INTRODUCTION

PROBLEM STATEMENT

This thesis project consists of a 36,000 square foot four-story boutique hotel located in Melbourne, Australia. It will implement human behavior, color theory, and material research to best meet the needs of each guest while creating a sustainable environment that enhances well-being. Honoring the importance of health and wellness, the hotel will incorporate WELL building standards to create a space that elevates the guest’s mental, physical, and emotional health. This boutique hotel will be a destination spot for guests to immerse themselves in a creative, sophisticated, and relaxing environment.

THESIS STATEMENT

This project will implement the importance of sustainable design within the built environment and why it is beneficial to the building health, brand sustainability, and occupant well-being. Understanding human behavior and the effects of both color and materiality, the hotel will create an environment that is comfortable and relaxing for each guest, while enhancing their health and wellness.

01 Goal : Design a sustainable and environmentally friendly interior

Objectives :

Use sustainable and locally sourced materials Install solar panels, motion sensored light fixtures and technology that reduces water consumption Provide organic and naturally derived products Include a rooftop garden to grow fresh, organic food on-site

02 Goal : Support occupant well-being and implement WELL Building Standards

Objectives :

Design decisions that incorporate the seven factors of WELL (air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind) Include outdoor views in every room Access to a fitness center, spa, and outdoor spaces Use sustainable materials that enhance the indoor air quality and occupant health and comfort

03 Goal : Create a luxury experience that leaves the guest feeling welcome, comfortable, and relaxed

Objectives :

Universal design principles carried throughout hotel Include room amenities that increases user control and comfort such as adjustable thermostats and lighting, outdoor views, spatious bathrooms and bedrooms, integrated technology and charging ports, and the inclusion of convienant resources

04 Goal : Create a brand identity cohesively seen throughout the hotel experience

Objectives :

Design a clean logo that speaks to the brand, concept, and surrounding neighborhood of Melbourne Use a cohesive color scheme and material palette Include a gallery space and gift shop for hotel and locally made merchandise and artwork

05 Goal : Connect the guests to the local culture and community of Melbourne

Objectives :

Design concept is directly inspired by Melbourne to allow the brand identity to reflect the local context Provide resources and opportunities to learn more about the communtiy, local attractions and artists, and offer a complementary transportation service to popular sites around town

BOUTIQUE HOTEL noun

“A small, stylish and fashionable hotel that is not part of a chain” Boutique hotels are trendy, contemporary hotels located in an urban setting that typically consists of under 100 rooms and an elevated experience

THE LOCAL

• Familiar with the area, looking for a relaxing getaway from routine life

• Melbourne is a melting pot for creativity and inspiration, many locals will be creative individuals such as artists, designers, musicians, and actors

• In and out of meetings and stress-induced environments, this guest is looking to relax and unwind after a long day

• Expects strong internet connection and spaces to work and socialize

• Frequent visitor, travels for work often

• Excited to explore the city and stay in a boutique hotel

• May be more active in social and community spaces to meet other guests, travelers, and locals

• Expects high quality amenities and single bedrooms

THE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

THE TOURIST / SOLO TRAVELER

THE FAMILY / VACATIONERS

• Eager to explore the hotel and city of Melbourne

• Expects spacious rooms with Queen, King, or multiple beds

• Looking to have fun and make memories during their stay

• Expects a stress-free environment with high quality amenities for a relaxing, comfortable experience

KATIE UKROP

Director, owner, and business developer of The Quirk Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Quirk is a boutique hotel within an adaptive reuse building in downtown Richmond. Katie currently owns and manages this hotel with her husband, Ted Ukrop, and together they reside locally in Richmond’s Fan District. Katie has a deep understanding for the hospitality industry and what it takes to run a boutique hotel. Katie graduated from DePauw University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991. Her vision came to life for this project in 2015, where she helped design and curate to what Qiurk is today. She is also the director for Quirk Gallery, where Quirk features artwork from local and regional artists.

CAMERON BRADY

Cameron is a Graphic Design student at Virginia Tech who is graduating in the class of 2022. She is an independent, self motivated designer with hands-on experience designing in the sports arena as well as creating custom artowkr for apparel and corporate needs. She loves to use fun colors to produce innovative designs with high energy. Cameron is interested in designing in the sports arena industry following graduation.