15 Futuristic Hospitality Ideas presented at (Virtual) Sleep & Eat 2020
The best time to rethink the hospitality market: when a global pandemic has brought it to its knees. As part of its virtual offerings, hospitality trade show Sleep & Eat 2020, running November 17-19, presents Hotel 2035, a series of 360 degree interactive tours exploring innovative ideas for the hotels of tomorrow.
The initiative’s nine virtual hotel concept spaces (areas include lobby, lounge, cocktail bar, restaurant, and guest room) are for the year 2035 and designed by leading architectural and design practices, often in collaboration with hotel groups. The spaces are virtually created by visualization expert Fumo Studios. From fashion designed for social distancing to walls made of mushrooms and in-room drone food delivery, we spotted a slew of future-forward hospitality ideas. Here are 15 of our favorites.
Socially-distancing changing room by Superfutures
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The first stop in a futuristic concept bar by Superfutures https://www.superfutures.co.uk/ is a socially-distancing changing room, where a dress code ensures safety first without dampening individualism. There, PPE offerings range from social distancing outfits to transparent shields. “The challenge now is to guarantee that the time spent in public spaces – especially indoors – makes us feel as safe as back home but also energizes us and lets us dream,” says Superfutures’s design director Nadia Sousa. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Contactless bar by Superfutures
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“Design opportunities should celebrate the new restrictions,” Sousa continues. In the firm’s dreamy contactless bar, bar staff send down premixed drinks via a ceiling-mounted chamber and a central nest of tubing. Glasses are returned by customers to spaces under the cocktail dispenser. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Experiential veil by InsideOut
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In a lounge dedicated to Generation Z by InsideOut http://io-a.com/ , networking is encouraged by a veil of natural woven rope, or a ‘veil of discovery.’ As the veil rises and falls, it reveals private and public zones defined by experiential vignettes such as Michelangelo’s David statue, slate stepping stones used as speaking podiums emerging from a stream of running water, and vibrantly green hanging gardens. “Here you are encouraged to develop connections and find a balance between the sociological and anthropological aspects of networking,” says Jack Hoe, designer and marketing lead for InsideOut. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Smart mirrors with skincare advice by Reardon Smith Architects in collaboration with Suited Interior Design
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Dry skin on a wintery day? The smart mirrors in the Sleep Set concept hotel room by ReardonSmith Architects https://www.reardonsmith.com/ in collaboration with Suited Interior Design https://www.suitedid.com/ will let you know, with helpful recommendations on what moisturizer you can use. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Ceiling-mounted bed by Reardon Smith Architects in collaboration with Suited Interior Design and Delight
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Also in the concept room by Reardon Smith Architects, a space-saving ceiling-mounted bed which rises and falls via the track system in its headboard. “This converts what would be a standard king room with a bed and a bathroom, to a suite with a bed, bathroom, and lounge area,” notes ReardonSmith Architects director Jonny Sin. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Touchless Barista Tap by AD Associates
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Hot beverages appear on verbal demand in the Sleep set concept room by AD Associates https://www.adassociates.london/. The design team incorporated TopBrewerVoice, a freshly launched touchless barista tap by TopBrewer https://pro.topbrewer.com/ that generates coffee, hot chocolate, and sparkling and still water via an app- and voice-activated tap. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Living grass rug by Chalk Architecture and Desitecture in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
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How about a room offering you your very own lawn. In the Sleep Set by Chalk Architecture https://www.chalkarchitecture.com/ and Desitecture http://www.desitecture.co.uk/ in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/, that’s a circular rug made out of living grass nurtured by LED panels above that mimic sunlight. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Drone food delivery by Chalk Architecture and Desitecture in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
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The same team imagines a future with drone food delivery. At a secure parcel drop point on the balcony, guests can receive hotel meals or take-out from local restaurants. “Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our world,” notes Paul Nicholson, director, Chalk Architecture. “Our present future is one where collaborative relationships will be key for economic survival.” Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Bioluminescent lighting by Perkins & Will in collaboration with Accor
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The soft glow of living organisms illuminates a future guest room for the Movenpick https://www.movenpick.com/ brand by Perkins & Will https://perkinswill.com/ in collaboration with Accor https://group.accor.com/en. The bioluminescent organisms swim or sleep in ceiling tanks. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Kombucha-inspired ceiling skin by Perkins & Will in collaboration with Accor
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The sustainable ceiling by this team is also living. It’s a microbial weave similar to the yeast and bacteria ‘scoby’ that emerges during the fermentation process for kombucha. “It can be grown into large sheets,” reveals Neil Andrew, head of hospitality for Perkins & Will. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Smart windows with integrated TV by Perkins & Will in collaboration with Accor
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More than one team uses window glass as a surface for projection. In the Perkins & Will room, a window integrated with a mirror TV can be used for scrolling the channels or as a life-sized projection surface for a personal fitness trainer. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Living wall made of mushrooms by Boxx Creative
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In a self-sufficient concept restaurant by Boxx Creative https://www.boxx.design/, a textured living wall is made of mushroom mycelium – a fast growing renewable natural material. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Transparent glass solar panels by Boxx Creative
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The glass facade of Boxx Creative’s dome-shaped restaurant, inspired by biomimicry, opens like a clam. Solar panels hidden in the glass are completely transparent. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
Brass detailing for social distancing by Atellior
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Brass inlays in the concept lounge and bar by Atellior https://atellior.com/ are not just decorative. They indicates exactly what lines should not be crossed to maintain social distancing. “What we are trying to do is design a space that is safe and comfortable for people to meet, with a focus on physical distancing,” explains Una Barac, founder and executive director of Atellior. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
High sofas as soft social distancing dividers by Studio Arcibella
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Covid-19 brought an influx of hard plastic surfaces. Studio Arcibella https://www.arcibella.com/ has a softer revamp in mind. In its hotel lobby concept space, the soft upholstered curves of seating are high enough to ensure safe physical distancing. Photo courtesy of Fumo Studios.
