5 Ways to Create a Sense of Place in Hospitality Design
Written By AD&V®
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | AD&V® is dedicated to advanced and energy-efficient sustainable architecture & interior design that enhances people’s experience of the world and improves their lives.
CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE IN HOSPITALITY DESIGN MEANS UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENCE OF THE LOCATION - ITS HISTORY, CULTURE, AND CHARACTER - AND REFLECTING THAT IN THE DESIGN.
It's about creating a space that feels rooted in its location and resonates with guests.
Guests are looking to have authentic experiences. When you successfully create a sense of place in hospitality design, you give guests more than just a place to sleep in. You give them a home away from home, a place to create memories, and a connection to the local community and culture.
Ways to create a sense of place in hospitality design:
1. USE LOCAL MATERIALS
Using local materials is one effective way to create a sense of place in hospitality design. These add a unique touch to your design while bringing in textures, colors, and patterns specific to the location. This can include local materials used for construction, local textiles or ceramics for decorative materials, or local fabrics for furnishings and linens.
Sourcing local materials not only helps create a space that feels authentic and connected to its surroundings but also supports local businesses and reduces the environmental impact of sourcing and transporting goods from afar.
2. INCLUDE LOCAL ARTWORK
Including local artwork is another great way to create a sense of place in hotel design. Artwork is a reflection of the local culture, aesthetics, and values. By incorporating local artwork, a hospitality space can create a sense of place that feels authentic and unique.
These could be in the form of paintings, sculptures, installations, or even performances. The key is to select pieces that reflect the local culture and display them in a way that enhances the overall design.
This strategy creates a sense of place and supports local artists by giving them a platform to showcase their work.
3. INCORPORATE LOCAL FOODS OR INGREDIENTS
The food and beverages served at a hotel can also play a significant role in creating a sense of place. By sourcing local ingredients and serving local dishes, you can literally give guests a taste of the local culture.
Local foods or ingredients could be incorporated through various means, such as having a farm-to-table restaurant, offering cooking classes with native ingredients, or serving local wines and spirits. In addition to enhancing the sense of place, this approach can also support local farmers and producers.
4. PROMOTE LOCAL BUSINESSES
Including local businesses in your design can be another effective way to create a sense of place. This can include anything from promoting local attractions and activities to adding local shops and cafés.
It can also enhance the guest experience, as guests can enjoy the unique products and services offered by local businesses and can have the opportunity to interact with the local community. This approach helps create a sense of place and contributes to the local economy.
5. INTEGRATE WITH THE SURROUNDINGS
A hotel that feels connected to its surroundings, both physically and aesthetically, can create a stronger sense of place.
Using local architectural styles, designing to respect the local landscape and climate, and offering services and amenities that allow guests to enjoy the local environment are strategies hotels can use to integrate within their surroundings.
Guests can enjoy the unique beauty of the location and have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the local environment.
A LOCAL APPROACH TO HOSPITALITY DESIGN
Creating a sense of place in hospitality design requires a deep understanding of the local context, a creative approach, and a commitment to authenticity. When done right, it can result in a design that is beautiful and functional but also meaningful and memorable. As you embark on your next hospitality project, consider how you can create a sense of place by incorporating local culture, materials, and art. Support local businesses, and make sure the hotel integrates with its surroundings.
Your goal should be to create a place that tells a story, evokes emotion, and inspires a sense of belonging. Because, at the end of the day, that's what hospitality design is all about!
FURTHER READING: 7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE DEVELOPING YOUR NEXT HOSPITALITY PROJECT