The growing impetus on infrastructure augmentation has led to unlocking hidden locations across the country, resulting in an unprecedented progression of the tourism industry and, hence, the demand for unique hospitality avenues. Owing to these growing numbers of destinations and attractions, there is a surge of opportunity for Indian communities to tap into this rapidly expanding realm. What is exciting is also concerning at the same time! If not played properly, this game might disrupt the authenticity of the region it aims to flourish.
As we delve into this fantasy, we consider the 300 million travellers who will be exploring and looking for authentic connections to any place they visit. Staying at a star property is no longer an aspiration; they will seek experiences unique to that location. There can be various ways to associate with that, using design as a tool to engage. Luxury tourism has also been redefined, which is more about responsive and responsible design, focusing on how one immerses in the context and yet is responsible for the culture and ecology.
Designing Experiences: From Traditions to Transformation
A conscious approach is required while addressing the development strategy of hotel and recreational conclaves that eventually engage with the immediate 3Cs: Context, Culture, and Climate. This is where our role as designers is crucial: to mitigate the gap between the existing and proposed, the economic and ecological, the surreal and the tangible. Such locations are inspiring yet intimidating, as we are responsible for integrating and nurturing the 3C’s while introducing any project there.
As architects and design managers, we encompass the role of a practical visionary embracing these ‘Heterotopias of Change’ – a concept that draws on the idea of heterotopia, originally introduced by French philosopher Michel Foucault. In the context of hospitality design, the term suggests creating spaces and environments that embody transformative qualities or serve as sites for significant shifts, offering a departure from the ordinary and providing an alternative experience. A shift from traditional hospitality design that earlier focused on aesthetics, functionality, and comfort is now evolving to incorporate a deeper consideration of the impact of spaces on individuals, communities, and ecology. These designed heterotopias in hotels will entail spaces beyond mere accommodation, dining, or leisure, aiming to foster societal and contextual transformations.
Context-centered approaches in hospitality
For us at GPM, an interesting opportunity presented itself with a unique contoured site at Rishikesh for a resort, offering a pristine visual connection to the river while entailing a constraint from Vastu’s standpoint. Infusing the spiritual centrality significant to Rishikesh with a stepped land profile respecting the river, we used Vastu as a guiding principle to design the spaces. The spiritual heterotopia of this resort will offer a series of terraces, highlighting activities for the congregation, including arrival, yoga, Ganga Aarti, celebration, relaxation, and so on, creating a place that encourages diversity and alternative perspectives, fostering an environment conducive to positive transformation and adaptation. It touches upon the subtle nuances of local popularity and becomes a destination itself.
This resort exemplifies the synergy between architectural design and sacred landscapes in the broader context of religious and spiritual tourism. By embracing the rich spiritual heritage of a location, hospitality spaces can become a haven for those seeking not only physical relaxation but also a deeper connection with their spiritual selves. Carefully crafted spaces and activities align with the essence of religious and spiritual tourism, offering visitors an immersive experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing. It contributes to the broader narrative of enhancing spiritual journeys and creating destinations that resonate with the region’s profound cultural and religious ethos.
Contextual heterotopia offers alternative spaces or environments that develop their unique characteristics as their nature is influenced or defined by the specific context in which they exist, with the integration of design elements and local best practices. Instead of fast-paced construction techniques, we may incorporate vernacular practices that are unique to that region, techniques that have stood the test of time. In one of our projects, JW Marriott Resort & Spa Shimla, we used the challenging site as an opportunity to integrate some critical traditional construction details into the concept design prepared by the principal designer, Smallwood Architects, ensuring a seamless methodology and systems that enable minimizing disruption of natural ground and maximizing longevity of the built structures. Without compromising on the vision of the designer, certain strategies were incorporated that respect the landform and existing water channels that will help the project establish a sustainable model for the vicinity and eventually ensure immersive experiences for the visitors.
The Green Wave in Hospitality Design
In the wake of increasing global awareness about environmental conservation, there’s anticipation for a surge in sustainable tourism focusing on fragile and unexplored ecosystems. Integrating the local ecosystem and using passive strategies by taking inspiration from the local climate-responsive and highly sustainable designs can help conserve energy, reducing the negative environmental impact. Particularly, the Northeast presents a unique opportunity for sustainable tourism development that prioritizes both environmental conservation and community involvement. For this, engaging the local community from the outset and incorporating their traditional knowledge and practices into the development initiatives is crucial. A key aspect of sustainable tourism is the creation of micro-developments within the local community. This approach not only preserves local traditions but also contributes to economic empowerment, providing a viable alternative to practices that might harm fragile ecosystems. At GPM, we believe in Going Glocal—local is the new global! Local materials can promote indigenous arts and crafts and help local businesses when used in significant urban developments like hotels. While highlighting the local characteristics, they also add a point of reference to the immediate surroundings for guests visiting from outside the city. It becomes a symbiotic rather than a standalone process, also bringing in a sense of pride.
Furthermore, in the context of rapid climate change, passive climate strategies, biophilic designs, and smart technology have been gaining popularity to ensure a building has a minimal environmental impact. Right from the inception, we ensure a climatically responsive design with the desired orientation and integration of the built form with its context. When used sincerely, these strategies can create a sense of identity for the hospitality brand as worldly and progressive. Moreover, the shift from boxy constructions towards an organic phase-wise construction should be practised so learning is involved and growth doesn’t suddenly impact the ecology.
Island Heterotopia – can become an example where we do not replicate models of the west, eroding coastlines and disrupting marine ecology. With a collaborative approach and the integration of unique experts as diverse as marine ecologists and parametric designers, some interesting organic architecture can be proposed. Using AI and digital technologies, we are experimenting with this idea on some hypothetical sites.
For instance, in the specific context of Lakshadweep, or island tourism, it is essential to embrace a sensitive development approach. By empowering a vision that prioritises the protection of ecosystems, this approach ensures that the allure of the islands is preserved for future generations. This vision involves a delicate balance between progress and conservation, where innovative architectural practices and technological advancements contribute to a harmonious coexistence with nature. In doing so, we not only contribute to the resilience of these delicate environments but also set a precedent for responsible and sustainable architectural practices. The success of island tourism lies in its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, making Lakshadweep a potential model for responsible and environmentally conscious development.
Capacity building through IEC – information, education, and communication
Capacity building or equipping architects, designers, and stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to create environmentally responsible and socially beneficial spaces is crucial for futuristic and innovative developments. It encompasses a multidisciplinary approach integrating sustainable design principles, construction techniques, and operational strategies.
By engaging with local communities, artisans, and cultural practitioners, architects can gain insights into a locality’s unique history, traditions, and values, thereby informing the design process. Through capacity-building initiatives focused on local experiences, professionals learn to integrate indigenous materials, construction techniques, and design motifs into their projects, creating spaces that celebrate the authenticity and identity of the destination. This approach enhances the guest experience by offering immersive and meaningful encounters and contributing to preserving and promoting local culture and heritage. Capacity building in hospitality architecture that embraces local context empowers designers to create spaces that resonate with authenticity, fostering connections between guests, communities, and the places they visit.
Today, many leading brands and thought leaders are stepping up in the hospitality realm and supporting the growing bandwidth of Indian hospitality. So, it is an inspiring time for us to work as teams and collaboratively approach any project, not just regarding what is being constructed for a certain period, but as an organism that grows and acts as a driver of change. As architects, we can evoke a compelling narrative of the project’s context and translate it into a memorable experience for visitors. From history and traditions to contemporary developments and future aspirations, the inspirations for this narrative are myriad.
At the heart of it, the key is to know that built form is constantly in dialogue with the outside world, enabling heterotopias of change in hospitality design, where spaces evolve and adapt to foster the impactful and transformative 3Es – Ecology, Economy and Equity.
