Designing with wellness in mind - the holistic hospitality space of the future.
In order to meet the wants and needs of the wellness-focused consumer of 2022, the hospitality industry must consider wellbeing when designing future spaces.
The perfect, holistic hospitality space of the future utilises a multi-faceted design approach to create a sense of wellbeing in its occupants, cleverly considering every element – from lighting, acoustics, and scent, to materiality and biophilic elements.
Allowing natural light to flow into a space, whilst also controlling for surface glare and temperature, is one of the key pillars to designing a healthy interior.
However, not all spaces are blessed with an abundance of daylight… and this is where wellbeing-enhancing smart technology comes into play.
One such example is circadian lighting, which mimics the lighting pattern of sunrise to sunset and, in turn, benefits sleep.
Lighting
Designing a wellbeing-enhancing soundscape extends far beyond the inclusion of soothing music, it also incorporates the removal of stress-inducing noises and the consideration of the overall acoustics of a space. Sound insulation and acoustics can be perfected through the incorporation of acoustic furnishings, wall paint, flooring underlays and ceiling panels.
Once this calm baseline of noise has been established, the soundscape can be developed – whether that be with energising music, or relaxing nature sounds.
Acoustic
Incorporating natural materials within a space is an integral aspect of designing with wellness in mind. Aesthetically, minimalist hospitality designs which utilise the natural, peaceful colour palette of materials such as clay, wood, linens, and concrete can feel grounding and calming to the inhabitants. An added benefit is the soothing tactility of these materials.
Additionally, opting for the natural route minimises the toxins present in the space, creating a healthier environment for consumers.
Materiality
Scent has the ability to add a layer of immersive depth to a space and has long been used as a tool to evoke specific emotional states. This translates smoothly into a wellbeing-focused hotel setting, for example, where an ozone diffuser could place the scent of sleep-enhancing lavender into hotel bedrooms, or the energising scent of citrus into a hotel lobby.
With the nostalgic element of smell, a custom signature scent could also be an effective branding technique to solidify a hospitality brand in a consumer’s mind.
Scent
Biophilic design creates a sense of connection to nature within a space and has been shown to positively benefit mood, enhance creativity, and reduce anxiety.
These mental-wellbeing enhancing properties can be harnessed through the inclusion of greenery within a space.
In addition, air-purifying plants have the added benefit of improving air-quality, and therefore physical wellness, too.