethink how the public areas could be adaptive to suit the needs of guests without making spaces redundant ,” he says . “ For example , the lobby serves not only as a seating area and space for checking in guests , but a co-working space and a cafe . The reception functions
“ IT WAS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US AS DESIGNERS TO MAKE EACH SPACE REVENUE-GENERATING AND MULTIPLICITOUS .”
RAHUL SHANKHWALKER , PARTNER , STUDIO HBA
LOCAL CRAFT Shankhwalker describes the Hyatt Centric as a “ made in India ” hotel . “ It is a fertile business proposition that explores alternative streams of revenue ,” he says . “ The hotel functions as a gallery for the city ’ s startups and showcases local products and talent . We curated objects from local designers , craftsmen and companies from south India that were doing interesting work . For example , the styling of the hotel — handmade objects that are unique to the region – embroidered pillows , jute baskets , rugs , artwork , etc . Also coffees , tea , organic juices , chocolate . These objects are curated for purchase and the guest thereby interacts with the products and supports the local economy .”
The hotel is not just socially responsible , it is not only as a check-in counter but a retail space where objects showcased in the hotel can be purchased . When the spa is not in use , it becomes a sleep pod for a guest to rest if they arrive before check-in time . It was really important for us as designers to make each space revenue-generating and multiplicitous .”
Looking to the future , Mohan says , “ The quest for personalized experiences will always resonate with travelers . While the concept of immediacy of service and standards is important , it is the personal connection that a guest shares with a hotel , that keeps them returning . The winning formula in today ’ s day and age would be a perfect marriage between new technological platforms which help sustain and develop personalized experiences .”
The hotel ’ s restaurant
A detail of the restaurant ' s bar area
42 hotelsmag . com October 2018