Ingenuity Magazine Summer 2020

Pond Ingenuity Summer 2020 7 Seamless Transaction Instead of forfeiting gathering spaces entirely, hotels can simply alter the way they approach them. The inclusion of more pod-style seating for individuals or small groups will encourage socially distanced seating. Use low-profile separators and other established walkways between sitting areas to provide visually attractive and physically restrictive boundaries that helps people from groups to stay apart. Place endtables between seating to prevent guests from moving furniture closer together. Heavy items will discourage rearranging the seating area. Intimate Gathering Spaces Performance Fabrics and Surfaces In-RoomDining and Fitness The immediate future might not have guests sitting among strangers at the large, beloved community tables that hotels are known for. Hotels can view this an opportunity to reinvent grab- and-go areas. Locker style options that have touchless check outs and increased room service with a locally curated menu are some of the ways that hotels can optimize the dining experience and eliminate crowds. Another model to follow is Hilton’s use of in-room fitness options that are made available at booking. This program provides workout equipment, gym accessories and fitness tutorials all within the comfort of your room.  Anna Dis Sveinbjornsdottir, LEED AP ID+C, Associate I Interior Design and Procurement Manager As far as designers and companies are concerned, the future seems to be more about a creative collaboration between designers and end users. While embracing the convenience technology provides, it is important to ensure that the human element of hospitality doesn’t get lost in the process. Too often hotels rush to provide new technologies without considering the impact they may have on the guest experience. Invest in technology that addresses the concerns your guests may have as we navigate this new world. Implementing touchless technology, such as voice and motion activated controls in elevators will serve this purpose without being a substitute for human interaction. No one wants their hotel arrival to feel like a hospital visit, but there is something to be learned from the finishes and surfaces used in hospitals. When selecting furniture fabrics, bear in mind the speed in which they must be cleaned. Textured fabrics and added accents like piping and nail head trim hold on to debris and are generally difficult to clean. Since resistant organisms can live for months on inanimate surfaces if not cleaned properly, materials used in hospitality furniture must be clean and easy to disinfect. However, not all surfaces are compatible with hospital-grade disinfectants, and most materials break down when exposed to harsh cleaning products. To combat this issue, materials need to be made or covered with fluid-resistant, non-porous fabrics like metal and hard plastics. These prevent bleach cleaners from eroding the surface.