SKIP MAIN LINKS Work Ideas Careers Firm Join Us TURN OFF AUTO HIDE IDEA Building Community: Architectural Placemaking in Hospitality Experiences APRIL 2, 2021 Brian Murch Before you step foot into a DLR Group-designed hotel, the placemaking process comes to life through three architectural principles: invigorating neighborhoods, bridging past and future, and sparking curiosity and discovery, using the allure of mystery. Expand Moxy Chicago in Chicago, IL. Photo by James Steinkamp. Invigorating Neighborhoods At the beginning of design, we immerse ourselves in the community to design as a “nice neighbor.” Contextual clues are gleaned from both the physical vernacular and the more intangible cultural zeitgeist. Architecturally, relationships are built with surrounding buildings through studied geometries, scale, and materiality. Partnerships with local artisans and fabricators underscore a friendly residential character: here is a place for comfort and connection, a place where you belong. Direct inside-outside connections, as seen at the Moxy Chicago above, position a hotel as part of the community, erasing the boundary between guest and neighbor. Expand Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Jim Kruger. Bridging Past and Future Sustainable cities breathe new life into neglected old buildings. We don’t just save old buildings; we help reimagine them and, through the transformation process, invigorate neighborhoods. Character-driven properties appeal to heritage-minded travelers and to passionate locals with pride of place. Environmental stewardship in an urban environment often relies on ingenuity and adaptation. For hotel developers, leveraging historic tax credits for rehabilitation can unlock a host of benefits, but must be paired with creative and flexible design. This preserves the historic integrity of legacy buildings while adapting them for new hotel developments. Expand AC Raleigh North Hills in Raleigh, NC. Photo by James Steinkamp. Sparking Curiosity and Discovery From the streetscape, an inviting sense of warmth is caught in glimpses, building drama. Curiosity is rewarded with hints of what goes on inside, lending a feeling of exclusive discovery. A hotel’s exterior should play with opacity and transparency, with the allure of mystery. This signals activity to community and drawing in passerby. From the front door, the first impression feathers outwards and upwards: the procession of arrival has begun. Bold lighting and sound establish character. The familiarity of a welcoming, residentially scaled portal softens the edges. We call this the building’s “handshake” – memorable and defining. Discovery also happens when new vantage points are introduced, such as the popular sky lobby and roof deck overlooking the bustle of downtown Raleigh at the AC Hotel pictured above. IDEAS Recommended Reads IDEA Mass Timber: Inherent Beauty and Potential Mass timber buildings are a celebration of exposed structure, and an opportunity to update the charm of the warehouse aesthetic. Read More EVENT Reconnect: Design Strategies for a Post-Pandemic World DLR Group's Kirby Zalameda, design director in our Dubai studio, leads a discussion on design strategies for a post-pandemic world. Read More EVENT Hospitality Design: Incorporating Wellness & Health DLR Group Associate Henrique Dias, design director in our Dubai studio, leads a discussion on hospitality design in today's global climate. Read More EVENT Designing Outdoor Spaces for Learning and Play: No Student Left Inside! This second session will highlight how learners and educators can use nature and outdoor spaces to strengthen learning outcomes to become advocates for natural systems. Read More BACK TO TOP Terms of Use Privacy Policy SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER © 2021 DLR Group