Creating memorable moments for customers has rightly become a top priority for hospitality providers and interior architecture is playing a key role in helping them to achieve these goals. Dina Murali, design director at DZ Design, shares her ideas on how to successfully evoke that all-important sense of place and create environments that will leave lasting impressions on visitors.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping guest experiences that transcend mere accommodation. Through planning, attention to detail and a deep understanding of the target audience, hospitality architects and designers can create environments that evoke emotions, inspire discovery and leave lasting impressions on guests. Against this backdrop, hospitality architecture and design play key roles in helping to create distinctive and unforgettable experiences.

All about the experience

Creating experiences through hospitality architecture is a trend that is undoubtedly gaining momentum, reaffirming the importance of designing spaces that go beyond meeting utilitarian demands. Interior architecture serves as the canvas for these memorable experiences, blending aesthetic appeal with functional comfort and emotional resonance. It starts with detailed research and guest persona development, tailoring design elements to specific preferences and cultural backgrounds.

Incorporating local materials and artwork is well worth considering. It not only supports the community but also gives a space a sense of place, fostering an authentic connection. The use of customizable room settings, such as adjustable lighting, climate control and other technologies, can also elevate the guest experience and enable tailored interactions.

At the other end of the spectrum, meanwhile, balancing guests’ demands for both functional communal spaces and others offering solitude can be achieved by providing lounges and dining areas, alongside private nooks. In these scenarios, it’s vital that the layout is intuitive, ensuring easy navigation and reducing any risk of confusion or stress for guests. Integrating natural elements, such as plants, water features and abundant natural light, creates a calming environment that promotes well-being.

Creating a sense of place

As the renowned architect Tadao Ando once said, “I create enclosed spaces mainly by means of thick, concrete walls. The primary reason is to create a place for the individual, a zone for oneself within society.” This philosophy is echoed in current hospitality design, where creating a sense of place and a personal sanctuary is paramount.

Accommodating diverse requirements: today’s trends focus on immersive environments that seamlessly blend with natural surroundings, employing biophilic design principles to promote guest well-being. Technological integration, sustainability and inclusivity are key considerations, with smart rooms, eco-friendly materials and designs that accommodate diverse needs becoming standard. This holistic approach ensures that hospitality architecture creates spaces where guests feel connected, inspired and valued.

Materials matter: creating distinctive and memorable experiences involves careful planning, attention to detail and the use of appropriate materials. For example, in our design for the high-end outdoor restaurant Amaseena in The Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai, the thoughtful use of handcrafted terracotta tiles of warm tones and artisanal quality infuses the space with authenticity. By using the same type of tile for both
the counters and the floor, we created a cohesive aesthetic, while allowing subtle differences to distinguish the surfaces. The floor tiles are laid in a traditional herringbone pattern, providing durability and ease of maintenance, while the counter tiles are arranged in custom vertical cladding, creating an eye-catching focal point. This thoughtful use of terracotta not only enhances visual appeal but also connects guests to the material’s historical and cultural significance, making the dining experience both unique and memorable.

Expressing identity and vision: adopting a timeless approach, with a focus on enduring elements that offer lasting appeal, rather than chasing trends, is recognized as having many advantages. Our renovation project for the Pullman Hotel in Downtown Dubai exemplifies this, using the Memphis style. This postmodern design movement, characterized by bold colors, geometric shapes and playful forms, was popular in the 1980s. With thought and care, we reinterpreted it to meet contemporary tastes. This unique combination of historical influence and contemporary application creates a space that feels both original and timeless, offering guests a memorable and engaging experience and reflecting the brand’s innovative spirit. Similarly, when we renovated the Emirates Park Zoo Resort, we evoked the immediate zoo’s surroundings within the room’s design, creating a cohesive spirit that flowed seamlessly throughout the various areas.

Ultimately, hospitality architecture is not just about constructing buildings; it is about creating immersive experiences that linger in guests’ memories. By focusing on elements that evoke emotional responses, support cultural and community values, and integrate sustainability and technology, architects can design spaces that truly stand out.