From luxury hotels to casual cafes, the way lighting is utilised within hospitality design has a direct impact on the guest – and the staff. At the Power Panels with Lutron event on August 22, ITP Group Editor for Hospitality and Design Paul Clifford was joined by a panel of industry experts to discuss lighting as an amenity in hospitality.
On stage to discuss the topic was Carna Maravic, Design Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants, Interior Designer Casey Carillo of LW Group, Qiddiya’s Director of Design Suzanne Wynter and Omar Tabbara, Residential Head for Middle East and Asia at Lutron. Here are some of the thought-provoking talking points from the night.
Lighting Control in hotel rooms
“There are two things in hotel rooms that get the most amount of calls to reception. How does the shower work? And how do the light controls work?” said Suzanne Wynter, as the panel approached the topic of lighting in hotel rooms.
“Operators are so overwhelmed that they’re now asking for simplified control panels, and for simplified solutions. They are asking even to have really simple toggle switches, and they want to hear a click,” added Carna Maravic.
“Whether it’s through universal symbols or technology, there is a much-needed simplification that we are looking for in the control systems of hotel rooms,” Wynter added.
Is automation the solution?
Lutron’s Omar Tabbara said the brand’s technology is there to help, but it comes down to smart systems and smart designers. “Each hotel has own its standards, so the flexibility you have in our system will allow you to do whatever you want. You pick and choose whatever you want, based on what the operator requires.”
“It’s related to each and every device, where it’s installed, where it should be, and the amount of light on the buttons. The harmony and the seamless integration between the systems, the light sensors, all of them working together in harmony – that’s technology, and that’s the innovation that we come with as Lutron, to provide the operators, designers and developers. It comes back to them then, to choose what they want to build in the room, or what they don’t want to include.”
Behind the scenes
Another important consideration discussed on the night was the quality of lighting behind the scenes in hospitality. “What gets missed in luxury design, thinking about the back-of-house experience,” Suzanne pointed out.
“It is as important, if not more important because if staff aren’t acting and feeling mentally well, motivated and ambitious in their own career goals, they’re not going to come out of the basement and treat the guests in the way that we need them to. The control of non-daylights in those basement areas is incredibly important. Can we not recreate it artificially, so that all of those mental wellness and mental health benefits are actually there?” Wynter Pondered.
The panel continued to discuss how lighting can be used to enhance other design features within the space. “Lighting is a key factor, but it’s one of the many factors,” said Carillo. “So you don’t only need a well-designed space. You don’t only need a unique brand, menu, and artwork. The way you use light to enhance those spaces and features bring back returning customers, and help to create Instagramable moments. And with that, you create a holistic design experience.”