November is the perfect time to reflect on the past but look forward and focus on the upcoming year. This month, we take time to look ahead to 2019 on upcoming architectural trends in the various markets in which BRP practices.
Personalizing the Guest Experience
Today, hotel guests’ expectations are higher than ever. With the rise of online short-term rentals such as Airbnb, hotels have had to focus on creating a memorable guest experience. The hotels of 2019 and beyond, utilizing big data and technology, will focus on tailoring every aspect to a guest’s preference. This includes setting the preferred temperature of a room prior to arrivals, beds that adjust firmness, wi-fi connected automatic coffee makers, smart home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home and even biometric bathroom tiles that report on a guest’s health.
Within the last year, Hilton has rolled out their “connected room experience.” Guests who stay in these properties will be able to use the Hilton app to manage everything from the temperature, lighting, the TV as well as window coverings. Guests will even be able to upload their own artwork and photos to automatically display in their room.
Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center – Denton, TX
The BRP designed Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center in Denton, TX features many technological advances for guest comfort. Bluetooth speakers are built into its mirrors, as well as tablets in the room that allow guests to change the temperature, control the TV and call room service or the front desk.
Offices: Open Spaces on the Rise
In the office sphere, the focus continues to be on employee and customer engagement. One of those trends, called the Experience-Driven Space Movement, is driven by the thirst for experiences in our everyday life. The spaces can be highlighted by “employee-focused and specialized enhancements aimed at developing overall wellness, cultivating happiness, community-building and boosting morale for everyone from interns to top-floor executives” (Sterkenberg). Some examples of spaces include meditation areas, walking trails, rock climbing walls, espresso bars, game rooms and music stages all within the office complex.
Another trend that continues to grow is co-working spaces, however, these will move to “cohabitation spaces.” Traditionally a co-working space brings multiple companies under one roof but is relatively closed off from one another. In 2019, expect to see a shift where the “walls” come down, and companies will share the same space, resources and sometimes even talent. These spaces typically include an open office, multi-use meeting areas, lots of glass, plants and greenery, lightweight mobile furniture and room for creative spaces.
Branson Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau – Branson, MO
Traditionally seen in the tech sector, businesses of all types are following suit. The new BRP designed Branson Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau has an open office area for enhanced collaboration between staff. While not in the business sector, the BRP designed renovations and expansion to Cox College will also feature new student lounge areas and conference rooms on each floor to encourage collaboration while also increasing student-teacher interaction.
Bold Color and Patterns
Another trend on deck for 2019 are bold colors and patterns including a rise of abstract and geometric shapes. The neutral color tones of previous years are out, and these abstract patterns and geometric forms can be seen in hallways, break rooms, lobbies, meeting rooms and more. At the Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center in Denton, TX, a blue and green geometric carpet can be found in the lobby. These patterns help to emphasize the theme of natural design elements which can be found throughout the hotel.
Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center – Denton, TX
In the BRP designed dining center at Holland House, a new residence hall on Missouri State University’s campus, bright pops of burnt red can be found throughout the space. Geometric patterns on dining seating, walls and glass coverings, will also be featured.
Sustainable Design Continues
Seeking to reduce the effects of human impact, architects are continuing to focus on ways to increase sustainability within their designs. These include utilizing water filtration systems in new buildings, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems that are designed to conserve energy as well as ensuring buildings are well sealed and insulated. Other options are utilizing energy efficient appliances or solar roof tiles. The Embassy Suites and Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro, AR is designed to be LEED Certified and will feature solar panels on the convention center’s roof.
Residence Inn – Chandler, AZ
Another sustainable design trend is merging the indoors with the outdoors. Several ways architects are achieving this is through the addition of living walls, outdoor lighting, designing patios and gardens to be on the same level as the indoor space as well as large sliding glass walls. The BRP designed Residence Inn in Chandler, AZ has a 50-foot-wide sliding glass wall that allows the lobby to completely open to the patio and pool area.
Also in the November Newsletter: BRP Time Capsule: Healthcare Projects through the Years BRP Gives Thanks