HotelsMag September 2016 | Page 48

Design
>> Continued from page 44
technology that could lead to an increase in productivity , interactivity and pleasure for guests . My inspiration for how it could be integrated into a hotel ’ s design comes from “ A Day Made of Glass ,” a video by Corning Glass published in 2011 that captured the imagination of millions , including myself .
What I see is how technology could help shape our world in a meaningful and accessible way — and how simplified ,
guest-friendly versions of glass touch-screen panels could be integrated into a hotel ’ s public areas , guestrooms , meeting rooms and game rooms . This integration of tactile glass / mirror panels is already in use today . It should be further developed as an aesthetic , practical , interactive design element that enhances the interior décor . No hotel company today that I am aware of has the capability of creating these sophisticated offerings without
a partnership , and there must be lots of hours spent between hotel R & D teams and technology manufacturers to figure out what ’ s possible to use and what ’ s not in a hotel environment . But what struck me as most relevant about the visionary video is how the technology industry is being pushed forward and how important partnerships are to bring about the technological changes that impact our lives and our futures .
Like everything I have done in my 30 years in the sector vying for soft innovations , hotels are a great laboratory to try out new concepts and products . Hotels that introduce these “ domestic ” innovations make the experience more believable , less intimidating and a lot more fun for guests who then try to emulate it at home . For hoteliers , the challenge is to embrace the change and make it work for your customers .

DeSign : ExpErimEnt , innovatE — but valuE guEst abovE all

HOTELS : Name a misguided industry trend . What needs to change ?
AndrEw BEST , vice president architecture and technical services , Six Senses
Hotels Resorts Spas , Bangkok : Put pictures of four new , different guestrooms side by side and try to guess the brand , place or driving character . They all blur together . The best new designs have a strong vision and are not afraid to make a statement and seek an emotional response from guests .
LuciAnO MAzzA , director , HKS Hospitality Group , London : While many designers and architects strive for ecologically sound practices and materials , the unfortunate reality is that implementing a fully green strategy is not financially viable for most developers . Guests paying US $ 10,000 per night for a luxury suite are typically in their 50s and 60s and accustomed to big rooms with expansive glazing , perfectly controlled temperatures and other niceties that have a damaging carbon footprint . As younger generations become the consumers of luxury , they will expect these comforts but not at the expense of the environment . We need further research into cost- and energy-efficient solutions that are accessible to all .
dAvid T ’ KinT , partner , HBA Dubai : As much as I applaud the industry responding to a market that demands something besides cookie-cutter recipes , why not also look at the identity of existing , classic brands and make them evolve ? It is key for hotel developers , operators and de-
46 hotelsmag . com September 2016