Standing tall, a beacon of grace;
Its silhouette bold, a timeless embrace;
Windows aglow, with stories to tell;
A haven of warmth where travellers dwell.
Rooted strong, with a vibrant core,
a world of delight beyond its door;
Welcoming hearts and smiles that gleam,
This hotel is certainly a dream!
(By Vandana Saxena)
Founder and Design Principal, Studio IV
Creating magical moments requires defining environments that inspire delightful service and provide comfortable spaces with unique experiences to guests. This core philosophy of hotel design continues to drive the creation of multiple brands, with one common mission: to attract guests and evoke long-lasting memories.
In a world with a complex web of information and unprecedented ease of accessibility, it has become imperative for hotels to offer authentic experiences that serve as an extension of the destination they represent. Travellers today seek more than just a comfortable bed; they crave immersive encounters that reflect the culture, history, and unique character of a location. This shift has redefined the role of hotel design, transforming properties into vibrant storytellers of the regions they inhabit.
Design as a Medium for Connection
Even though functionality as a design basis cannot be discounted, hotel design, in the age of the internet, goes beyond just function and aesthetics to create spaces that foster a sense of connection—both to the destination and to other people.
Whether it’s through the use of local materials, integration of traditional craftsmanship, or curated art displays, hotels need to increasingly embrace their surroundings to deliver a genuine sense of place.
Open layouts, communal spaces, and multifunctional lobbies now play a key role in encouraging interaction among guests and between guests and the environment.
For instance, for the renovation at the iconic Taj Cidade De Goa Heritage, Studio IV delved deep into the stories of the Indo-Portuguese influences in the city. Carefully chosen colour palettes, patterns, textures and furniture details lent this sea-facing hotel a continuity to its original setting.
Intentional muting of the pallet and keeping the spaces naturally ventilated helped blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the location while creating a strong local narrative.
Sustainability: A Non-Negotiable Element
Guests are increasingly aware of environmental concerns and expect hotels to reflect this awareness. Well-oriented architecture that captures natural light and shields from the harsh West sun, hotels that use energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures to those who locally source raw materials for construction, those who explore possibilities of green roofs and vertical green facades, the design of eco-friendly hotels integrates sustainability into every aspect of the guest experience. These measures not only minimize environmental impact but also contribute to the overall story of responsible travel, appealing to conscientious guests.
Restoration & Adaptive re-use as tools to explore
Transforming historic buildings, warehouses, or heritage sites into hotels preserves architectural legacy while creating unique, character-rich spaces that resonate with modern travellers seeking more.
Today, the adaptive reuse of commercial office buildings into hotels is also being explored to utilize the built form that has not reached its full potential. This helps minimize unnecessary construction and provides an opportunity to reuse what has already been built.
In both cases, by repurposing existing structures, designers reduce environmental impact, celebrate cultural identity, and craft immersive experiences rooted in the history of the location. This approach not only honours the past, or provides purpose to the present but also redefines luxury as a seamless integration of authenticity, sustainability and innovation.
Technology and Personalization
Technology in the process of design:
Advancements in technology have revolutionised the way architects design spaces by enabling greater precision, efficiency and creativity. Advanced tools like BIM (Building Information Modelling) allow architects to create detailed and collaborative 3D models, using which the construction process can be streamlined.
Virtual and augmented reality enables immersive visualizations, helping clients and designers experience spaces before they are built.
Parametric design software has unlocked new possibilities for complex geometries and innovative forms, while sustainable design tools analyse energy efficiency and environmental impact in real-time.
Using these advancements to their advantage, both owners and designers, can better decision making and save time and cost in construction, hence keeping the focus on creating well-detailed spaces where margins for error and rework can be minimised.
Technology in hotels
Hotels are rapidly adapting to technological advancements, utilizing these tools to enhance energy efficiency and personalize the guest experience. Smart rooms equipped with integrated devices, such as tablets, automate controls for elements like curtains, customisable lighting, TVs, and temperature control, as well as guest services, minimising repetitive touchpoints and maximising convenience.
While technology enhances convenience, it also plays a role in creating memorable experiences. Interactive art installations, virtual reality tours of the local area, and augmented reality guides are examples of how hotels are blending design and tech to delight their guests.
Looking ahead, the future of hotel design lies in balancing innovation with tradition, luxury with sustainability, and personalization with authenticity. Hotels will continue to evolve into spaces that cater not only to the needs of today’s travellers but also to their desire for discovery and connection.
