The “Non-Hotel” Hotel
Change is coming for hotel design and construction. A recent BD+C article featuring Gensler’s Sleep Set concept reveals a look into the future of how our hotels will be designed, built, and ultimately used. Gensler’s concept comes as a result of their research on what the newest generation of hotel guests want to see in hotels.
What did they find in their research? First and foremost, they found consumers who have grown up with technology their entire lives, who value all things social, and who place family and friends as a top priority. When these guests visit a new destination, they intend to explore it, to eat the food, and to experience the culture.
The traditional hotel will make way for more home-style housing that’s comfortable, flexible, and at a value price-point. For a generation of consumers who place high value on “family, friends, good quality food,” and the latest technology to stay connected, new creative environments will be necessary to meet their needs.
One component of hotel design where we can expect to see change is meals and schedule freedom. Consumers don’t want to be controlled by continental breakfasts and room cleaning times. The guests of today want hotels with the flexibility to cook their own meals, workout at all hours of the day, and take mid-day naps or work from their hotel room without being interrupted.
As the article alludes, if hotel design is going to change, we can certainly expect design across other building sectors to change as well. You might be wondering how architects, engineers, and general contractors can possibly know how to design and construct the facilities of the future. The answer is simple; we have to ask occupants what they want out of our facilities. We must all start doing what Gensler did in their Sleep Set concept. We must ask.
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