CONFERENCES Design Inn panellists discussed the importance of sustainability in design and construction
Better BUILDS INDUSTRY CREATIVES GATHERED IN ADELAIDE FOR DESIGN INN 2022 TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF HOTEL CONSTRUCTION, SUSTAINABILITY IN COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION AND THE RISING ‘WORK FROM HOTEL’ CONCEPT.
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eading architects, designers, hotel operators, owners and major suppliers were in attendance at Design Inn Symposium in Adelaide in May to discuss key trends in hotel design and development. The Wellness in Hospitality panel, hosted by Reece Brand Ambassador Manager Loren Inglis, discussed everything from sustainable stays to everyday hygiene and the wellness journey for guests. “As designers of hotels, I think it’s critical that we design healthy, relaxing and safe space for guests that really enhance physical and the mental wellness,” Dalman Architecture Managing Director, Richard Dalman, said. Dalman discussed the use of open architecture in creating a comfortable, safe space for guests. “A lot of our hotel are sealed boxes, we don’t really get to relate to the environment,” he explained. “If we can kind of break down the areas and start to relate to nature a little bit, I think that’s a good thing. We can bring plant inside we can start to relate the inside to the outside world.” Meanwhile DKO Architecture Director, Michael Drescher, discussed the little things that matter to guests – from shower pressure to lavender stations, connecting to apps and noise cancelling headphones for meditative 50
HM The Business of Accommodation
purposes, being able to order a Peloton bike to your room, and being able to bring along your pet on your stay. “It’s all those elements for rooms I think we’re really going to look at because it’s making sure your stay is warm - it’s like being at home,” Drescher said.
DESIGNING WITH COUNTRY
Designing with Country was an important topic of discussion at Design Inn. Considered Image Creative Director, Asher Milgate – whose photography of First Nations people was projected onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the countdown to Sydney’s 9pm Welcome to Country Fireworks display on New Year’s Eve 2021 – discussed the importance of engaging First Nations people throughout the whole project to ensure their voices are heard. “Aboriginal artists have a really specific understanding of space, and there’s a sensitivity that is cultural that we certainly don’t understand. I think in my childhood and having worked with First Nations over the last 10 years, I’ve been given glimpses of that,” he said. “I think it’s really important when you go into that design brief, that you have that Aboriginal voice. If you actually want to engage with them, you’ve got to work collaboratively and step outside of your culture – as hard as that might be – and actually stop and listen to what’s being said.” In a keynote session, Scott Carver representatives and FCAD Lead Consult and Creator Matthew Fellingham discussed the topic which was fundamental to the design competition process for 197 Church Street, Parramatta.
BOUTIQUE PLACEMAKERS
The popular Boutique Placemakers returned this year, hosted by Luchetti Krelle Principal Rachel Luchetti. This
