Biophilic design: Hotel trends in interesting times

Biophilic design:

Hotel trends in interesting times

Out of crisis comes opportunity...

The past few months have thrown the hotel industry into turmoil that has challenged and focussed the need to be more relevant than ever.

Australia and New Zealand have an opportunity to be a key destinations for travel once the world opens again, and to that end, we should make sure we are ready for business and can meet the relevant, changed social dynamics and traveller demands.

How has the post-COVID world shifted tourism and influenced hotel design? Here are some key trends…

Less is more.

The rise of experiences as essential. Returning to a simpler way of life has been one of the shifts that has occurred through these strange times. Coupled with millennials’ awareness of care for the planet, the design trend is heading back to minimalism with a sustainable focus. Overt materialism is now a turn-off.

This has manifested not only in the elimination of singleuse plastics for guestroom amenities in lieu of bulk refillable dispensers, well-designed of course, but also the elimination of guestroom non-essentials, such as leaflets, sewing kits, and

Vee Kessner, Space Studio

the like. In the spirit of hospitality, these may still be available upon request like stocking up a minibar. However, guests no longer demand endless consumption of electricity. Including a bar fridge in every guestroom, to be replaced in the next refurbishment cycle, is no longer necessary. Consider every aspect of the room: what is essential? Craft that with care.

New standards of hygiene and interaction, sanitation and density.

As we all emerge from various levels of isolation with a heightened sense of hygiene, the impact on design in hotels will be felt.

Simple solutions may include well-designed sanitation stations integrated into various areas

of the hotel; a heightened importance of a towelling ritual on arrival; the ability for less density in restaurants and bars; and, a complete review of how shared food stations or buffets will be managed. Buffets are in for a revamp to ensure better standards of hygiene and control over open food areas.

Seamless technology

This period of isolation has only enhanced reliance on technology. The appeal of contactless registration and checkout, contactless access to rooms through the use of your device and the ability to access hotel offerings through apps is appealing in the new era of hyper hygiene awareness: this should be carefully balanced with an increased desire for digital privacy.

While artificial intelligence can be used to monitor guest behaviours and present options to them, this should be balanced

with a respect for their privacy.

Consider wireless device charging stations throughout the hotel: in-room but also in shared co-working and leisure spaces. The ability to support streaming of one’s own content, keyless entry, contactless payment, digital control of lighting, temperature, etc., are also worth considering.

Technology is becoming more reliable in this area and new-build properties should be integrating their systems to prepare for a brave new wifi-centred world.

Solo travel: an emerging trend

This drives several key design considerations for operators, such as creating meeting spaces within the hotel for informal interaction, a homely atmosphere for socialising in common areas, and providing social activities to encourage solo guest engagement and interactions.

A focus on wellness is a wellestablished trend in hotel design that has resulted in better gyms, in-room exercise options, and healthy food options. Biophilic design is becoming a key consideration in creating interiors that provide for a wider concept of wellness that can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, and improve wellbeing as the world continues to urbanise. In its fullness, the concept goes well beyond the simple visual connection with nature. Three key constructs influence how this key design trend will be realised:

1. Bringing nature into the space

Direct visual connection;

Auditory, olfactory, haptic or gustatory stimuli;

Thermal and airflow variability: subtle changes in air temperature, humidity, and airflow across the skin;

The presence of water through hearing or touch;

Dynamic and diffuse light varying the light intensity and creating light and shadow that change over time.

2. References to nature

Biomorphic patterns, textures, and forms;

Material connection with

materials that reflect natural ecology and geology.

3. The nature of the space

Unimpeded views allowing for surveillance and distance balanced with areas of ‘refuge’ providing a secure space secluded from the main flow of activity.

A sense of mystery or areas to be explored and discovered that draw one deeper into a space.

Above all, biophilic design must nurture a love of place. As we await a resurgence in our tourism sector, let us prepare to provide experiences that surpass expectations, provide engagement with our people, create love for our place and surpass the needs and desires of the new mindset for tourists.

Preferred Supplier Programme

assisting the industry

For over twenty one years in australia the preferred supplier programme and directory has been an extremely valuable and eff ective tool for accommodation managers.

It allows managers to access industry specialists who are committ ed to the highest levels of service and dedicated to the accommodation and hospitality industries. This is extremely helpful for all accommodation providers but especially new managers as it allows them to benefi t from the positive experiences other managers have had with their suppliers.

Listed below are the stages of the process that ensure only the best industry suppliers can participate in the Preferred Supplier Programme:

All suppliers must receive a nomination from a property currently using their services that is completely satisfi ed with their levels of service and are prepared to recommend them to another complex in the industry (ie. if asked by another manager they could comfortably recommend the required supplier).

All nominations received are then qualifi ed through a secondary questionnaire process to ensure nominated suppliers are able to provide the highest levels of service required and expected by managers.

Suppliers that still qualify are then asked to commit to the required levels of service for the next 12 months guaranteeing their commitment to the industry.

Subject to the satisfaction of these processes and commitments suppliers then go on to the Preferred Supplier Database. Only Preferred Suppliers in this database have the opportunity to utilise the Preferred Supplier logo and make their contact details available to managers via the Preferred Supplier Directory, located in every issue of the A and online at accomnews.com.au.

5. Preferred suppliers have their status reviewed every 12 months to ensure they still qualify and that their commitment to the industry is being met.

With these criteria in place it means that you as a manager have access to a complete range of specialist suppliers who are actively seeking to improve their services to the accommodation industry.

For your own peace of mind when dealing with any supplier ask if they are a Preferred Supplier. This can be verifi ed by viewing a Preferred Supplier logo – made available for use in any of their stationery or marketing material or more simply by locating them in the Preferred Supplier Directory. So when looking for products or services give yourself the peace of mind that you are dealing with a recognised industry specialist and support these suppliers who are committ ed to servicing your needs.

Control your aircon Costs!

the

remote

The Ultima II remote gives you more control over your air conditioners. Programmed for you to save you money!

thermocontrols.com.au

BEDS & BEDDING

Proudly Australian Made & Owned Since 1981 204 Holt Pde, Thomastown VIC 3074 03 9465 6444 sales@comfortsleepbedding.com.au www.comfortsleepbedding.com.au

manufacturers of quality bedding QUALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE FACTORY PRICES

DIRECT Sunshine Coast (07) 5446 7541 Cairns (07) 4032 5133 www.themattresscompany.com.au ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Your Hotel TV and Digital Signage Specialist

Quality Certifie AU1135-QC d ISO 9001:2015 T 1300 659 053 M 0412 974 878 E paul@yardley.com.au W yardley.com.au

FURNITURE

Save time... Do it Online... www.accomnews.com.au/ business-directory The sign of an Industry Specialist