Every architect wants to design a space that is durable and functional (not to mention beautiful). These desires are especially true in the hospitality industry. Is elegant design enough? Tech friendly hotels are non-negotiable to today’s tech savvy traveler.
Creating clean lines (using hardware like our SOSS Invisible Hinges), great work space for the busy traveler, and rooms that are simply breathtaking are non-negotiable needs in today’s hotel marketplace. But do tech trends play a part during the design?
Absolutely. Let’s look at a couple reasons we think so.
The Elephant in the Room(s)
If you have spoken with anyone in the hospitality industry for more than a few seconds you may have heard the word millennial. Like it or not they will shape the way hotels are built (are already are).
These young travelers have a different definition of luxury than previous generations. While “getting away” used to be a priority; it has been replaced with staying as connected as possible.
The need for constant access to high tech devices is real and not just the normal things either (e.g. smartphones and laptops). Things like free HBO and Showtime are losing their appeal to the young. Instead, millennials want access to their own Netflix and Hulu accounts. Connected TV’s and more USB ports (along with other tech features) must be more than an afterthought in your next design.
Work Gets Priority
Travel (as we already mentioned) is becoming more connected, even to handle business. With the new generation of traveler comes a new way to work. The boundaries of business and pleasure have become blurred and more people can take care of “office” work inside the hotel that you will design.
If that hotel makes it easy.
Ever go into a cookie cutter hotel and see one desk with a computer from 2001 sitting on it?
That type of set up won’t fly. Think of a hotel that offers a smaller (but fully functional) co-working space. That’s what you should strive to create.
Smile, You’re on Camera
Have we mentioned that travelers want to stay connected while on the road? Because they do. Your lobbies, rooms, restaurants and every other square inch will be all over every social media platform you know about (and some you don’t). This unsolicited promotion puts things right back in your wheelhouse, design.
However, you’ll need to keep the “selfie-factor” in the back of your mind while designing those spaces you would normally think go unnoticed. One Instagram post in front of an unsightly janitor closet will still show the name of that hotel to the world.
We hope that you are looking at these technological influences for your next design, and we also urge you to consider SOSS Door Hardware to help create those clean lines and selfie proof spaces. For more information on our invisible hinges click here.