CREJ

June 2020 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 29 getic, communal lobbies look like moving forward? Will the quest for getting people out of their guestrooms and down to the lobby be vastly impacted? Will communi- ty tables sit vacant and underutilized? Will occupancy loads adjust to heed social distancing? Will we be re- quired to undergo a full body scan upon entering the vestibule, like airport Transportation Security Adminis- tration screenings that we already have become accus- tomed to, to ensure we are virus free? Albeit mind-bog- gling, it’s also refreshingly captivating to think about the possibilities and the opportunities we have as designers, architects, engineers, builders and consumers in having the privilege to help script the redefinition of what busi- ness and leisure travel will look like for our guests, and the design that envelops it. It’s hard to know for sure what will immediately change, and what adjustments will evolve over time; however, I suspect safety being at the forefront. Assuring guests that they will feel safe leaving their home nests of certainty once again. Slowly, this will begin to rebuild the severed bond of trust that the virus has stolen from us all, and of utmost priority in stepping back into any establishments soon. This could mean elevating the ho- tel’s sanitary game, by intentionally drawing attention to the housecleaning staff’s wardrobe, whereabouts and constant tending to of spaces, all of which previously had been intentionally shuffled about back of house corridors. It could also include providing fundamental items, like hand sanitizer and cleaning agents within the hotel guestroom, to make the guest feel more at home and protected than ever before. Perhaps this is where we’ll see extended-stay brands with integral kitchens become more popular. Or possibly incorporating gym equipment in each guestroom to keep people feeling safe and healthy at the same time (if they no longer feel com- fortable spending as much time in the public spaces). I see lobby markets and grab-and-go markets expand- ing their offerings to include designer brand face masks (why not make it fashionable right?) disposable ther- mometers, and disinfectant wipes in abundance. Move over trendy granola snacks, because Clorox is all the rage right now. I also envision the necessity for more visual cues throughout public spaces delineating secure dis- tances between patrons, perhaps established by bold floor finish transitions or the incorporation of color- ful wall graphics with quirky discernable reminders to “mind your span.” Imagine the cheeky possibilities with- in elevator cabs that this is going to create! It’s difficult to accept how our industry has been affect- ed already during this time of disarray and volatility, and what hurdles and transformations will result because of it. There is also a beautiful calm in knowing that we will recover from it and that our visions and ideas will influence the future of it. It’s a gift to be able to do what we do, more so than ever before. To invent, imagine and build, but most importantly, to create memorable mo- ments within a space for all to enjoy. So, I urge you all to accept this time of discord as a juncture to inspire, a platform to grow, and a foundation to invite creativity and passion to flourish once again. “Don’t adapt to the energy in the room. Influence the energy in the room.” \\ marla-rael@ktinteriors.net ELEMENTS Hospitality During COVID-19 It’s a gift to invent, imagine and build, but most importantly, to create memorable moments within a space for all to enjoy. We will recover and our visions and ideas will influence how that happens.