The future of hotel design

The gym at BSBG-designed Banyan Tree Residences - Hillside Dubai

Public areas and amenities

With hotel lobbies likely to become multifunctional, flexible spaces that can accommodate eating, as well as transferrable seating arrangements, other public amenities and function spaces may also be subject to a rethink.

One such amenity that is likely to come under design scrutiny is the fitness area/gymnasium. Some designers see in-room fitness offerings as being a likely component of the modern hotel experience, with speculation that gym equipment could potentially be ordered in the same manner as a room-service sandwich. Much like the removal of the buffet service, this is a concept previously unthinkable, however the appetite for home workouts has intensified during the pandemic; it seems perfectly plausible that this appetite be extended to hotel stays

A guest suite at JA Lake View Hotel

Guest rooms under the microscope

The approach to guest room design is likely to see the largest impact as a result of COVID-19. Hard, easy-to-clean surfaces, floor tiles instead of carpets are two changes that provide a very visible indication of cleanliness. This guest reassurance will be vital in ensuring a comfortable experience. We may also see a fast-tracked emergence of hands-free contact points – think Alexa for lighting, and movement sensors for showers, taps and toilets.

The key to room design is to retain a sense of comfort, and combining this with a perception of cleanliness - without straying into a clinical aesthetic; a huge challenge for designers to broach. However room cleanliness is not just a matter for designers; air cleanliness is also at the top of public consciousness, and recycled air will surely be phased out, to be replaced by bespoke air filtration systems as standard – finding a way to implement this effectively in new and existing hotels will be at the top of all mechanical engineers’ to-do list.

Limiting the future impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality sector is critical. This is a sector that has been one of the hardest hit, and in so many countries it is also one of the key contributors to GDP. If the health and wellbeing of guests cannot be assured in the short term, and as a result hotels fail to reach occupancy targets post-pandemic, the long term impact will be felt by most everyone. Architects, designers, consultants and contractors will have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that failure doesn’t happen.