Blend: Hospitality

The Hospitality edition BLEND

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CONTENT P6

Culturally Speaking Brining local culture into the hotel experience

Nature Based Design Biophilic touches for a reflection of nature

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5 Reasons for Artistic Thinking

Blooming Chandeliers

Motion and light come together for a new experience

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A New Spin on Meeting Spaces How tension fabric can wake up tired meetings

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The New Hotel Lobby Changing dynamics open new doors in the design of lobbies

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Materials

P27 Outdoor Spaces

Finding a fabric starts with defining the personality

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Blurring the lines from indoor to outdoor

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For more information about custom lightboxes: 4

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Email: info@fabricimages.com Phone: 847.488.9877 w w w . f a b r i c i m a g e s . c o m

Divine Charm Guiding the way, these fabric structures illuminate the night.

Snaking through the desert, this unexpected scene of angular forms is like that out of a movie. Designed by Mestiere Cinema for a private event in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, a series of dimensional shards created an illuminated path through the night and acted as a guide which led guests to the private event venue.

and easily deployable. Strategically placed steel bases, in conjunction with anchoring, kept the shards snug to the ground despite the desert winds. Each structure was clad with a white polyester textile which was chosen for outdoor durability along with the ability to bounce internal lighting for an optimum glowing effect.

The construction of the shards leant itself to the temporary nature of the event. Utilizing a lightweight aluminum framework, each structure was engineered to be portable

Although simplistic in nature, the design emanated sophistication and greatly enhanced the event experience.

Integrating custom, softly illuminated, architecture within the outdoor space offered guests a delightful experience as they were led to their destination.

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Writer of the story Allison Pocewicz

CULTURALLY SPEAKING How Hotels are Morphing to Create an Authentic Experience

With travel comes experience; an escape away from home, an unknown setting oozing culture and adventure. At least, that is often what is hoped for as we venture to an unfamiliar destination.

But, what if the culture and experience extended beyond the destination and over to the hotel as well? As new generations of travelers demand authenticity, and as we venture over to an economy focused on experience, hoteliers are redefining the designs of their hotel environments.

Where hotel design is trending is toward a lifestyle promise and a broad cultural experience. No longer is the hotel merely a place to sleep. It is an authentic continuation of the destination and the journey.

Consider this; as stated by Gordon R. Beckman, principal and design director at John Portman & Associates, in an interview for the article Storytelling Design Adds to Guest Experience, “The millennial target market, especially, seeks more emphasis on local experience and location… They want an authentic experience. They want to 6

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be in social settings. Even when they are interacting digitally, they want to feel a connectedness. They appreciate the exposure to new art, local microbrews, etc. This trend reflects a generation and a need for hotels that meaningfully connect guests with the urban environment.”

Connecting with guests on a cultural level helps to create a bond with the surroundings and each other. Adding local touches, like artwork by local artists, authentic food and multi-sensory enhancements, helps to reflect the character of the destination.

Today, travelers are expecting more from the hotel. They want to feel like a part of the local culture.

Here are a few ways hoteliers are bringing culture into the hotel experience:

ARTISTIC DETAIL The personality of a destination can often be experienced through local artistry.

Therefore, it is becoming more common to see the artwork of local artists within a

hotel. More than mere prints hanging on the walls, the artwork installations reflect the cultural personality of the destination through artistic interpretation.

Some hotels are even going as far as hosting art and photography shows while others are developing full-on galleries within the hotel itself. These actions open the door between guest experience and community while offering a cultural retreat in the downtime between excursions.

COMMUNITY An aspect of culture that is often overlooked during the hotel experience is socialization with local people. Veronica Waldthausen stated in her interview with Hotel News Now, in the article Millennials Redefine Hotel Luxury, “They want to feel part of the local culture. They want to try the local cuisine. They want to meet local people…”. To accommodate to this desire, hotels are trending toward open doors and amenities that cater to guests as well as locals. Larger shared spaces with bars and restaurants, rooftop lounges and even movie nights are open

The Virgin Hotel in Chicago reflects the playful, laidback personality of the brand. With fun sculpture, tactile furnishings and even a plaid fabric ceiling, the environment exudes culture.

to the public, bringing locals and tourists together.

BRAND ENRICHMENT It is easy to become so enamored with the culture of the destination that we forget that the hotel has a personality of its own as well. While localization qualities tie into the over-all experience, brand culture will ultimately make or break the connection that a guest feels. Dana Kalczak, VP, Design and Construction, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Toronto, gave an interesting perspective in her interview for The New Face of Public Spaces at Hotels, “There’s always a strong positive emotion in guests, and people in general, when something has pleasing geometry and beautiful materials.”

accent pieces. The tactile personality of textiles can engage the senses of guests, deepening the brand connection to the hotel.

The modern guest wants to stay at a hotel with a sense of personality where they feel connected. By reflecting the character of the destination, hotels are enhancing the authenticity of the journey and creating a sense of place for guests. Engaging local culture within the hotel environment offers an enhanced experience that ultimately drives a strong connection to the hotel brand.

Material selection has a huge impact on brand connectedness. Textiles offer an effective opportunity to create mood and enhance the brand story through the integration of color, pattern and texture.

Unique textiles can add captivation to feature areas or charm guests by way of BLEND

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5 Reasons

Material-based solutions offer artistic vision?

Formation By our very nature, humans are attracted to forms with curves. As explained by psychologist Oshin Vartanian of the University of Toronto at Scarborough, “… we prefer curves because they signal lack of threat, i.e. safety.” Within an environment, curvy shapes add visual interest and can represent artistic form. Tension fabric has the innate ability to create curvy shapes with smooth, sophisticated ease.

Changeability When incorporating silicone edge graphics into an environment, you instantly afford the opportunity to have an ever changing environment. SEG’s are extremely easy to swap out, allowing replacement of graphics whenever you are ready to provide a different stimulating experience for your environment. With the ability to print up to 15 ft. wide seamless images, it is easy to make an impact.

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Formation Changeability Storytelling Timelessness Enrichment

Storytelling Every piece of art tells a story. If you stand back and can feel the essence of the story, then it is good art. Even in a hotel environment, not all art has to be hung on a wall. Sometimes, finding the unexpected adds to the memorability. Taking advantage of the characteristics of frame and fabric affords any story to be told, even the most unanticipated.

Timelessness While sometimes unorthodox, good art connects us to our surroundings and offers an experience. The materiality adds to the psychological connection the audience feels by engaging the senses. Sometimes the materials we encounter in our surroundings cause us to pause for a moment of wonder. This moment forms a connection that is timeless and reflects back on the brand and destination.

Enrichment Good design enriches the environment. It is enlightening, honest, bold, original, challenging and engages our curiosity. It keeps us coming back for more. To engage, you must establish a memory that remains positive and intrigued. Textiles can be utilized to create a positive connection, whether through form, light or gravitational wonder.

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Writer of the story Valerie Cuchna

Nature Based Design The effects of Biophilic design within built environments is changing perception and well-being.

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When trapped in a space with no windows and little connection to the environment, it is not uncommon to experience an urge to go outside and breathe in fresh air, see greenery and feel the sunshine. These factors in nature increase our sense of well-being and can increase our ability to focus while elevating our creativity. This is not a new phenomenon, but it is only recently being recognized as a standard requirement in building and space designs as a way to maintain a healthful and vibrant existence. The term Biophilia (coined by social psychologist Eric Fromm) relates back to the need for our species to connect with nature as a means of survival. As a species our brains and bodies evolved for thousands of years without buildings and we are the healthiest when we reconnect with this part of our history.

A definition shared by Natalie Grasso in Work Design Magazine’s April 2016 Issue sums up ‘biophilia” with an unassuming line of questions…”Simply put, what is biophilia? How would you describe it to a kindergartener? How would you describe it to a harried executive?

Kindergartener: Typically when we think of sustainability we think of OUR impact on nature. And it’s true that each and every one of us affects nature.

But the opposite is also true. Nature has a significant and profound impact on every single one of us.

Executive: Biophilia is the notion that all people are connected to nature (a part of nature, not apart from nature) and that we are at our best when we are surrounded by nature, or references to nature. This has great implications for the way we design our interior spaces.”

Biophilic designs allow for a direct encounter with nature and nature-inspired elements to bring about wellness. Some innovators in space design have literally covered interior walls with moss and created entire buildings in glass.

However, these practices are not practical or appropriate for all types of spaces. This is where design utilizing elements containing the essence of natural objects without being copies can help achieve sustainable, lasting design.

Fabric has an amazing ability to replicate nature. From flowing around curves like water to glowing with light, tensioned fabric architecture can transform a space in a nature-inspired way. A hotel is a retreat where a tired business traveler comes for rest. It should be a place that offers rejuvenation, allowing the visitor to feel great. Restaurants are gathering places for people to refuel and connect. A theater should energize and entertain. Biophilic design is the key to creating these spaces which reflect nature and help fulfil the purpose in a meaningful way.

Stephen R Kellert explains that Biophilic design contains six elements...

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1 2 3 ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

NATURAL SHAPES AND FORMS

NATURAL PATTERNS AND PROCESSES

Bringing well-recognized characteristics of the natural world into the built environment: Color, water, air, sunlight, plants, animals and natural materials. Landscapes and Geology.

Botanical, animal and shell motifs.

Shapes resisting straight lines and right angles. Arches and vaults and domes (architecture that evokes emotion). Simulation of natural features, extending even to biomorphic art, architecture, design.

Varying the sensory experience of a space with time, change, and transitions; complimentary contrasts, the play between balance and tension; rhythm, ratios and use of scale.

Information richness. Fractals and organized complexity.

References: “Dimensions, Elements, and Attributes of Biophilic Design�, Stephen R. Kellert http://willsull.net/la570/resources/Introduction/BiophilicDesignChapter1.pdf

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4 5 6 LIGHT AND SPACE

PLACE-BASED RELATIONSHIPS

EVOLVED HUMANNATURE RELATIONSHIPS

Learning how and why humans react to light in all its forms (warm, cool, shaped, filtered, diffused, inside vs. outside) informs how to use it. The same applies to differing kinds of spaces: Shaped, harmonious, jarring, light and dark, etc.

The significance of place is tied to meaning: Historic, cultural, geographic, spiritual, or ecological.

With deeper understanding, we can honor and evoke those relationships within the build environment.

We have been transformed by our complex relationship with Nature, and we still react strongly to the echoes of our long history. We can use design to evoke these powerful reminders.

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Earthy Moss

Sandy Soil

Crisp Blue Waves

Chenille fabric in pine color has a rich texture and is reminiscent of the mossy green floor of a hidden forest. The soft, almost velvety hand is broken up with the occasional thicker yarn making for a more natural finish. This fabric can cover walls, giving a mossy look, without the need for water.

Sonnet upholstery material has a vintage feel with a classic uneven pattern that has been popular many times in our culture. This material has a very natural look with the modern conveniences of engineered materials.

It is GREENGUARD certified and may contribute to LEED certification.

Imagine looking over a bluff and seeing a massive expanse of water before you with light bouncing off the choppy waves. Crushed Velour fabric in Royal color allows light to bounce off in different directions adding depth to its rich shade. Having elasticity, this fabric can bend around curves with ease.

Material SPARK While nature offers an innate sense of wellbeing, its integration is not always possible due to building environment factors or budget. As an alternative, fabrics can be utilized that offer qualities similar to that of natural elements. Perfect for walls, ceilings and anything in-between, these are a few examples to spark your next design solution.

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Crepe Description:

120” wide white shade for printing.

24 stocked dyed shades also available at 54” wide.

Characteristics:

Polyester based woven fabrics with marbled crepe texture. An irregular interlacing pattern gives crepe materials a painterly feel when printed and provide a distinctively fabric look when applied over a frame.

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The subtle texture of this fabric allows for a great light play that gives depth to the fabric not achieved with many knits and balanced woven materials. It is reminiscent of fine art paintings with the slightly irregular surface canvas look. Engineered as a solution for seating with 100,000 double rub Wyzenbeek Test results and a class 5.0 colorfastness rating (AATCC-16) the 54” wide crepe can withstand repeated exposure in high traffic, very touchable spaces. Imagine complimenting your crepe upholstered furniture with banners and walls covered with the same texture to create a cohesive look.

Material Spark

Uses:

White version is excellent for large wall coverings including SEG finishing and banners. Stock dyed shades are great accent pieces and can be seamed together to cover large areas.

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RENAISSANCE BLOOMS inspiration from a renaissance garden led to a showing of light, movement and form.

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24 custom-made floral chandeliers welcomed guests upon their entry to the gala.

Italian Renaissance gardens are a style of garden which emerged in the late 15th century at villas in Rome and Florence.

They pull inspiration from classical ideals of order and beauty and offer an air of formality through the elements of symmetry, repetition and perspective. The garden is intended to offer a pleasurable view from within the confines and beyond, affording visitors a place for contemplation and serenity.

brought on board to achieve the high quality and ingenuity that was required to bring the chandeliers to life.

Taking inspiration from the Italian Renaissance garden, Simmetrico, a design firm based in Italy, conceived an environment that exuded luxury through the integration of lush greenery and atmospheric natural tones. The event, a private gala dinner located in Baku, Azerbaijan, offered a nature-filled destination for guests to escape and renew while on their journey.

Engineering of the flowers had to be carefully handled. With the diverse mixture of technical requirements, it was important that the structure be stable but not too heavy as to inhibit the required movement. The structure of the flowers had the following conditions:

Although the entire environment was covered in lush Mediterranean-style greenery, it is the 24 floral chandeliers that welcomed guests upon their entry to the space. With the complexities of the design to consider, Fabric Images Europe was

The chandeliers were required to have a natural appearance while offering soft, color-changing lighting effects. Oh, and wrap your mind around this… The flowers were required to BLOOM in the opening of the event.

• • • • •

Support petals Support RGB light fixture Hinge outward at each petal Incorporate pneumatic opening system Incorporate 2 silent compressors

“The chandeliers were required to have a natural appearance while offering soft, color-changing lighting effects...

The flowers were required to BLOOM in the opening of the event.”

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petal support was hinged and suspended through an anchor system that tied into a pneumatic opening mechanism. In other words, the blooming is driven by airflow and the ability of the petals to hinge.

Over the frame system, the petals are attached individually to each of the support arms. To keep the overall weight down, each petal is formed using a specialized semi-gloss paper in white. Anything heavier would have inhibited the smoothness of the opening movement. After being fully assembled, each chandelier was packaged vertically hung within a large crate.

Once installed at the gala, the chandeliers were controlled by a DMX console in conjunction with the RGB light positioned in the center of each flower. Hanging serenely overhead, the chandeliers added an enchantment to the environment with their soft lighting and careful movements.

By embracing the challenges that came with the engineering and execution of the chandeliers, FI Europe was able to successfully present an immersive solution for the gala.

Project Descriptive: Blooming Chandeliers Date Completed: March 2015 Project Location: Baku, Azerbaijan Material Used: Semi-gloss paper Design: Simmetrico Architect Fabrication: Fabric Images Europe Project Manager: Simmetrico

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Thin, formed metal, layers of paper and hand-crafted ingenuity brought the idea of these blooming flowers to life.

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TRENDING

Adding Definition to Meeting Spaces Using tension fabric to rejuvenate tired meetings and events.

In business we are told to “Dress for Success”. There are reasons for this.

For one, we need to look the part of a professional. But, on the flip side, the clothes we wear reflect strongly on how we see ourselves…the “Me” brand. The comfort we feel in this brand, or lack there-of, can affect how we engage and ultimately our success.

Just as we dress ourselves, the environments we are situated in are in a dress of their own, including conference centers. With the demand for experience

on the rise, consider this… Smart design plays a critical role in the success of meetings. An event space isn’t simply a blank canvas to stick people in; It is a place to inspire and engage. In the wake of modern expectations, meeting spaces are evolving. As a result, environments are popping up that are transcending the expectations and experiences of the past. Highly personalized, intimate settings are offering flexibility, inspiration and opportunities for engagement.

Hotel conference centers are in high

demand as venues for a host of business organizations, associations and educational groups. When taking advantage of these conference centers, there is immersion that extends beyond the room itself to include hotel amenities and destination features. That’s great and all, but let’s not forget about the conference room itself. Through the integration of smart design elements, meeting rooms can be turned from uninspiring and visually uncomfortable to what we so need them to be- inspirational and engaging.

Coloring Your Way to Success

Adding Coloring walls to engage the audience.

Meetings can be long, sometimes stressful and often boring (shhh… don’t tell anyone I said that). Offering attendees a diversion can go a long way in creating higher engagement.

With adult coloring books all the rage, it seems only fitting to integrate the interactive quality of coloring into meetings. Coloring trains the brain to focus while acting as a stress-reducing activity AND- get this- it can actually foster creativity! Great for a meeting, right? Now, consider what would happen if a life-size coloring page was brought in. Whether the focus is teambuilding, recreation or corporate association, coloring walls offer an opportunity to engage with the audience while they engage with each other. This little mental break allows the mind to relax and re-focus while creating a positive connection point back to the brand/company.

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Simple Exposure MOBILE PARTITIONS Dividing the dining space and dessert bar, these lightweight, mobile partitions afford a great opportunities for graphics and branding.

Organic Curvature GRAND ENTRANCE The dÊcor of a meeting space doesn’t have to be contained to the room itself. These large sweeping walls branded the event from the outside.

Playing with Visuals ABSTRACT NATURE Adding abstract biophilic-like touches brings unexpected interest to the environment while giving the illusion of nature.

Overhead Lighting EFFECTS OF COLOR From white to red to yellow to a rainbow; Changing the personality of a room is as easy as changing the color of the lighting.

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REINVENTING THE HOTEL LOBBY

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Writer of the story Allison Pocewicz

As hotel design evolves, dynamics of the lobby are shifting to accommodate for the modern guest.

Hospitality is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers�. That is a tall order for the hotel industry where years of transformation have picked, pulled and prodded at the standards offered to guests. As expectations have changed and as new technologies have emerged, the experiences offered have shifted. With a history ranging in mood from lively to formal to a transitional passageway, the hotel lobby has seen dramatic revolution over the years, and even more so in recent years.

In the early 20th century, hotel lobbies were a place to congregate, whether for business or pleasure. During this time, travelers were mostly businessmen or the extremely wealthy. To accommodate to the needs of this group, bars and restaurants were plentiful and spilled out into the lobbies. It was a social experience. Then came the families. Once family travel took off, time spent in the lobby

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What living room doesn’t have a lamp?

The W Hotel in Chicago uses scale to add impact and memorability to their living space.

was minimized and expediting the checkin/check-out process was placed as a priority. Families typically utilized the hotel as a place to sleep only, and eventually the lobby shrank down to a measly little passageway from parking lot to hotel room. Now, in the present day, lobbies are continuing on their morphic journey.

Shifting Dynamics To understand where the journey of hotel lobbies is trending, it is important to recognize the dynamics that have shifted.

A huge influencer in the transformation taking place has been the fast-paced evolution of technology.

With advancements, including ease of information, mobility, and continuous connection, there has been a domino effect within environments encompassing flexibility, expectations, design solutions and seamless integration.

The idea of “connection” goes beyond the virtual world. It has seeped into the physical world as well. Here, connection is all about experience over commodity.

In the report, “A New Breed of Traveller” published by HVS, it is stated that, “Modern-day travelers see luxury more and more in the storytelling of having an experience rather than in luxury items”.

This mindset is most strongly linked to the Millennial generation, who, according to the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research, is expected to represent 50% of all travelers in the U.S. by 2025.

Millennial or not, change is upon us.

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As this change takes hold, we are experiencing a blurring of lines. No longer is there a divide between business and leisure as the growth of traveling entrepreneurs and vacationers who work from afar, continues to increase. The hotel is no longer just a place to sleep. It is transforming into a social experience.

Whether with a group or winging it solo, the expectations of the hotel experience are heightened and inevitable.

Reinvention This shift in dynamics and the demand for “experience” is calling for a reinvention of the lobby. But, first it needs to be redefined. No longer is the lobby a mere passageway or waiting area. It is a communal environment; a place where people can connect.

Once again, we are coming back to connection. In the article The New Face of Public Spaces at Hotels on Hoteliermagazine.com, Gordon Mackay, president and creative partner at Torontobased Mackay Wong Strategic Design states, “The complexity of connecting with the emotional and psychological needs of a hotel guest is exemplified in the design of great public spaces.” To achieve this, the environments are becoming more inviting and cross-functional.

Cross-function is happening at the intersect between home and travel.

As Andrew Freeman, founder of San Francisco based Andrew Freeman & Co. Hospitality and Restaurant Consultants

explains in his interview in the article The Phychology of Hospitality “…hotels are an extension of home -- but with an air of escapism.” Think about this. When in our homes, do we limit ourselves to the confines of the bedroom? Not likely. That same mindset is shifting to hotel design.

Guest rooms are becoming smaller, and lobbies are transforming into the “living room” of the hotel.

This modern living space focuses in on experience by offering a multi-functional blend between relaxation, work and play.

play. Greg Keffer, principal and studio leader at Rockwell Group, puts it perfectly in his interview for the article Hotel Lobby Renovations Are Honing In On Social Dynamics, “It’s very important to not have just one big space for everybody… It’s all about personalization and connecting with people.”

To accommodate for personalization within a pre-determined environment, key design considerations include, • Creative space segmentation • Modularity

want to be surrounded by other people.”

In a segmented environment, there is a sense of choice for guests. Regardless of generational preferences, and whether time spent in the communal space is social, business related, with others or alone, there is a sense of comfort and accommodation. Often, there are zones that flow together seamlessly with a mixture of furniture styles, diverse seating arrangements and even desks. This offers a perceived sense of intimacy within the open space, while also enhancing

“It’s very important to not have just one big space for everybody… It’s all about personalization and connecting with people.”

It is a destination in and of itself, with strategic furniture placement and often the integration of bars and restaurants.

A well-designed lobby brings people together while offering an escape from everyday life.

As with any escape, there needs to be a level of comfort. Within the lobby environment this comes from the dynamic of flexibility. Lobbies are gradually evolving into hybrid areas that are catering to the wide array of guest needs, including relaxation, work and

Creative space segmentation Personalization can be a tall order in a shared environment. So, instead of personalization, consider segmentation.

Here’s why; Remember earlier on when we touched on the high percentage of Millennial travelers? Well, this generation is known for being of the “togetheralone” mindset. Consider this; Veronica Waldthausen, an associate in the London office of HVS stated, “The new type of traveler doesn’t mind being alone, but they want to be alone together. They will sit in the lobby by themselves, but they

the “living room” experience. This multifunctional segmentation is the modern version of luxury.

Modular Detailing With segmentation comes somewhat of a hybrid mindset; A single environment with multiple facets.

While furniture arrangement is a crucial design detail, more flexibility can be added by thinking modularly. Modular design is discrete, flexible, mobile and reusable, and its impact can be huge when integrated effectively.

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Modern communal environments have a distinct personality that reflects the hotel brand, while still accommodating to the diverse needs, and offering a sense of choice for each guest.

While the modern lobby is socially driven, adding modular components adds control to the environment and ups the guest experience. Modularity can be as simple as lightweight furniture that can move based on group size, or as creative as mobile wall partitions. Imagine having the ability to have an impromptu business meeting in the communal lobby with the option to wall off your conversation.

This flexibility is an expressive trait that reflects the hotel’s brand personality and ultimately enhances the guest experience.

In an era where connectedness crosses over both the virtual and physical worlds, redefining the hotel lobby has taken

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precedence as the expectations of guest experience have transformed. Changing dynamics and socialization have taken on new forms and the once stark lobby is being reimagined to create community engagement. From engagement comes experience, but it doesn’t happen on its own. For a new generation where experience is top priority, it is great design with multi-functional and multi-faceted qualities that make an impact and create the story that forms the connection.

The personality of a hotel environment is defined by a variety of materials within the design.

Integrating tension fabric plays an important role, but will be most effective when choosing textiles that are in-line with the personality of the hotel brand. Once the personality is defined, a selection of textiles can be sourced that best coincide with the vision.

Here are a few examples‌

FUNKY FUN

POSH & STYLISH

CLEAN & MODERN

GOTHIC ROMANCE

Instincts Troll Pink Color

Panne Velvet Gold Color

Spandex Silver Color

Finesse Stretch Lace Black Color

With the whimsical fun of cotton candy and the tactile goodness of a 3.5� tall pile, Instincts Troll encourages you to run your fingers through. This material has a softness that reminds you of childhood with a twist of adult playfulness.

Like a swanky downtown joint, Panne Velvet exudes luxury.

Available in a number of bold shades, this fabric can make custom shapes and walls in the space look posh with the depth of the velvet being crushed in the opposite direction, adding to the complexities.

#499 Spandex is an elastic material with a high luster face.

It is great for simulating metal surfaces at a fraction of the weight. Because it is a stretch material it fearlessly curves around organic ribbon shapes and can create the look of twisting metal.

Black floral lace has femininity without feeling too girly. The sheer nature of Finesse Stretch Lace works well when layered over an accent material. The combination of red and black in this example speaks of timeless romance. Use this blend in the SEG frame system to cover walls.

Finding the right textiles to dress your environment begins with defining your brand personality.

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HOW DO YOU LOUNGE?

exposed

partial

shaded

This new generation of lounger is designed for optimal comfort and lasting durability.

Constructed from the latest in sun-resistant textiles that are milled for comfort and sustainability, the Lounge Around grants the participant a one of a kind experience in outdoor contentment and coziness.

Email: info@fabricimages.com Phone: 847.488.9877 w w w . f a b r i c i m a g e s . c o m

OUTDOOR LIVING Writer of the story Allison Pocewicz

REIMAGINING THE OUTDOORS Focus moves from inside to outside as many hoteliers begin to take advantage of their outdoor spaces.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.”

~John Burroughs

show reduction in stress, a sense of coherence and belonging, improved self-confidence and self-discipline, and a broader sense of community. Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester and lead author of the study Vitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature, explains it like this, “Nature is fuel for the soul… Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature.”

Forward-thinking hoteliers have come to the realization that in order to fully immerse guests with a sense of experience, where they can disconnect, un-stress and realign, there needs to be a component of the outdoors. More and more hotels are adding shared outdoor living spaces, including outdoor lounges, rooftop retreats and courtyards, which assimilate the restorative properties of nature.

Brought to life in collaboration between Pratt Institute in New York and Fabric Images, Inc., the Rhizome chair offers guests a comfortable retreat while experiencing the outdoors.

Boundaries have been blurring between indoor and outdoor spaces for some time. The introduction of Biophilic design elements within interiors, such as greenery walls, natural lighting and nature-scapes, has been integrated purposefully and successfully. While the effectiveness is evident, this trend does not negate the effects of experiencing the outdoors first-hand.

In recent years, numerous experimental psychology studies have confirmed that direct contact with nature has therapeutic qualities that increase mental health and psychological and spiritual development. The effects of spending time in nature

Beyond the properties of nature, is the dressing of the environment itself. As the “jewelry” of the space, furniture acts as the physical connection point for guests within a space that is highly sensory. Offering unique, yet practical, seating options engages curiosity while encouraging relaxation. When effective, this strengthens the bond from guest to hotel brand.

Outdoors spaces are an extension of a hotel’s interior. By offering a well-designed outdoor experience with opportunities for relaxation, a destination is created that affords guests what they need most- to disconnect and renew. Taking advantage of the natural qualities offered by the outdoors goes a long way in enhancing the over-all experience.

References: University of Rochester. “Spending time in nature makes people feel more alive, study shows.”

ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603172219.htm CRC Health, “Why Nature is Therapeutic” http://www.crchealth.com/find-a-treatment-center/ struggling-youth-programs/help/nature-is-therapeutic

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VARIABLE 1:

VARIABLE 2:

VARIABLE 1:

VARIABLE 2:

CONFERENCE ROOM

SEG GRAPHIC

SOLID PRINT

SHEER PRINT

Meetings are often held at hotels for convenience. The spaces are intentionally left fairly neutral to accommodate a variety of guests. Attendees frequently spend hours in these rooms sharing information, learning, planning and developing.

SEG wall panels contain a perimeter-only frame which is mounted to the existing wall. There is a small track that allows for graphics with a silicone edge to be tensioned in, becoming part of the space. Acoustic panels can be hidden behind to further control noise.

Opaque or semi opaque materials, such as Celtic Cloth and EZ Stretch, hold color beautifully when Dye Sublimation printed. The slight stretch makes for easy assembly with good wrinkle release. This solid back print anchors the sheer front image.

Sheer material has great read through paired with nice luster. An insider’s tip on this: White and lighter colors pop out on the sheer fabric while dark shades allow for more read through to the backside graphic. Use lighter shades where you want pop.

THE RESULT: IMPACTFUL MESSAGING

THE RESULT: 3-DIMENSIONAL ART

Adding SEG print covering a full wall of a conference space can act as a vibrant wallcovering that can be easily changed out to stay up with current design trends. Graphic panels can also be switched to accommodate VIP guests, showcasing the name of the event, logos of participants or vivid abstract artwork to aid the creative process.

Layering two graphic panels creates a cool 3D effect.

Printing the same graphic on both fabrics and layering with a one to two inch gap creates added dimension. The panel lines up perfectly when viewed straight on but starts to blend from sharper viewing angles. Another approach is to print a background, like a soccer field, on the opaque layer, and an emphasis graphic on the front, such as the star player. The player would look as though he is jumping off the page.

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