As the primary welcome spaces where visitors check in, meet and make their way into the building, lobbies have long been regarded as the first impression of a hotel/resort. But in the last few decades, the lobby’s function has significantly changed. Contemporary lobbies offer a smooth fusion of form, function, and experience, evolving from simple functional areas into vibrant social hubs. In addition to serving as greeting halls, modern lobbies are multifunctional spaces where visitors can relax, work, mingle, and even enjoy dining experiences!
What has driven this change?
Both architectural innovation and shifts in visitor behaviour have contributed to this transition. Lobbies have developed into vibrant spaces with multiple purposes as hospitality businesses have responded more and more to the demands of contemporary tourists, who frequently look for places to work, socialize, or relax in common areas. Let’s examine the architectural facets of this development in this blog, emphasizing how functionality, design, and spatial planning have transformed hotel/resort lobbies into the vibrant social hubs they are today.
The traditional lobby
The two main purposes of hotel/resort lobbies in the past were simply check-in and check-out. A sizable central reception counter frequently took up most of the area, with a few chairs strewn about for visitors waiting to be checked in or checked out. The general layout was simple yet practical, emphasizing ease of use and a distinct separation between the lobby and other facilities like conference rooms, restaurants, and bars. In terms of architecture, traditional lobbies generally featured linear designs with separate areas for waiting rooms, reception, and lift or stair access. Because function was given precedence over aesthetics in the construction of these lobbies, the area was effective, but uninviting and unmemorable.
The shift
The role of lobbies transformed in the late 20th century as visitor expectations started to change. Demand for lobbies that provided more than just transactional experiences was fuelled by the growth of boutique hotels, the impact of lifestyle brands, and the expanding trend of “home away from home” settings. Visitors started to anticipate lobbies as extra spaces where they could possibly work, socialize, and relax throughout their visit. In response to these changing demands, designers and architects rethought the design and function of lobbies. They started to view these places as independent destinations rather than merely transportation hubs. The emphasis of the design changed from making simple, utilitarian zones to making fluid, multipurpose areas that catered to a variety of guest requirements. Modern lobby layouts started to shift away from strict, linear designs towards more flexible, open layouts.
- Fluid spaces and open layouts
The use of flexible areas and open layouts is one of the biggest shifts in lobby evolution. Modern lobbies feature open-plan designs that combine many purposes rather than discrete, cordoned-off zones. For instance, a single area may have a café, coworking stations, lounge chairs, and a welcome desk without any walls or other partitions separating them. This change in architecture necessitated reconsidering the utilization of space. Designers started using furniture that was simple to alter based on the requirements of visitors or the time of day. The social element of lobbies was further improved by the removal of physical boundaries between areas, which promoted guest interaction. This has become especially crucial since “bleisure” travel has grown in popularity, as travellers blend work and play, making the lobby a focal point of their workweek.
- Multifunctional zones
Modern lobbies are multipurpose rooms intended to support multiple activities at once, rather than merely serving as welcome halls. The lobbies of today accommodate a variety of visitor needs, from informal meetings and social events to solitary work or leisure. Even with open-plan layouts, designers frequently create distinct “zones” of experience to accomplish this multifunctionality. The welcome room, for instance, might flow naturally into a cozy lounge that might be converted into a café or coworking space. Architects face the difficulty of establishing subtle yet unmistakable divisions between these areas without the use of barriers or walls that can give the impression that the room is smaller or divided. These zones are defined in large part by the materials and lighting used. Different fabrics, metals, woods, stones, and lighting fixtures, all distinguish the spaces meant for work, leisure, or dining.
- Designing for social interaction
Lobbies are now places where people congregate and socialize, whether it’s for a business meeting, a quick coffee with friends, or an impromptu discussion with other travellers. As a result of this change, architects are now creating lobbies that encourage interaction, while providing seclusion when required. Many times, seating arrangements are made to promote both private discussions and more extensive social events. For example, cluster seating enables small groups to congregate within the main communal area. On the other hand, more private places with high-backed chairs or isolated alcoves offer peaceful settings for individuals who are travelling alone or require more privacy. Architects also include communal tables, which are frequently found in cafes and coworking spaces. These sizable communal tables promote conversation, idea sharing, or just using a common area while working alone. This type of social setting fits in with the larger trend of social areas playing a major role in contemporary hospitality design.
- Technology integration
The use of technology in lobby design has changed along with the needs of travellers. The tech-savvy tourist is catered for in today’s lobbies, many of which double as coworking spaces throughout the day. In order to keep visitors connected and productive, lobby design now must include free Wi-Fi, lots of charging connections, and smart technology. Architects have incorporated technology in ways that improve both aesthetics and functionality. Hotels and resorts have gone a step further in certain instances, utilizing technology to create immersive experiences in their lobby areas. The incorporation of technology, from soundscapes to digital art pieces, can improve the visitor experience and add an extra layer of luxury to the space.
DSSPM: Crafting iconic hotels and resorts in and around Ahmedabad
DSSPM has established a reputation as one of the most versatile resort and hotel architects in Ahmedabad, for creating multipurpose, visually appealing hospitality spaces. DSSPM specializes in designing all kinds of lobbies and rooms, making lobbies lively social gathering places, and rooms secluded private spaces. They do this by having a thorough awareness of contemporary design trends and a dedication to combining form and function. They are a crucial partner for the hospitality industry working to improve the design of their spaces, thanks to their proficiency in architectural innovation, which guarantees that every area is designed to improve the visitor experience.