The Evolution Of Hotel & Resort Lobbies

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The Evolution Of Hotel Resort Lobbies
As the primary welcome spaces where visitors
check in, meet and make their way into the
building, lobbies have long been regarded as the
first impression of a hotel/resort. But in the
last few decades, the lobbys function has
significantly changed. Contemporary lobbies offer
a smooth fusion of form, function, and
experience, evolving from simple functional areas
into vibrant social hubs. In addition to serving
as greeting halls, modern lobbies are
multifunctional spaces where visitors can relax,
work, mingle, and even enjoy dining
experiences! What has driven this change? Both
architectural innovation and shifts in visitor
behaviour have contributed to this transition.
Lobbies have developed into vibrant spaces with
multiple purposes as hospitality businesses have
responded more and more to the demands of
contemporary tourists, who frequently look for
places to work, socialize, or relax in common
areas. Lets examine the architectural facets of
this development in this blog, emphasizing how
functionality, design, and spatial planning have
transformed hotel/resort lobbies into the vibrant
social hubs they are today. The traditional
lobby The two main purposes of hotel/resort
lobbies in the past were simply check-in and
check-out. A sizable central reception counter
frequently took up most of the area, with a few
chairs strewn about for visitors waiting to be
checked in or checked out. The general layout was
simple yet practical, emphasizing ease of use and
a distinct separation between the lobby and other
facilities like conference rooms, restaurants,
and bars. In terms of architecture, traditional
lobbies generally featured linear designs with
separate areas for waiting rooms, reception, and
lift or stair access. Because function was given
precedence over aesthetics in the construction of
these lobbies, the area was effective, but
uninviting and unmemorable. The shift The role
of lobbies transformed in the late 20th century
as visitor expectations started to change. Demand
for lobbies that provided more than just
transactional experiences was fuelled by the
growth of boutique
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• hotels, the impact of lifestyle brands, and the
  expanding trend of home away from home
  settings. Visitors started to anticipate lobbies
  as extra spaces where they could possibly work,
  socialize, and relax throughout their visit. In
  response to these changing demands, designers and
  architects rethought the design and function of
  lobbies. They started to view these places as
  independent destinations rather than merely
  transportation hubs. The emphasis of the design
  changed from making simple, utilitarian zones to
  making fluid, multipurpose areas that catered to
  a variety of guest requirements. Modern lobby
  layouts started to shift away from strict, linear
  designs towards more flexible, open layouts.
• Fluid spaces and open layouts
• The use of flexible areas and open layouts is one
  of the biggest shifts in lobby evolution. Modern
  lobbies feature open-plan designs that combine
  many purposes rather than discrete, cordoned-off
  zones. For instance, a single area may have a
  café, coworking stations, lounge chairs, and a
  welcome desk without any walls or other
  partitions separating them. This change in
  architecture necessitated reconsidering the
  utilization of space. Designers started using
  furniture that was simple to alter based on the
  requirements of visitors or the time of day. The
  social element of lobbies was further improved by
  the removal of physical boundaries between areas,
  which promoted guest interaction. This has become
  especially crucial since
• bleisure travel has grown in popularity, as
  travellers blend work and play, making the lobby
  a focal point of their workweek.
• Multifunctional zones
• Modern lobbies are multipurpose rooms intended to
  support multiple activities at once, rather than
  merely serving as welcome halls. The lobbies of
  today accommodate a variety of visitor needs,
  from informal meetings and social events to
  solitary work or leisure. Even with open-plan
  layouts, designers frequently create distinct
  zones of experience to accomplish this
  multifunctionality. The welcome room, for
  instance, might flow naturally into a cozy lounge
  that might be converted into a café or coworking
  space. Architects face the difficulty of
  establishing subtle yet unmistakable divisions
  between these areas without the use of barriers
  or walls that can give the impression that the
  room is smaller or divided. These zones are
  defined in large part by the materials and
  lighting used. Different fabrics, metals, woods,
  stones, and lighting fixtures, all distinguish
  the spaces meant for work, leisure, or dining.
• Designing for social interaction
• Lobbies are now places where people congregate
  and socialize, whether its for a business
  meeting, a quick coffee with friends, or an
  impromptu discussion with other travellers. As a
  result of this change, architects are now
  creating lobbies that encourage interaction,
  while providing seclusion when required. Many
  times, seating arrangements are made to promote
  both private discussions and more extensive
  social events. For example, cluster seating
  enables small groups to congregate within the
  main communal area. On the other hand, more
  private places with high-backed chairs or
  isolated alcoves offer peaceful settings for
  individuals who are travelling alone or require
  more privacy. Architects also include communal
  tables, which are frequently found in cafes and
  coworking spaces. These sizable communal tables
  promote conversation, idea sharing, or just using
  a common area while working alone. This type of
  social setting fits in with the larger trend of
  social areas playing a major role in contemporary
  hospitality design.
• Technology integration
• The use of technology in lobby design has changed
  along with the needs of travellers. The
  tech-savvy tourist is catered for in todays
  lobbies, many of which double as coworking spaces
  throughout the day. In order to keep visitors
  connected and productive, lobby design now must
  include free Wi-Fi, lots of charging connections,
  and smart technology. Architects have
  incorporated technology in ways that improve both
  aesthetics and functionality. Hotels and resorts
  have gone a step further in certain instances,
  utilizing technology to create immersive
  experiences in their lobby areas. The
  incorporation of technology, from soundscapes to
  digital art pieces, can improve the visitor
  experience and add an extra layer of luxury to
  the space.
• DSSPM Crafting iconic hotels and resorts in and
  around Ahmedabad
• DSSPM has established a reputation as one of the
  most versatile resort and hotel architects in
  Ahmedabad, for creating multipurpose, visually
  appealing hospitality spaces. DSSPM specializes in

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designing all kinds of lobbies and rooms, making
lobbies lively social gathering places, and rooms
secluded private spaces. They do this by having a
thorough awareness of contemporary design trends
and a dedication to combining form and function.
They are a crucial partner for the hospitality
industry working to improve the design of their
spaces, thanks to their proficiency in
architectural innovation, which guarantees that
every area is designed to improve the visitor
experience. Resource Read more