Abstract
The hospitality sector is facing considerable transformation leading to changes in guests’ needs. According to studies, innovative design solutions are in demand for distinctive experiences. This investigation identifies current hospitality guests’ expectations for advanced design responses. Several data validate the research including the results of the Hospitality Design Challenge incorporated in a design course at the American University in Dubai. Being the competition conceived in collaboration with a relevant Hospitality Operator, the implications of interrelating academic and professional practice in the learning experience are explored.
The qualitative and quantitative study comprises:
• Design senior and junior undergraduate students’ development of their design concepts for an innovative guestroom, the scope of the annual challenge. The design process involves research, case-study analysis, surveys, and professional juries. The competition was conducted for six editions, involving 109 individuals.
• Assessment and comparison of results and data, observations, interviews, and literature review, including a supplementary questionnaire during the COVID-19-related period.
The findings on current trends in guests’ needs highlight a focus on well-being, accessibility, biophilia, authenticity, space flexibility and multifunctionality, sustainability, and technology integration. Responsive conceptual design models are elaborated. Experiential learning has proved crucial in supporting innovation, meeting industry demands, and student engagement. Furthermore, despite the reciprocity of Academia and Industry collaboration, the lack of resources may be a limitation. The research offers insights into the evolution of the Hospitality Design field for educators, future designers, and industry stakeholders, contributing to the sector’s advancement.
Author Information
Annamaria Lambri, American University in Dubai, United Arabs Emirates
Paper Information
Conference: KAMC2024
Stream: Aesthetics and Design
This paper is part of the KAMC2024 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Lambri A. (2024) Collaborative Hospitality Design Study Linking Academia and Industry: Understanding the Shifts in Guests’ Preferences for Innovative Design Models ISSN: 2436-0503 – The Kyoto Conference on Arts, Media & Culture 2024: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 519-537) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2436-0503.2024.45
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2436-0503.2024.45
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