Thesis 2018-2019

HO T EL ZURU

A Boutique Hotel in Prague

Thesis 2018-2019 Vol. I + II

Kelsey Muir Virginia Tech Class of 2019

HO T EL ZURU

A Boutique Hotel in Prague

Thesis 2018-2019 Vol. I + II

4

Project Statement This thesis will explore the design around a four-story, 21,000 sq. ft. boutique hotel owned by a U.S.-based company in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. The City of a Hundred Spires- known for its rich history, architecture and vibrant culture- is home to approximately 1.3 million people and received 2,150,071 visitors in 2017.

This project is divided into two parts: the research and the design, collected and executed over the course of the year.

5

6

V O L. I Research

7

8

INTRODUCTION Statement

13

Thesis Topic

14

Goals + Objectives

15

Client

16

Consultant

17

CASE STUDIES

19-37

EXPLORING PRAGUE Culture + Demographics

40

Site Analysis

42

Base Building Analysis

46

PROGRAMMING & PLANNING Adjacencies + Criteria Matrix

50

Codes + Accessibility

52

Plan Prototypes

54

RELATED RESEARCH Human Behavioral Research

58

Extended Hospitality Research

60

Color Research

62

Environmental Responsibility + Materials

64

Thermal, Indoor Air Quality, Acoustics

66

SOURCES

117

9

IN T RO DUCT IO N

12

Thesis Statement In an age where platforms such as Airbnb have huge impact on the hospitality industry, an emerging question is how boutique hotels can remain competitive. Despite their sense of convenience and efficiency, one important aspect of the hospitality industry such technology platforms lack is the feeling that one is participating in meaningful interactions. How can a boutique hotel be designed to leverage technology, while preserving the attributes which draw users to more traditional accommodations, such as face-to-face personal interaction? The challenge is to design a hotel that will not only foster a sense of community, but that will leave a lasting impression by enhancing the user experience, exhibiting a unique, distinct identity within Prague, and allowing visitors to connect with the city’s culture and its people to make guests feel at home.

Micro-living emphasizes more efficient use of less physical space and encourages purposeful design solutions. By implementing elements of microliving into the design of hotel guest rooms, private spaces become more functional and free up space to incorporate unique, mixed-use amenities throughout the hotel. The shared communal spaces will take underutilized private room amenities and create areas that promote interaction and increase engagement on multiple scales: with other travelers, with the Prague community, and with the city itself.

13

THE S IS T OPI C The hospitality industry is known for the array of service-oriented attractions it offers to users, such as bars, restaurants, lounges, spas and of course hotels. Today, people are not simply looking for ‘just a place to eat’ or ‘a place to stay’- they are seeking an experience driven by connections. These experiences are discovered through word of mouth, reviews, and the media. Essentially, success in the hospitality industry is dependent on creating unique, memorable venues that get people talking. (Cloros 2018)

THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL Like any other hospitality project, the boutique hotel is reliant on a distinct brand identity, exceptional customer service, and beautiful design to evoke positive feelings from visitors. Travelers are coming from all over the world, from different cultures, and “bring with them expectations pertaining to privacy, territoriality, and access to features and amenities” (Kopec 279). Despite the differences in cultural backgrounds, a common trend amongst all travelers today is the desire to live a local and immerse in the culture of their destination. This can be accomplished through communal amenities that invite not only guests of the hotels to participate, but also attract local residents eager to exchange stories and experiences. But first, hotels need to get guests out of their rooms.

“A substantial percentage of guests overpredict which [guest room] amenities they will actually use.” (Dev 1)

EVALUATING THE DESIGN OF HOTELS

IMPLEMENTING MICRO-LIVING

Basic criteria for good room design: CO-LIVING

1. Functionality 2. Total space planning 3. Maintenance 4. Visual or aesthetic attractions

(Hill 50)

Managed developments with a combination of personal and shared amenity space. (British Property Fed.)

+

Less square footage used more efficiently

+

Multi-functional furniture

THE ISSUES

BENEFITS?

1. Under-utilized amenities in private rooms.

1. Reduced clutter.

2. Non-functional furniture and room layout.

2. Reduced unused/wasted space.

3. Lacking useful storage space in rooms.

4. Long, narrow corridors of private rooms increase negative feelings of crowding. (Kopec 281)

3. Opportunity for larger, communal spaces that become destinations not just to hotel guests but also to local residents.

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G OA L S + OBJECTI VES 1

DESIGN PRIVATE ROOMS USING ELEMENTS OF MICRO-LIVING. Identify and eliminate underutilized furniture and amenities that are not vital to guest experience in private rooms.

Design room layout to use least amount of square footage in the most efficient way possible without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

Reallocate larger kitchen amenities to only appear in communal spaces outside of private rooms.

2

DEVELOP A COHESIVE BRAND IDENTITY. Design a simple, memorable logo that’s easily identifiable by guests.

Brand the hotel with a catchy, easy to pronounce name.

Reinforce brand through details such as wayfinding signage.

Carefully select a color scheme to be used holistically throughout: in the hotel’s finishes, furnishings, branding and signage.

3

INFUSE ASPECTS OF LOCAL CULTURE INTO THE DESIGN. Identify motifs, colors, and attractions that are meaningful in Prague culture and can be translated into design features.

4

INCORPORATE COMMUNAL SPACES TO ATTRACT AND ENGAGE BOTH TOURISTS AND LOCALS. Design certain communal spaces to serve as multi-purpose spaces that can host events which appeal to both temporary guests and passersby, creating a comfortable space that enables them to connect and share experiences, stories and ideas.

Designate a ground floor cafe/bar area as clearly open to hotel guests and the public, with a atmosphere and layout that easily transitions from day to night.

Make the ground floor and rooftop destination areas that offer a range of amenities to engage the public.

5

LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO ELEVATE THE GUEST EXPERIENCE. Research which technological amenities would be beneficial to enhancing the guest experience, in such a way that apps like Airbnb provide a sense of convenience, yet lack face-to-face human interaction that a hospitality setting offers.

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C L IE N T

THE SOLO TRAVELER Age range 18-30 years Eager to experience Prague from a unique perspective + learn about the culture Looking to meeting new people during their travels Open to sharing communal and private spaces Main use for hotel is sleep/recharging - most of day is spent sightseeing

THE TRAVEL PACK Typically younger generations, age range 18-24 years Eager to experience Prague from a unique perspective + learn about the culture Open to meeting new people during their travels Expecting to share communal and private spaces Seeking a fun, lively atmosphere to return to that frequently hosts events

THE LOCAL CITY RESIDENTS Ages may vary Seeking a destination within city center to enjoy with friends Attending interesting events or exhibitions held in the hotel open to the Prague community, as well as uniquely designed hospitality spaces like a bar/cafe Open to interacting with travelers and sharing advice and experiences

THE HOTEL EMPLOYEES Ages may vary Enthusiastic about educating travelers on Prague’s culture and suggesting interesting things to do in the city Aiming to provide exceptional service that will leave a lasting impression on guests to promote return business

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C O NSU LTA NT W EN DY A LLEN Freelance Trip Director Wendy Allen’s professional career began in Manchester, England, where she worked for British Telecom in group and event management. This provided her with opportunities to interact with internal staff as well as their business collaborators.

Ms. Allen currently resides on a historic property in Arundel, Quebec, where she has worked as a freelance trip director for the last 18 years. A trip director manages all aspects of a professional group’s needs, ranging from planning and organizing events in their corporate offices to arranging travel and event planning for off-premise business and social functions.

Her clients include medical professionals, pharmaceutical

companies, investment companies, and the Bill Gates Foundation.

One of the most popular locations for corporate functions managed by Ms. Allen is Mont Tremblant, a region in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, which boasts a national park, a ski resort, day spas, and numerous hotels and restaurants. The surrounding area also features hiking, cycling, canoing, fishing, golfing, zip lines, and a host of other outdoor activities.

On any given day, Ms. Allen can be managing the transport of hundreds of conference attendees to and from the airport, or local events. She can arrange for guests to go zip lining or snowshoeing, or she can be requested to accompany them on their activity. Her job is to take care of every need of the group, including problem solving, avoiding or fixing disasters and soothing the ruffled feathers of VIPs.

DESIGN COLLABORATION 1.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Provided insight and feedback on problem

Make it feel like a functioning “home”

statement and thesis topic.

2.

Discussed

aspects

of

+ Cooking spaces initial

+ Lounging spaces

research

+ Laundry facilities

questions, like why platforms like Airbnb are in high demand compared to traditional

Amenity wise, consider providing:

hotels.

3.

+ Staff on hand 24/7 + Luggage storage (Airbnb lacks)

Continued discussion of what hotels can

+ Flexibility to users (check in/out)

provide technology-wise to compete with

+ Great, inspiring work spaces

such platforms.

4.

Provided

additional

(whether in room or communal) case

studies

+ Do not eliminate in room work surface,

for

rather make it multi-purpose.

research moving forward.

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CAS E S T UDIES

C A SE STU DY 1

TYPE:

Micro-apartment, Multi-family

LOCATION: FIRM: AREA:

C ARM EL PLAC E

Kips Bay, Manhattan, NY

Manhattan’s

tallest

modularly

constructed

building. The nine-story building stores 55 units, 22 units range from 260-360 sf, the average unit being

35,000sf

FOCUS:

and

of which are designated for affordable housing. The

nARCHITECTS

YEAR COMPLETED:

Carmel Place is NYC’s first official micro-apartment

around 300 sf.

2016

Micro-living, program

The design intent was to “achieve a sense of spaciousness, comfort and efficiency, even while shrinking

2013 adAPT NYC competition Winner

[the

unit’s]

footprint.”

The

solution:

increase space without increasing square footage, with high ceilings (9’8”), tall windows (8’) and Juliet balconies. Interior finishes are simple and neutral to keep the room bright to maximize perceived volume of space.

20

PROGRAM + AMENITIES Flexible lobby space for community and tenant events 55 living units Fitness Center Cafe Lounge Public Roof Terrace / Green Roof Den / Study Bike Storage Laundry Game Room Community Room with Pantry

DESIGN FEATURES Response to Site / Neighborhood Influence: The exterior is meant to be a “microcosm of the city skyline,” alluding to the concept of micro-living.

The 8’ tall windows installed throughout the space mimic proportions used in New York’s 19th century Brownstones, which was one of the architect’s references for the building’s interiors proportions.

Modular

Construction:

Employment

of

modular

construction, which could be employed in other large cities facing similar housing struggles, consisted of “fabrication, transportation and stacking of 65 individual self-supporting steel framed modules; 55 of which serve as residential micro-units, while the remaining 10 serve as the building’s core.”

Sustainability: LEED Silver target Other: ADA Accessible; minimal, simple interior finishes

such

as

whites,

grays,

pale

woods;

convertible/flexible furniture for efficient use of space.

Left spread: Micro Unit Top right: Lobby Bottom right: Exterior 21

CASE STUDY

Circulation path

ORGANIZATION + ZONING A majority of the communal spaces are located on the bottom floors in an effort to maintain a physical connection to the surrounding community.

For example, the lobby was conceptualized as an “interior street� that links residents to the street-level activity occurring directly outside.

Floors 2-7 consist mainly of variations of microunits, with a consistent circulation path which makes navigating the space easier. Vertical circulation is asymmetrically balanced, located solely in the north-east corner of the building.

KEY Living Units Community Spaces / Amenities

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CASE STUDY

KEY TAKEAWAYS Carmel Place encourages users to spend less time in their private rooms and more time in shared spaces to create an active connection with the community.

When applying this idea to a boutique hotel in an international destination, the design of the space is crucial to instilling a sense of belonging within travelers who choose to stay there.

Efficient

utilization

of

space

within

the

private

residences was also important to note. The various unit layouts of Carmel Place can be used to inform design decisions when allocating square footage to private rooms. However, unlike the organization of Carmel Place (which is residential), it will be beneficial to incorporate community spaces on floors with private rooms to avoid them becoming corridor-like.

302 SF

360 SF

Top left: 2nd-4th floor plan Bottom left: EW section Top right: Daytime/night configurations Bottom right: Unit plans 23

C A SE STU DY 2

TYPE:

AREA:

Arlo Hotels is a hotel company that specializes

Micro-hotel

LOCATION: FIRM:

ARLO HO T ELS

New York, NY

58,500sf (NoMad); 89,700sf (SoHo)

FOCUS:

informed urban explorer.” They currently have two boutique properties in Manhattan, Arlo SoHo and

AvroKo

YEAR COMPLETED:

in micro-sized hotel rooms designed “for today’s

2016

Micro-living, program

Arlo NoMad, where guests can experience living like New Yorkers with more compact living quarters in favor of larger public spaces and amenities.

Each location offers a variety of room sizes and styles with views overlooking Manhattan. Private

Best Boutique Hotel, NYC x Design

rooms average around 150sf, featuring designs that

Best Emerging Hotel Concept, 2017 Gold Key Award

would normally be unused space. Because of this

incorporate multi-functional pieces to optimize what downsizing in guest rooms, more space is available to be used for common areas, providing guests more opportunities to socialize, relax, work, dine and connect with fellow travelers.

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PROGRAM + AMENITIES 24-hour Bodega Common Spaces (Library, Living Room, Studio) Complimentary Arlo bicycles NoMad Location 250 micro-rooms The Heights Bar & Rooftop Massoni Restaurant BARIo Bar, Lounge, Terrace (2nd Floor) SoHo Location 325 micro-rooms Arlo Liquor Bar Good Story Bar & Rooftop Harold’s Meat + Three Restaurant

DESIGN FEATURES Response to Site / Neighborhood Influence: In response to the ‘cramped’ living conditions most New Yorkers face, the design aims to embrace microliving in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable, yet efficient. Additionally, both hotel locations can be found in ideal locations for walking and exploring the surrounding neighborhoods.

Engaging the community through local art: For the lobby design, New York artist Ryan Humphrey created hand-painted boxes labeled with different international airport codes. The boxes are used to store old recommendations left by guests of what they found on their trips (that were once shared on the public noticeboard in the elevator lobby.)

Materiality: Warm woods, rich colors / textures Other:

ADA

Accessible

rooms

available;

multi-

functional furniture

Left: NoMad Library Top right: The Heights Middle right: Lobby Bottom right: Room details 25

CASE STUDY

Bunk Room 155sf (18’-6”x8’) Two Twin Room 149-157sf (13’-4”x11’-5)

King Room City 162sf (19’x8’)

Queen Room 145sf (19’x8’)

FLEXIBILITY OF SPACE Arlo Hotels prides itself on providing space that value quality over quantity. Since private rooms had to optimize use of their compact square footage, AvroKo

devised

clever

spatial

solutions

that

emphasized the versatility of furniture pieces in order to save valuable space. Examples include: folddown desks/vanity, closets with adjustable hanging pegs for individual guests’ needs, banquettes that doubles as nightstands, and underbed storage for a secure safe and luggage storage.

Arlo’s public spaces also emphasize flexibility, where the large library can be divided into three separate rooms with sliding glass doors for smaller meeting spaces during the day that can be collapsed to provide a dining or social space in the evenings.

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CASE STUDY

KEY TAKEAWAYS The organization of the Arlo Hotels differs from Carmel Place, where a majority of the communal spaces were located on the bottom floors. Here, public spaces are strategically distributed throughout the entirety of the building, which could possibly increase opportunities for connection. Studying the room layouts was also helpful to see how far the square footage of an individual room can be pushed.

Another

thoughtful

design

decision

was

the

incorporation of interactive art/installations to engage guests on various scales: with each other, with the hotel, and with the city. It could be interesting to experiment with how art can not only add visual interest to space, but also become a memorable, sensory experience.

Top left: Room plans Bottom left:Room details Top right: Lounge area Bottom right: Bar/lounge 27

C A SE STU DY 3

TYPE:

Hostel, adaptive reuse

LOCATION: FIRM:

Olomouc, Czech Republic

Denisa Stimskovà Studio

BRANDING: AREA:

LO NG S T O RY S HO RT

Studio Kosatko

10,770sf

YEAR COMPLETED: FOCUS:

Just a two-hour train ride away from Prague, the city of Olomouc is home to this adaptive reuse hostel, Long Story Short, that hopes to welcome visitors from all over the world. With its history as a fortress town, Olomouc has grown into a vibrant student city that offers attractions for any traveler. The hostel has a strong “focus on comfort, quality and experience,”

2017

Branding, aesthetic

offering a range of beautifully designed shared and private rooms along with many communal amenities.

The project’s interior designer, Denisa Strmiskovà, worked

alongside

brand

design

studio,

Studio

2018 Grand Prix National Prize for Architecture for Interiors

Kosatko, to create a holistic, unique brand identity.

Interior of the Year 2017 Media Award

selections and playful branding work together to

The design’s crisp color palette, mindful finish leave a lasting impression.

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PROGRAM + AMENITIES In-house Cafe + Bar Meeting Room Mix of private rooms & dorms for up to 56 people 24-hr. electronic key card access Private lockers Laundry service Shared & Private Bathrooms Book swap Outside terrace seating area Petanque pit Outdoor workout park Outdoor event space

DESIGN FEATURES Response to Site / Neighborhood Influence: The historic significance of the building was a guiding force in all facets of the design process.

Materiality was heavily influenced by the history, resulting in an abundance of raw materials like wood, stone and metal. As for branding, the name Long Story Short refers not only to the rich history of the site, but “also to the building’s layout with one long continuous hall and also to the short-term accommodation it offers.”

Variety of Room Options: Visitors have various room accommodations to choose from, ranging from Private Dorms, Mixed Dorms (4-10 beds), Girls Choice (female-only rooms), and The Big One (master suite). This allows guests to choose the most ideal, comfortable fit for their stay.

Other: Incorporating artwork from local artists and craftsmen; delicate vintage furniture to add character.

Left spread: Mixed dorm Top right: Common space Bottom right: Girls Choice dorm 29

CASE STUDY

ADAPTIVE REUSE The brick building Podkova (Horseshoe) has existed since the 17th century, and has been transformed over the years to blend the historic materials with contemporary furnishings.

TIMELINE 1600s Originally a fort, Locatelli’s bastion.

1800s Military bakery feeding army soldiers.

1997 City floods cause bakery to close.

2017 Doors reopen as Long Story Short.

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CASE STUDY 2

1

Mixed Dorms Private Rooms Communal Space Circulation

1

Top left: Building site Bottom left: In-house cafe Top right: Plan Bottom 1: Lounge Bottom 2: Meeting space

2

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CASE STUDY

DISTINCT BRANDING Aside from the rich historical significance of the adapted space, branding is perhaps the secondmost noteworthy element of the hostel.

Long Story Short’s

playful logo was designed by

Studio Kosatko to provide a unique, distinct identity for the hostel.

The complete branding package

incorporates an elongated “o” shape, which is used in small design details wherever possible.

The consistent use of the logo on signage, toiletry products, merchandise and decorative accessories demonstrates a careful attention to detail that will subconsciously

ingrain

the

brand

identity

into

guests’ memories, making it easily recognizable in future encounters.

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CASE STUDY

KEY TAKEAWAYS Although Long Story Short is not located in Prague, the city of Olomouc shares similar characteristicsit is claimed to be one of the most cultural and historical cities in Czech Republic (after Prague).

The hostel pays homage to its history, something that any well-designed boutique hotel strives to accomplish.

A logo/brand serves as the first impression to the outside world. The originality of the logo design and branding creates a cohesive brand identity, which is crucial to the success of a hotel or hostel.

Mindful material/finish selections complement the historic building are paired with a clean, simple color palette for a bright atmosphere.

Left spread: Branding techniques found throughout hostel Top right: Mixed dorms Bottom right: Private room 33

C A SE STU DY 4

TYPE:

AREA:

In 2016, ODA New York revealed the undertaking

Hotel

LOCATION: FIRM:

T HE BEDFO RD HO T EL

Brooklyn, NY

bar, ground floor restaurant, and various gardens

38,000sf

FOCUS:

commercial lot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, into a five-story, 100-room hotel complete with a rooftop

ODA Architecture

YEAR COMPLETED:

of a new project that would transform a vacant

and In Progress

Concepy, relation to site/location

green

spaces.

The

hotel’s

design,

which

features the repetition of the arch, pulls inspiration directly from Crown Height’s history. The entrance of the building is framed with arches to serve as a reference to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch at Grand Army Plaza, which can be found nearby.

Extensive use of arches is meant to highlight the elements of division and transition, as they separate public and private in a fluid way and “capture the space ‘in between.’”

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PROPOSED PROGRAM + AMENITIES 100 rooms Courtyard Rooftop bar + garden Cafe Public Lounge / Lobby Restaurant

DESIGN FEATURES Response to Site / Neighborhood Influence: As mentioned, the extensive use of arches throughout the design is an ode to the historic architecture of the Brooklyn neighborhood. Similarly, the green spaces and plants found throughout the interior and exterior spaces reference Prospect Park and the tree-lined Eastern Parkway.

Contrast between Public and Private: Materiality plays a huge role in the execution of the concept.

The

blackened

concrete

facade

‘grounds’

the

building, starkly contrasting the interiors covered in whitewashed oak finishes. While the public spaces such as the lobby and courtyard feel dark, there is a sense of serenity instilled the sun-filled private rooms, giving visitors another visible transition from public to private spaces.

Access to Green Spaces/Gardens: Views of natural elements and the outdoors have long been proven to improve productivity and reduce stress in users of

a space.

Easy access to outdoor spaces like

the courtyard and rooftop bar reinforce the fluid transition from interior to exterior emphasized in the design concept.

Other: Minimalist design, clean lines; emphasis on ample natural light in private rooms

Left spread: Courtyard Top right: Arched walkway Borrom right: Private room 35

CASE STUDY

USE OF FORM Maintaining consistent forms with clean lines and curved

arches

throughout

the

space

not

only

reinforces the concept, but this repetition more importantly, when paired with thoughtful materiality, starts to create a cohesive design that can be recognizable amongst hotel guests or passersby, and eventually begins to become a unique destination within the community.

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CASE STUDY

KEY TAKEAWAYS Bedford Hotel has a strong, clear concept that connects this new development to its surrounding buildings, parks and neighborhood history. With a boutique hotel, one must consider its contextual relation to the site- how will this hotel’s unique identity will infuse itself into a history city center without disrupting it?

Materiality is another critical element of the Bedford Hotel that reinforces the concept. The simplicity of materials indicates to guests the physical transition from public to private spaces. This could help with visually indicating which areas of the hotel welcome socialization and community activity, and which should be quieter, more serene areas for guests to rest and recharge.

Left spread: Public lounge Right spread: Private room

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EX PLO RING PRAGUE

C U LT U R E + DEMOGRAPHI C S

With a rich history, vibrant culture, and abundance of landmarks, attractions, and activities, Prague continually attracts thousands of visitors a year to experience its authentic city center and beyond.

POPULATION: 1.3 million

ART & LITERATURE

48.4% MALE

51.6% FEMALE 14%

FOREIGN INHABITANTS

TOURISM

Museums, galleries and street art can be found all over Prague celebrating the past and present day artists, authors and creatives.

ARCHITECTURE From the Gothic architecture of the Astronomical

5th most visited European city in 2017 7,652,761 visitors in 2017 Top Foreign Visitors in 2017:

Clock to Frank Gehry’s deconstructivist Dancing House,

various

architectural

styles

can

be

discovered.

1

Germany

3.9%

PARKS & GARDENS

2

USA

7.2%

20%

of

Prague’s be

is

explored,

covered such

in

Great Britian

6.1%

spaces

4

Russia

5.9%

and botanical gardens, and park palaces.

40

to

area

3

as

green

historical

Left spread: Old Town Square Top: Rooftops of Prague Bottom left: Astronomical Clock Bottom right: Dancing House

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SIT E A N ALYSI S 0

100

200

300

miles

N

GEOGRAPHY

germany

poland

Prague sits in the heart of the Bohemian Basin, which has a ring of mountainous surroundings.

PRAGUE

The Vlata River runs through the city.

Area: 191.5

czech republic

mi²

(Largest city in CR) germany

PRAHA 1

slovakia austria

District Praha 1 is the main city center of Prague, housing most of the remaining “medieval heart”of Prague.

Nearly

all

of

Prague’s

most

notable

attractions are found in this district, distributed throughout the five city districts: Stare Mesto (Old Town), Josefov (Jewish Quarter), Malá Strana

CLIMATE Moderately continental with cold winters and mild or warm summers.

79°F

(Little Quarter/Lesser Town), Nové Mesto (New Town), and Hradcany.

Highest avg. temp (July)

42

29°F

Lowest avg. temp (January)

HRADČANY

JOSEFOV Jewish Quarter

MALÁ STRANA

STARE MĚSTO Old Town

Little Quarter/Lesser Town

NOVÉ MĚSTO New Town

0

0.5

1.0 miles

Above: 10 main districts of Prague Below: Praha 1 city districts

43

1.5

SITE ANALYSIS

4

5

1

9

3 2

7

Vlta

6

va R

iver

8

10

0

0.25 miles

N

1

Site

6

John Lennon Wall

2

Charles Bridge

7

Astronomical Clock

3

The Clementinum and the National Library

8

Old Town Square

4

Rudolfinum Concert Hall

9

The Church of Our Lady before Týn

5

Old Jewish Cemetery

10

The National Theatre

within 0.25 mi

within 0.50 mi

44

0.5

SITE ANALYSIS

G E T T I N G AR O U N D

SITE

Public Tranport Lines Tram Stops

Metro Stops Bus Stops

T H I N G S T O DO

SITE

Restaurants + Shopping

Landmarks + Attractions Museums + Galleries

S U RR O U N DI N G L AN DS C AP E

SITE

Parks

Water

45

B A S E B UI L DI NG A NA LYSI S ADDRESS Alšovo n á b r. 83/ 4, 11 0 00 St a ré Mest o, C zech i a

N

E

N

E

TOTAL SQ. FOOTAGE 21,0 0 0 sf

# OF STORIES: 4

W

S

Summer Solstice

W

S

Winter Solstice

Level 1 Plan

N

Section Cut

46

IMPLI ED S T R UC T UR A L GR I D

E X IS TIN G V E R TIC A L C IR C U L A TIO N

EXISTI NG BA Y W I ND O W S

V O L U M E S TU DY

47

PROG RAM M IN G & PLANNIN G

P R E L IM I NA RY PROGRAMMIN G C R ITE R IA & ADJACENCY MAT RIX

P ROGR A MMI NG

PLAN

CR ITE R IA MAT R I X

SCAL E: 1

PROGRAM

ACCESS

DAYLIGHT PRIORITY

PRIVACY

PLUMBING (Y/N)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Lobby / Reception

Public

Medium

Low

N

Varied seating, clear signage, tech/outlets

Administrative Offices

Staff only

Medium

High

N

Secured, direct access from reception

Locked Luggage Storage

Staff only

Low

High

N

Secured, direct access from reception

Private Guest Rooms

Public

High

High

Y

Ample sunlight, versatile furniture

Shared Guest Bedrooms

Public

High

Medium

Y

Ample sunlight, secured individual storage

Shared Guest Bathrooms

Public

Low

High

Y

Adjacent to shared guest rooms

Library / Reading Room

Public

High

Medium

N

Acoustical treatment

Meeting / Multipurpose Space

Public

Medium

High

N

Flexible furniture for range of layouts/use

Bar / Cafe

Public

Medium

Low

Y

Range of seating, equipment, storage

Lounge(s)

Public

Medium

Low

N

Outlets/tech, range of seating

Community Pantry

Public

Medium

Low

Y

Equipment, storage

Public Restrooms

Public

Low

High

Y

Adjacent to communal spaces, clear signage

Rooftop Terrace

Public

High

Low

N

Lounge/meeting space

Public Laundry

Public

Low

Medium

Y

Clear signage, equipment, organization

Cafe Kitchen

Staff Only

Low

High

Y

Flooring, equipment, storage

Back of House

Staff Only

Low

High

Y

Equipment, storage

Lobby / Reception

12' - 0"

12' - 0"

18' - 0" 12' - 0" 12' - 0"

18' - 0"

23' 18' - 0" 18' - 0"

23' -

23' 23' -

Administrative Offices

23' -

Locked Luggage Storage Private Guest Rooms Shared Guest Bedrooms Shared Guest Bathrooms

23' -

Library / Reading Room Meeting / Multipurpose Space 23' -

Bar / Cafe Lounge(s)

23' -

Community Pantry Public Restrooms

ADJACENCY KEY

Rooftop Terrace Public Laundry

Must

Cafe Kitchen

Should

Back of House

Would be nice

50

B U IL DI NG CODES SU M M ARY OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS BUILDING SPRINKLERED?

1. Assembly (A, A-2, A-3) 2. Business (B)

Yes

3. Residential (R-1) 4. Storage (S, S-1)

TOTAL SQ. FOOTAGE: 21,000sf

USE GROUP

OCCUPANCY FACTORS

Lobby/Reception............................................................... A

............................................................................. 7 net

Administrative Offices. . ...................................................... B

.................................................................... 150 gross

Locked Luggage Storage................................................. S

.................................................................... 300 gross

Private Guest Rooms . . ................................................. R-1

.................................................................... 200 gross

Shared Guest Bedrooms.............................................. R-1

.................................................................... 200 gross

Library/Reading Room................................................. A-3

...........................................................................50 net

Meeting/Multipurpose Space.......................................... B

.................................................................... 150 gross

Bar/Cafe......................................................................... A-2

...........................................................................15 net

Lounge(s) . . .......................................................................... A

..........................................................................15 net

Community Pantry.. ........................................................ A-2

...........................................................................15 net

Public Laundry................................................................... B

.................................................................... 150 gross

Cafe Kitchen ................................................................. A-2

.................................................................... 200 gross

Storage............................................................................ S-1

................................................................... 300 gross

DOORS Clea r fl oor s pace on pu s h s i d e: 6 0 ” Clea r fl oor s pace on pu l l s i d e :

48 ”

ADA compl i ant d i me ns i ons : 36” x 8 0 ”

51

A C C E SSI BI L I TY A C C E SSI BL E DESI G N Designing for disabled users WHAT IS ACCESSIBLE DESIGN? Accessible design refers to the design process where the needs of users with disabilities are considered. With the passage of legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), these specific considerations have become the legal obligation of designers and architects to ensure that the spaces they create are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

SINK CLEARANCES

CLEAR FLOOR SPACE

Examples of accessible design, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

ACCESSIBLE DESIGN IN HOSPITALITY Items to consider supplying in Accessible Rooms: + Adding power strips on the desk to ensure outlets are accessible + Placement of furniture to allow wheelchair access to all areas of room + Provide a card explaining why things may vary from a standard room design

BED CONSIDERATIONS: + Space on the side for a wheelchair - 36” + Height of wheelchair seat (20”) = height of mattress

RESTAURANTS + Minimum aisle width - 36”

52

U N I VERSA L DESI G N Design for all WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN? Different from accessible design, “Universal Design refers to the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.” (Synopsis of the Disability Act, 2005.) The main reason for practicing Universal Design is to make spaces and environments more universally accessible and usable to all.

7 PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN

1

2

Equitable use

5

The design is useful and marketable to

The design minimizes hazards and the

people with diverse abilities.

adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Flexibility in use The design accommodates a wide range

6

of individual preferences and abilities.

3

comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.

Simple and intuitive regardless

of

the

Low physical effort The design can be used efficiently,

Use of the design is easy to understand,

4

Tolerance for error

user’s

experience,

7

Size and space for approach and use Appropriate size and space is provided for

knowledge, language skills, or current

approach, reach, manipulation, and use

concentration level.

regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

Perceptible information The

design

information

communicates effectively

to

necessary the

user,

regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS IN GUEST ROOMS Shower Features:

Bathroom Features:

Adjustable height bar for shower nozzle

Maximum sink height - 34”

Hand held nozzle with level handle faucet

Knee space under sink

Bench within reach of faucet

Mirror at proper height from seated position

Grab bars

Lever faucet handle

Shelves for toiletries

Grab bars

Ceramic tile floor

53

18' - 0"

12' - 0"

18' - 0"

12' - 0"

14' -14' 0" - 0"

12' -12' 0" - 0"

P L A N P ROTOTYPES

18' - 0"

12' - 0"

23' - 0"

14' - 0"

12' - 0"

23' - 0"

Standard kitchen appliances Pantry storage Island with bar height seating Dining area

23' - 0"

ADMIN OFFICE

18' -18' 0" - 0"

COMMUNITY PANTRY

11' - 6"

13' - 0"

10' - 6" 13' -13' 6" - 6"

18' - 0"

23' - 0" 19' - 5" 23' - 0"

Desk chair (2) Guest chairs Desk with return Overhead Storage

23' - 0"

PUBLIC LAUNDRY

4-BUNK SHARED

13' - 6"

Washers + dryers for guest use Utility sink Temporary storage 19' - 5" Tables for folding laundry

54

Sleeps four Roll-out underbed storage (1 per bed) Pull-down desk Vanity sink

12' - 0"

10' - 6"

13' - 0"

19' - 5"

QUEEN PRIVATE

Queen bed Roll-out underbed storage Banquette/side table 21' - 10 3/4" Closet Desk/Vanity Private bathroom

21' - 0 3/4" 21' - 0 3/4"

Queen bed Roll-out underbed storage Banquette/side table Closet Private bathroom (ADA accessible)

15' - 8" 15' - 8"

DOUBLE TWIN PRIVATE (ADA) 15' - 8"

QUEEN PRIVATE (ADA)

21' - 0 3/4"

15' - 8"

15' - 8"

21' - 10 3/4"

15' - 8"

13' - 6"

10' - 0"

21' - 10 21' 3/4"- 10 3/4"

55

Twin beds Roll-out underbed storage (1 per bed) Side table Desk/Vanity Closet Private bathroom (ADA accessible)

15' - 8"

Twin beds Roll-out underbed storage (1 per bed) Private bathroom 19' - 5" Closet Desk/Vanity

10' - 0"

DOUBLE TWIN PRIVATE

10' - 0"

18' - 0"

19' - 5" 19' - 5"

13' - 0"

11' - 6"

19' - 5"

13' - 0"

10' - 6"

10' - 6"

Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

10' - 6"

11' - 6" 11' - 6"

10' - 0"

19' - 5" 19' - 5"

RELAT ED RES EARCH

HU M A N BEHAVI ORA L RESE ARC H PROXEMIC THEORY Spatial Perception

I NT I MA T E S P AC E 1½ ft P E RSO NA L S P ACE 4 ft SO C I A L S P ACE 12 ft

P UB L I C S P ACE 25 ft

WHAT IS IT? The term “proxemics” was coined by Edward Hall, and is concerned with the study of use of space and various territories associated with perception of space. Hall implies that the perception of the level of intimacy of a space is determined culturally. Basically, people from different cultures perceive space differently. This behavior relies heavily on observation and experience to learn acceptable spatial distances, as they can be unique to each individual.

Main territories associated with proxemics: 1

Body Territory: personal space

In order to ensure that all users feel comfortable in

2

Primary Territory: one’s home, car, or

perceptions of space where guests traveling to from

other living space

different parts of the world.

Secondary Territory: reserved for

In a hospitality setting, this requires a clear divide

3

particular individuals (ex: school,

APPLICATION TO DESIGN

office) 4

Public Territory: space open to anyone (ex: park, shopping mall)

a space, one must understand the varying cultural

between

public

and

private

spaces,

as

well

as a variety of zones within the public areas to accommodate

for

between individuals.

58

various

levels

of

closeness

BRUNSWIK’S PROBABILISTIC LENS THEORY Theory of Environmental Perception - Research Collaboration with Kristen Falk

Accuracy

+

Cue

Cue Perception

Environment

Cue

Cue

WHAT IS IT? The Probabilistic Lens Model explores the relationship between the

environment and the perceiving,

cognizing organism. First proposed by Egon Brunswik, the theory implies that every day, we make inferences based on our own observations. Essentially, the model explores how people and organisms “perceive the environments they live in.” Brunswik theorized that typically, we do not experience objects and qualities directly from an environment. Rather than perceiving the environment objectively, we will use cues to makes inferences about the properties of an object. In the end, the accuracy of the judgment can be measured against the original criterion.

APPLICATION TO DESIGN Not every user may be able to decipher what type of space they have entered upon immediate arrival. This may be due to lack of “cues” in the space, or unfamiliarity with that certain type of environment (ex: a child may be unfamiliar with what a hospital or healthcare facility looks like, due to lack of experience in the space). The design of a space can incorporate more “cues” as to what type of space it is through design elements such as signage, manipulation of scale, etc.

In the example illustration above, the perceiving organism picks up on cues (the uniform of employees, Red Cross symbol on building, ambulance) to infer that they are outside of a hospital.

59

E X T E N DED RESEARCH USE OF HOTEL AMENITIES Research Collaboration with Sarah McCurdy and Jennalee Rowden Extended research was conducted in small teams to deeper explore an aspect of the hospitality industry that would inform each team member’s thesis. For this research assignment, our team sought feedback from travelers on which hotel amenities may be under utilized within both private and public spaces of the hotel.

We began with precedent human behavioral research, a case study followed by an interview, and finally conducted an online survey.

TIMELINE 2 weeks

RESEARCH METHODS USED

OUTREACH METHODS

1. Case Study

Social media (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram)

2. Interview

LinkedIn/Professional networks

3. Survey

Direct emails and messages to family/friends

SU R V E Y + RESULTS The online survey was the main focus of this research assignment. The survey consisted of 12 questions with a variation of multiple choice, open-ended, and “check all that apply” questions. The survey received over 200 responses in 1 week, with most respondents falling in the 18-24 year age range (46%) and the 45-54 year age range (27%). Respondents specified that they traveled for various reasons (business, leisure, and sightseeing).

What type of lodging do you typically choose when you What travel? is most important to you when selecting a lodging accommodation?

What type of lodging do you typically choose when you travel?

What is most important to you when selecting a lodging accommodation?

60

Do Doyou youtypically typicallytravel travelalone aloneoror with withpeople? people?

Are Areyou youlooking lookingtotomeet meetnew newpeople people while whileyou youtravel? travel?

Do you typically travel alone or with people?

Are you looking to meet new people while you travel?

Which guest room amenities are important to you?

Check all that apply.

PRIVATE ROOM AMENITIES Which guest room amenities are important to you? Check all that apply.

M OST POPU LA R COM M U NAL A M EN I TI ES: 1. Breakfast/Coffee Bar 2. Restaurant/Bar 3. Pool or Fitness Center

ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK

DESIGN IMPLICATIONS

85% of responses said they DID notice if their

1

Consider mindful design elements to reflect

lodging accommodations reflected the local culture

local culture that connect visitors to their

of the area.

travel destination.

Any additional input on your ideal lodging experience?

2

Amenities

centered

around

food

(cafes,

restaurants, etc.) as a social experience seem to be most desirable.

+ Room Service + Customer Service

3

+ Cleanliness

Communal spaces should cater to a range of interaction/noise levels (ex: refuge spaces

+ Spacious room with comfortable furniture

for small group interactions to complement

+ Ambiance of local surroundings, amenities

high activity areas).

not as important + Proximity to local experiences

61

C O L O R RESEARCH

Hotel Providence, Paris

C O L O R I N HOTEL DESI G N Light colors = perceived as airy, make room feel bright and spacious Dark colors = allude to sense of sophistication and intimacy

APPLICATIONS Blue

Green

Commonly used in bedrooms and bathrooms for its

Hotels

universal association with feelings of calmness and

incorporate more greens due to its refreshing nature

serenity.

and vibrancy.

Purple Can be used in rooms with high ceilings or reflective surfaces to add drama to atmosphere Yellow Effective to use in work or conversation nooks as a stimulating color.

that

target

a

younger

audience

may

Red Consider limiting to accent color, except in places where conversation and dining occur.

Neutrals Used to balance more vivid hues and colors.

62

IM PACT OF COL OR How do humans react to color?

WARM COLORS

COOL COLORS

Reds, oranges, yellows

Blues, greens, purples

Associated with active emotional states

Associated with restful emotional states

Feelings of excitement and happiness

Generally make people feel secure and relaxed

Stimulating

Calming

C U LTURAL PERCEPTI O N S O F C O LO R Understanding how color associations and symbolism vary from culture to culture is an important aspect of design, especially in hotel design where users are traveling from all over the world.

COLOR SYMBOLISM IN EUROPE Yellow

Purple

happiness, joy, quality, weakness, warning

royalty, nobility, luxury, power, vanity

Blue

Pink

truth, responsibility, fidelity, serenity

femininity, delicate, sensitivity, serenity

Red

Brown

cheapness, visibility, loudness

masculinity, earth

Orange

White

purity, cleanliness, good

purity, cleanliness, emptiness, neutrality

Green

Black

nature, fertility, confidence, jealousy,

mourning, death, formality, elegance,

inexperience

sophistication

63

E N VIR O N MENTA L RESPONSIBILIT Y

G E N E R AL TI PS F OR SU S TA IN A BL E PRACTI CES Maximize the efficient use of space.

Use energy-efficient construction methods and design materials.

Use locally sourced materials produced in a

M AT ERIALS Using locally sourced materials in a project not only promotes sustainable practices, but also creates a connection between the design and the region.

CZECH’S NATURAL RESOURCES:

socially responsible manner.

Timber

Graphite

Use reclaimed or recycled materials to

Soft coal

Clay

Hard coal

Kaolin

reduce waste.

Use energy-efficient lighting.

64

DE S I GNI NG WI TH WELL The WELL Building Standard The WELL Building Standard “explores how design, operations and behaviors within the places where we live, work, learn and play can be optimized to advance human health and well-being.” The standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing through 7 concepts, discussed below.

CONCEPTS

Air “Promoting clean air and reducing or minimizing sources of indoor air pollution.”

Fitness “Promoting the integration of physical activity into everyday life by providing the opportunities and support for an active lifestyle and discouraging sedentary behaviors.”

Water “Promoting safe and clean water through the implementation of proper filtration techniques and regular testing in order for building occupants to receive optimal quality of water for various uses.”

Comfort “Establishing requirements designed to create distraction-free, productive and comfortable indoor environments.”

Nourishment “Requiring the availability of fresh, wholesome foods, limits unhealthy ingredients and encourages better eating habits and food culture.”

Mind “Optimizing cognitive and emotional health through design, technology and treatment strategies.”

Light “Providing guidelines that minimize disruption to the body’s circadian system, enhance productivity, support good sleep quality and provide appropriate visual acuity.”

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED is a globally recognized certification that provides a framework for creating healthy, highly efficient,

cost-saving

green

buildings.

Certain

materials specified in a project (ie: upholstery) may contribute to LEED certification.

65

Catergories for credit

Sustainable Sites Location and Transportation Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation Regional Priority

TE R M A L, A COUSTI CA L , I ND O O R AIR QUALIT Y CO N CERNS

THE RMA L CO MFORT Thermal comfort can be defined as “the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment.� Thermal comfort is subjective and varies based on the individual.

VARIABLES Ambient temperature (air temperature) Radiant temperature (surface temperature) Relative humidity Air movement Metabolic rate (amount of energy expended) Clothing insulation

Design temperature and humidity standards for hotel spaces, based on CIBSE recommendations

IN D OOR AI R Q U AL I TY The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks

COMMON CONCERNS

indoor air pollution as one of the top environmental

Odors

threats to human health. Since hotels are consistently being inhabited by new guests on a day-to-day basis, the main priority is ensuring the safety of all occupants, from guests to employees.

Poor indoor air quality can have negative impacts

VOCs in cleaning supplies Perfumes in bathrooms Airborne germs in high-traffic areas

SOURCES OF INDOOR POLLUTION

on employee health, guest satisfaction, and repeat

Materials used in the fabric of buildings

business.

Carpets and soft furnishings Smoking Cleaning chemicals and the use of perfumes

60%

of consumers will give better

ratings to hotels with high IAQ and

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS Air purifiers in guest rooms

robust sustainability efforts.

Use of green cleaning products

(Expedia, 2012)

Increased source control and ventilation

66

A C O U STI CS Most guests in a hotel are there for the purpose of resting, sleeping, meeting and working. Noise disturbances from both interior and exterior sources can have a huge impact on user satisfaction. There are certain necessary standards that must be incorporated in the design of hotels in order to provide guests with a comfortable experience.

POTENTIAL SOURCES OF NOISE

CONSIDERATIONS

Guest activity (talking)

Use absorptive surfaces to optimize speech privacy and reduce noise build up in public spaces

Electronics/appliances (TV, alarm clock, HVAC)

Increase insulation in wall construction

Hallway sounds (ice machines, elevators, doors)

Design for quiet areas in public zones for various events

Building’s surrounding environment

SPEECH PRIVACY

67

68

V O L. II Design

69

70

Statement Upon entry to a hotel, each visitor should be presented with an experience they have never seen or felt before. The boutique hotel stands as a microcosm of its location, capturing the essence of Prague’s sights, sounds, and colors. It aims to become a desired destination for both old and new travelers and accustomed locals, conjuring the same sense of community reflected outside its doors.

71

72

INSPIRATION & SITE

76

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Concept Statement

83

Form studies

84

Massing Diagrams

87

SCHEMATICS & DESIGN Floor Plans

90

Reception and the Atrium

94

Communal Amenities

96

Private Rooms

98

Focus: Microliving

100

FINISHES & BRANDING

104

PROCESS: PIN UPS

112

SOURCES

117

73

I NSPIRAT IO N & S IT E

IN SP IR AT I ON When considering what aspects of Prague’s history and culture would create a meaningful connection between the hotel employees, guests, and the geographic location, one must identify and examine what the we humans value- whether that be nature, art, music, or architecture.

Gothic architecture is abundantly found throughout Prague’s historic neighborhoods, employed in both sacred spaces and secular buildings. Engineering innovations allowed for more cavernous spaces.

Towers and spires became taller, windows and glass panes more extensive, and the atmosphere

spires and elements allude upward

within these spaces instilled a striking sense of ethereal beauty.

Hotel Zuru aims to capture the essence of the influential Gothic elements and principles that have played a large role in shaping the character of the Prague.

emphasis on verticality

sculptural details

76

IN SPI RATI ON Breaking down principles and elements of Gothic Architecture

D ra wi n g eyes u p wa rd

“ A L L U DI N G T O T H E HEAVENS”

Em p h a si zi n g vert i ca l el em en t s

S P I RE S &

La n d m a rk st ru ct ure , d ra wi n g p eo p l e t o wa rd El o n g a t ed , t a l l er

T O WE RS

E X TE N S I V E U S E O F

Tra nsp a ren cy , va ryi n g d eg rees o f o p en n ess

GLASS

C L U S T E RE D

G ro u p s o f l i nea r el em ent s / wa l l t rea t m en t

COLUMNS

Al l o wed f o r m o re ca vern o u s sp a ces

FL YI N G

Wa l l t h i ckn esses red u ced

B U T T RE S S E S

Mo re n a t ura l l i g ht

L A RG E R

Feel i n g s o f sp a ci o u sness

WI N DO WS

Asym m et ry

L A T I N C RO S S

S l i g h t l y o f f a xi s

PLAN

Tel l i n g a vi su a l st o ry

STAINED

Fra g m en t s, ri ch co l o rs

GLASS

SE NSE O F S T RU C T U RA L

S l en d er l eg s o n f u rn i t u re p i eces

WEIGHTLESSNESS

Avo i d b o t t o m - h ea vy el em en t s, a p p ea r “f l o a t i n g ”

T RA C E RY ,

S cu l p t u ra l f o rm s, g ra cef ul l i n ewo rk

RIBBED VAULTS

77

SIT E IN F L UENCE

surrounding notable gothic architecture

N

THE OLD NEW SYNAGOGUE

2

STONE BELL HOUSE

3

THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY BEFORE TÝN

OLD TOWN SQUARE

4

OLD TOWN BRIDGE TOWER OF CHARLES BRIDGE

1

SITE

0

0.25 mi

78

1

3

2

4

access to site

P

SITE

pedestrian circulation

79

points of entry

CONCEPT DEV ELO PM EN T

82

Concept Statement Inspired by the abundance of Gothic architecture found in Prague’s historic neighborhoods, Hotel Zuru (meaning “upwards” in Czech) embodies the influential elements that have helped shaped the character of the city. As seen dispersed along the Prague skyline, spires sit atop churches and building towers as small landmarks gesturing toward the sky. Gothic spires became elongated and slender, alluding upward toward the heavens. In the hotel, central vertical circulation serves as the symbolic “spire,” becoming a landmark for visitors to effortlessly facilitate connections between the different floors and amenities.

Employing other characteristic elements of Gothic architecture, there is a strong emphasis placed on verticality, spaciousness and natural light. A fullheight atrium, generous use of glass, sculptural forms and design details implying structural weightlessness work together to communicate the same cavernous atmosphere you experience in Gothic spaces, within the hotel.

83

PROCESS Form studies and process work

84

85

86

P R O CESS Conceptual massing diagrams

EXISTING SHELL

AXIS SLIGHTLY OFF-CENTER INFORMS VOID

INSERT LANDMARK

VOID DICTATES ATRIUM

ESTABLISH CIRCULATION

87

SCHEM AT IC S & DES IGN

10

5

3

3

10

5

2

8

8

9

1

6 4

7

LEVEL 01 NTS

N

LEVEL 01 PROGRAM 1

Main Entry

5

Administrative Offices

9

Back of House Kitchen

2

Reception

6

Lounge / Waiting Area

10

Egress Circulation

3

Luggage Storage

7

Restaurant

4

Meeting Space

8

Public Restrooms

90

11

11

7

4 OPEN TO BELOW

9 10 8 6

3 1

2

3

5

LEVEL 02 NTS

N

LEVEL 02 PROGRAM 1

Library / Reading Room

5

Shared Double (3 beds, ADA)

9

Janitor’s Closet

2

Private Queen (ADA)

6

Shared Bunk (2 beds)

10

Storage

3

Shared Bunk Rooms (4 beds)

7

Private King

11

Egress Circulation

4

Private Queen

8

Public Restroom (ADA)

91

11

4

11

7 OPEN TO BELOW

9 10 8 6

3 1

2

3

5

LEVEL 03 NTS

N

LEVEL 03 PROGRAM 1

Community Pantry

5

Shared Double (3 beds, ADA)

9

Janitor’s Closet

2

Private Queen (ADA)

6

Shared Bunk (2 beds)

10

Public Laundry

3

Shared Bunk Rooms (4 beds)

7

Private King

11

Egress Circulation

4

Private Queen

8

Public Restroom (ADA)

92

11

4

11

7 OPEN TO BELOW

9 10 8 6

3 1

2

3

5

LEVEL 04 NTS

N

LEVEL 04 PROGRAM 1

Entertainment Lounge

5

Shared Double (3 beds, ADA)

9

Janitor’s Closet

2

Private Queen (ADA)

6

Shared Bunk (2 beds)

10

Laundry (Staff Only)

3

Shared Bunk Rooms (4 beds)

7

Private King

11

Egress Circulation

4

Private Queen

8

Public Restroom (ADA)

93

R E C E P TI ON AND THE ATRI UM The

full-height

atrium

houses

two

important

functional elements: the landmark staircase and the reception area. Guests approach the reception desk, situated to be reminscient of an altar at the end of the nave (in a church), which sits beneath a skylight, flooding the atrium with light. Slender panels of semi-frosted glass enclose the atrium, emphasizing a sense of verticality intended to draw guests’ eyes upward regardless of which level they are on.

circulation as the “spire”

view of landmark circulation from second level

94

reception

95

C O M M U NA L AMENI TI ES Hotel Zuru aims to be a destination for all. Each floor offers a different communal amenity in order to encourage exploration throughout the entire hotel.

In the same way that spires sit atop cathedrals and buildings as a beacon to call people forth, the feature stair, wrapped around an inconspicuous elevator, serves as the central landmark to draw users to this means of circulation. The stair facilitates the connection between the four floors, each offering insight to an aspect of the local Prague culture such as history, cuisine, and entertainment.

4

3

2

1

96

restaurant

The restaurant maintains a direct connection to the

abstracted stained glass. Linearity is reinforced with

rest of the first level for a more open, airy feel with

elements such as a fluted stone base under the

full height ceilings. Lighter finishes and stonework

banquette seating, and furniture pieces have more

contrast the black mullions framing the feature glass

slender, feminine linework to portray the idea of

partition walls, meant to communicate the idea of

“structural weightlessness.”

AMENITIES BY FLOOR 1

2

Re s t a u r a n t / Lo u n g e

3

C o m m u n i t y P a n t ry

Restaurant offers local cuisine in a more formal

Full kitchen and pantry space with dining area. Offers

setting with breakfast, lunch and dinner options for

opportunity to participate in cooking classes to learn

all-day dining.

about and experience local cuisine.

Li b r a r y / Re a d i n g Ro o m

4

E n t ert a i n m en t L o u n g e

Library and workspace with extensive collection

Casual lounge setting with range of seating postures

of readings and resources to delve into Prague’s

and large TV for viewing movies, sporting events,

history, culture and literature.

local news, and more.

97

P R IVAT E ROOMS Employing a similar design language to the public spaces, linear wall treatments emphasize the idea of verticality, and finishes remain light and airy with a slightly more residential aesthetic.

private queen room

98

entry to private room

99

E L E M E NTS OF MI CROL I VI N G Micro-living emphasizes more efficient use of less physical space and encourages purposeful design solutions. By implementing elements of micro-living into the design of hotel guest rooms, private spaces become more functional and allow more square footage to be used to incorporate unique, mixeduse amenities throughout the hotel.

100

B

A

C

D

FEATURES A

B

Maximize use of vertical storage space (hooks,

C

Vanity/sink separate from bathroom to double

shelving) to free up floor space and minimize

as writing surface, with additional storage for

visual clutter.

small personal items.

Large mirrors to reflect light and make room appear more spacious.

D

Versatile,

functional

furniture

pieces

(ie:

banquette doubles as side table) that can be easily moved around.

101

F I NI SHES & BRAN DING

F IN IS HE S Finishes pull inspiration from both the materiality used in Gothic architecture and the local materials of Prague. Stone is commonly used in Gothic spaces, shaped into intricate tracery details, while upholstered textiles and oak wood are used to soften the palette and add color.

104

105

B R A N DIN G Hotel Zuru’s branding further abstracts elements of Gothic architecture, with the logo taking the shape of the simplest form reminiscent of a spire- a single, slender line, which can be applied to signage, amenity packaging, and various other elements throughout to reinforce the brand.

The hotel’s name, “Zuru,” comes from the translation of the word “upwards” to the Czech language (vzhuru) and then was simplified to its phonetic pronunciation.

logo / motif development

ORIGINAL “Z” FROM FULL LOGO

STRETCH VERTICALLY

ROTATE TO AXIS

TRIM

potential applications

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FINAL LOGO ECHOES SPIRE WITH SHADOW

hotel

ZURU

business card ideation

PRAGUE

custom Prague guide book

107

PRO CES S : PIN UPS

25%

112

50%

113

75%

114

100%

115

116

S O URC ES Research + Design

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RES E A R C H

CASE STUDIES (CONT.)

INTRODUCTION

2. Arlo Hotels

Thesis Topic British Property Federation, & JLL (2017). Micro Living

Defined. Retrieved from http://residential.jll. co.uk/micro-living-defined-download Cloros, A. (2018, April 17). The importance of venue

design. Retrieved from https://www.hospitality magazine.com.au/the-importance-of-design-in venues/ Dev, C. S., Hamilton, R. W., Rust, R. T., & Valenti, M. V.

(2018). What Do Hotel Guests Really Want?

Anticipated Versus Actual Use of Amenities.

Cornell Hospitality Report, 18(8), 1-24.

Hill, M. (n.d.). Guest Room Design. Retrieved from https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.lib.vt.edu/ doi/pdf/10.1177/001088047301300407 Kopec, D. A. (2012). Environmental psychology for design.

New York: Fairchild Books.

Images/Icons: https://www.behance.net/gallery/69400595/People-FlatIllustration

Images: https://www.interiordesign.net/projects/12539-avrokomasterminds-the-micro-hotel-with-arlo-hudson-square/ http://www.avroko.com/blog/projects/arlo-nomad/ https://www.arlohotels.com/ 3. Long Story Short About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2018, from http://www.longstoryshort.cz/en-about-us Long Story Short Hostel. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15,

2018, from http://denisastrmiskova.com/long story-short-hostel Treffinger, S. (2017, November 14). Denisa Strmiskovà

Studio Transforms Czech Military Fort Into Chic

Hostel. Retrieved November 27, 2018, from https://www.interiordesign.net/projects/14112 denisa-strmiskova-studio-transforms-czech military-fort-into-chic-hostel/ Images: http://denisastrmiskova.com/long-story-short-hostel http://www.studiokosatko.cz/long-story-short https://www.archiweb.cz/en/b/long-story-short-hostel http://www.longstoryshort.cz

CASE STUDIES

4. The Bedford Hotel

1. Carmel Place

ODA-Architecture The Bedford Hotel. (n.d.). Retrieved

September 15, 2018, from http://www.oda architecture.com/interiors/bedford-hotel

Budds, D. (2015, December 14). Micro Apartments:

Utopia or Dystopia? Retrieved September 15,

2018, from https://www.fastcompanycom/3054518/ micro-apartments-utopia-or-dystopia Carmel Place - AIA. (2017). Retrieved September 15,

2018, from https://www.aia.org/showcases/25486 carmel-place Carmel Place. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2018, from http://narchitects.com/work/carmel-place/ Images: https://www.aia.org/showcases/25486-carmel-place https://www.world-architects.com/en/architecture-news/ reviews/carmel-place-1 https://www.area-arch.it/en/carmel-place/ http://narchitects.com/work/carmel-place/ https://archpaper.com/2016/09/micro-apartments-newyork-city/#gallery-0-slide-13 2. Arlo Hotels Arlo Nomad. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2018, from http://www.avroko.com/blog/projects/arlonomad/ Kim, S. (2016, September 12). Introducing the ‘Micro hotel’ - the world’s coolest and chicest budget

boltholes. Retrieved September 15, 2018, from https://www.arlohotels.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2017/07/Introducing-the-Micro-hotel-the-world’s coolest-and-chicest-budget-boltholes.pdf Loos, T. (2016, November 29). AvroKO Masterminds the

Micro Hotel With Arlo Hudson Square. Retrieved

September 15, 2018, from https://www.interior design.net/projects/12539-avroko-masterminds the-micro-hotel-with-arlo-hudson-square/

Images: https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/bedfordhotel_o https://ny.curbed.com/2018/3/1/17067728/oda-crownheights-hotel-arches-renderings http://www.oda-architecture.com/interiors/bedford-hotel

EXPLORING PRAGUE Annual Reports: Prague City Tourism. (2017). Retrieved

from https://www.praguecitytourism.cz/en/pct/ annual-reports Best placed to grow? European cities hotel forecast for

2018 and 2019. (2018, April). Retrieved from https: //www.pwc.com/gx/en/hospitality-leisure/assets/ european-cities-hotel-forecast-2018-2019.pdf Characteristic of the Capital City of Prague. (n.d.).

Retrieved from https://www.czso.cz/documents/ 10180/20557405/101011-10char_eng.pdf/2deba b5e-a8cc-4874-b126-9936039a285a?version=1.0 Prague Geography. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www. prague.com/v/geography/ Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/92958473@N02/9607050011 https://heleneinbetween.com/2017/12/perfect-3-daysprague-travel-guide.html https://www.thewanderblogger.com/old-town-square-prague/ https://theculturetrip.com/europe/czech-republic/articles/ the-most-impressive-buildings-in-prague/

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PROGRAMMING & PLANNING

RELATED RESEARCH CONT.

International Building Code. (2018). International Code Council.

Explore the Standard. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:// www.wellcertified.com/en/explore-standard?_ ga=2.52432046.700483189.1543540068-160788 9142.1512496797

Accessible Design ADA Standards for Accessible Design. (n.d.). Retrieved

from https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_in dex.htm

LEED. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://new.usgbc.org/leed

Universal Design

Air Quality in Hotels. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cadence

keen.com/sites/default/files/Air Quality Hotels. pdf

Burgstahler, S. (2015, January 26). Universal Design: Process, Principles, and Applications. Retrieved from https:// www.washington.edu/doit/universal-design-process-principles-and-applications Definition and overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/Definition-and-Overview/ Rossetti, R. (2009, May 15). A Universal Design Approach for the Hospitality Industry. Retrieved from https://www.udll. com/a/programs/handouts/2009-05-15_Hospitality-Design-Expo-Handout_Rosemarie-Rossetti-PhD.pdf The 7 Principles. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://universaldesign. ie/What-is-Universal-Design/The-7-Principles/

RELATED RESEARCH Human Behavioral Research Miyamoto, J. (2017, October 3). The Lens Model and Lin

ear Models of Judgment. Retrieved from https:// faculty.washington.edu/jmiyamot/p466/hnd02-1. p466.a17.pdf Proxemics. (2013, January 29). Retrieved from http://www. communicationstudies.com/communication-theo ries/proxemics Sheppard, M. (1996, July). Proxemics. Retrieved from https ://www.cs.unm.edu/~sheppard/proxemics.htm Wolf, B. (2005, October 10). Brunswik’s original lens mod

el. Retrieved from https://www.albany.edu/cpr/ brunswik/notes/WolfOriginalLens2005.pdf Color Research International Color Symbolism. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.six-degrees.com/pdf/Internation al-Color-Symbolism-Chart.pdf RiosVelasco, C. (n.d.). Color and Visual Comfort (W. Lang

& A. McClain, Eds.). Retrieved from https://soa. utexas.edu/sites/default/disk/urban_ecosystems/ urban_ecosystems/09_03_fa_kwallek_riosvelas co_ml.pdf Velasquez, I. (n.d.). Hotel Interior Design: The Psychology

of Color and 2018 Trends. Retrieved from https:// www.fohlio.com/blog/hotel-interior-design-part-1 -color-psychology-2018-trends/ Environmental Responsibility + Materials Czech Republic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://darwin.bio. uci.edu/sustain/h90/CzechRebublic.htm Knox, N. (2015, April 2). What is WELL? Retrieved from https://www.usgbc.org/articles/what-well

Thermal, Indoor Air Quality, Acoustics

Bohdanowicz, P., & Martinac, I. M. (n.d.). Thermal Comfort

and Energy Saving in the Hotel Industry.

Dryfhout, J. (2016, April 18). How to Improve Hotel Indoor

Air Quality - Lodging. Retrieved from https:// lodgingmagazine.com/how-to-improve-hotel-in door-air-quality/ Indoor Air Quality. (2007, June 23). Retrieved from http:// www.greenhotelier.org/our-themes/indoor-air quality/ Newitt, V. (2014, August 20). Focusing on Acoustics Can

Improve Guests’ Comfort. Retrieved from https:// lodgingmagazine.com/focusing-on-acoustics-can improve-guests-comfort/ Raish, J. (n.d.). Thermal Comfort: Designing for People

(W. Lang & A. McClain, Eds.). Retrieved from https://soa.utexas.edu/sites/default/disk/urban_ ecosystems/urban_ecosystems/09_03_fa_fergu son_raish_ml.pdf Weissenburger, J. (2004, February). Room-to-Room Privacy

and Acoustical Design Criteria. Retrieved from http://www.sandv.com/downloads/0402weis.pdf Xiaotu, L. (n.d.). Acoustical Standards and Guest Room

Isolation in Hotels. Retrieved from https:// ac.els-cdn.com/0003682X88900187/1-s2.0 0003682X88900187-main.pdf?_tid=147a6ca4 b3ad-4085-83f7-4d40482ca716&acdnat=15436 34964_edde2fbb3d6afcff5fc980ba880f033f

DESI GN INSPIRATION & SITE Images: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/gothic-buildingsprague https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27866091414445586/ https://www.praguecityline.com/prague-monuments/oldnew-synagogue https://www.travelyesplease.com/travel-blog-prague-oldtown/

FINISHES Images: https://www.reckli.com/en/products/concrete-patterns/ribswaves/reckli-147-rib-type-p/ http://socks-studio.com/2015/03/30/serialised-reliefs-byjan-schoonhoven-1950s-1990s/ http://www.hbftextiles.com/wrappedpanelsystemspanel/CrewCut-zid899-Master.html

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