Where wellness meets sustainability
The 2023 American Express Global Travel Trends Report found that 73 percent of survey participants plan vacations to enhance physical and emotional health. Furthermore, 68 percent said that they are choosing travel destinations close to nature to improve their mental clarity. Additionally, 43 percent reported having chosen a hotel based on its spa and wellness amenities.
Wellness-orientated design intersects seamlessly with sustainable practices. Moreover, this is a priority for all in the property ecosystem from investors to end users. This is true of all sectors from workplace to retail, through to leisure and hospitality. It is about combining tradition and innovation to create strong sustainable design solutions and business strategies.
There are increasing legislative requirements to embed sustainable principles into built environments to meet global carbon reduction requirements, thus a need to simultaneously enhance personal wellness through thoughtful and inclusive design, as well as incorporating toxin-free material and energy-saving devices.
Wallets, wellness and the environment
Financial and health incentives are inextricably linked. Growing evidence suggests consumers prioritize loyalty and purchasing decisions based on an organization’s demonstrated purpose beyond profit, emphasizing societal impact. From 2021-22, ethical food and drink purchases increased by 7.6 percent and ethical personal products rose by 20.4 percent.
Boomers prioritize energy conservation for well-being, while millennials express similar sentiments about the importance of water conservation. Consequently, enlightened hoteliers need to create an environment with a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, they need to underline the benefit to consumers’ health, which will lead to an increase in profit.
Human-centered design at the forefront
The design of hospitality environments has always gone beyond mere functionality and toward providing meaningful experiences.
These days that means prioritizing the wellbeing of the people who inhabit them. Furthermore, community and social wellbeing have become a focal point. This is exemplified through shared dining experiences, as well as enhanced fitness facilities in hotels, such as cutting-edge gym equipment, areas for activities and luxury spa experiences. Notably, this human-centric design approach is intended to improve the overall quality of life for consumers within these environments.
Post–pandemic inspired adaptations
Wellness is one thing that, over the past few years, is increasingly deployed to forge connections and common ground for clients across the world.
The Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly brought the idea of wellness into the spotlight, accelerating the adoption of wellness design principles, such as the use of flexible spaces that can easily adapt to the changing moods and needs of users. Far from being a fad, this is a lasting consideration for hospitality.
Reconnecting with nature
Natural light, good ventilation, provision of green spaces or biophilic-inspired elements are some ways design can foster relaxation and connection. With the prioritization of mental health, the demand for a holistic approach to interiors surges.
Tech can save us
Smart building systems’ launch and data analytics demonstrate the role of cutting-edge technology in sustaining wellness design trends in the long term, dovetailing architects’ wellness-orientated designs. Examples include environmental enhancers, like sense control and personalized lighting supporting circadian rhythms, along with intelligent climate control systems.
Harnessing elements of wellness can transform spaces into great experiences for guests, thereby providing commercial opportunities for clients and helping them remain relevant in an ever-evolving architectural landscape.
Wellness design trends are here to stay
Dominic Coleman, director of Kibre, delves into the wellness design trends that are set to define 2024.
Where wellness meets sustainability
The 2023 American Express Global Travel Trends Report found that 73 percent of survey participants plan vacations to enhance physical and emotional health. Furthermore, 68 percent said that they are choosing travel destinations close to nature to improve their mental clarity. Additionally, 43 percent reported having chosen a hotel based on its spa and wellness amenities.
Wellness-orientated design intersects seamlessly with sustainable practices. Moreover, this is a priority for all in the property ecosystem from investors to end users. This is true of all sectors from workplace to retail, through to leisure and hospitality. It is about combining tradition and innovation to create strong sustainable design solutions and business strategies.
There are increasing legislative requirements to embed sustainable principles into built environments to meet global carbon reduction requirements, thus a need to simultaneously enhance personal wellness through thoughtful and inclusive design, as well as incorporating toxin-free material and energy-saving devices.
Wallets, wellness and the environment
Financial and health incentives are inextricably linked. Growing evidence suggests consumers prioritize loyalty and purchasing decisions based on an organization’s demonstrated purpose beyond profit, emphasizing societal impact. From 2021-22, ethical food and drink purchases increased by 7.6 percent and ethical personal products rose by 20.4 percent.
Boomers prioritize energy conservation for well-being, while millennials express similar sentiments about the importance of water conservation. Consequently, enlightened hoteliers need to create an environment with a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, they need to underline the benefit to consumers’ health, which will lead to an increase in profit.
Human-centered design at the forefront
The design of hospitality environments has always gone beyond mere functionality and toward providing meaningful experiences.
These days that means prioritizing the wellbeing of the people who inhabit them. Furthermore, community and social wellbeing have become a focal point. This is exemplified through shared dining experiences, as well as enhanced fitness facilities in hotels, such as cutting-edge gym equipment, areas for activities and luxury spa experiences. Notably, this human-centric design approach is intended to improve the overall quality of life for consumers within these environments.
Post–pandemic inspired adaptations
Wellness is one thing that, over the past few years, is increasingly deployed to forge connections and common ground for clients across the world.
The Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly brought the idea of wellness into the spotlight, accelerating the adoption of wellness design principles, such as the use of flexible spaces that can easily adapt to the changing moods and needs of users. Far from being a fad, this is a lasting consideration for hospitality.
Reconnecting with nature
Natural light, good ventilation, provision of green spaces or biophilic-inspired elements are some ways design can foster relaxation and connection. With the prioritization of mental health, the demand for a holistic approach to interiors surges.
Tech can save us
Smart building systems’ launch and data analytics demonstrate the role of cutting-edge technology in sustaining wellness design trends in the long term, dovetailing architects’ wellness-orientated designs. Examples include environmental enhancers, like sense control and personalized lighting supporting circadian rhythms, along with intelligent climate control systems.
Harnessing elements of wellness can transform spaces into great experiences for guests, thereby providing commercial opportunities for clients and helping them remain relevant in an ever-evolving architectural landscape.
Dominic Coleman.
kibre.co.uk
@kibre.interior.design
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