The phrase “future-proof” gets tossed around a lot when discussing design. For some, this inspires imagery right out of The Jetsons. But what does it actually mean in practice, and moreover, how “future-proof” can a brand actually be? Well, what if you could actually see into the future and evaluate how impactful a design investment would be before you made it.
Space inside of the 520 West 28th by Zaha Hadid residence, overlooking the High Line. Image via ArchDaily (left). Stacked images (right), via World Architects and ArchDaily.
We’re not time travelers, but throughout our experience with architects and designers across industries, we’ve learned the three critical components that go into a future-proof design.
Creative Lobby Design – Uncovering The Keys to a Future-Proof Entry
By definition, a “future-proof” design is “anticipating and getting ahead of future stresses, shocks, and other changes that might otherwise cause a building to fall into obsolescence.” For designers, determining what is at risk for obsolescence always falls into a few key categories, which include:
- The minimum amount of technology needed and how quickly it can become outdated
- How materials will age and degrade over time
- Any considerations about the brand and how frequently creative is refreshed or updated
While designers tend to be extremely savvy about future-proofing their designs, plans can fall into a grey area when clients pursue trends, tie design to business objectives or fail to see the bigger picture. The intersection of obsolescence and trends is a high-risk area for designers, for instance, as finishes and fixtures that are considered “in vogue” now may become dated in a few short years. This can inspire more thoughtful and strategic approaches to design, especially when undergoing a lobby design or renovation.
The lobby of the amenities floor at One Vanderbilt in New York City (left, image via Instagram), the front area of the building (right, image via Skyscraper Center).
The categories above rather, become open questions, such as:
- The minimum amount of technology needed and how quickly it can become outdated
- How materials will age and degrade over time
- Any considerations about the brand and how frequently creative is refreshed or updated
We’ll break down each of these questions, drawing upon some of the strongest “future proof” lobby designs in offices, hotels, luxury residences, and more.
Technology: Cracking the Company Eco-System
During our visit to The American Institute of Architects (AIA)’s conference in Boston this year, we found that a lot of architects are moving to screen-free spaces, introducing an interesting dynamic to lobbies everywhere. What was once essential (the presence of a screen at various touchpoints), is seemingly becoming more and more discouraged, which will inevitably impact how companies greet, engage, and interact with their employees and clients.
Image (left) of Edmunds lobby in Santa Monica, CA (Image via Edmunds), image (right) of suspended car from the ceiling (Image via Pinterest).
A departure from non-essential screens reintroduces conversation starts and dynamic focal points. The above example from Edmunds, for instance, essentially treats their lobby like a showroom, with a car in the center of the room as well as positioned to the ceiling. While screens are used in their lobby, they’re not the focus of it.
Balancing Durability and Aesthetics
A space doesn’t have to include a living plant wall or cork floor to meet the mark for sustainability. It can merely invest in materials that won’t degrade quickly, don’t give off any harmful chemicals or particles, and can stand the test of time. The Beverly Hills Hotel, known for its chic, Californian style, is an excellent example of a warm, yet “future-proof” lobby that still adheres to the brand identity.
Image (left) of The Beverly Hills hotel in Los Angeles, CA (Image via Forbes Travel Guide), image (right) of the lobby within the hotel (Image via Issuu).
The mid-century glamour still feels fresh with wainscotting, marble floors, and wood finishes. The careful attention to lighting also makes the space feel warm and inviting with buttery yellows, soft organic greens, and pops of color and patterns.
Setting the Scene Without Losing the Brand
The lifecycle of branding can be short, depending on the success and longevity of the organization. The lifecycle of branding is on full display in Las Vegas, where several hotels have gone under renovations in hopes to modernize and refresh dated looks. The challenge for many architects and designers is how to still get the Vegas look and feel without automatically dating a design from day one.
Image (left) of a seasonal display from Aria (Image via KSNV), image (right) of another display.)
The Aria, located on the strip, is a good example of a brand that balances a sleek, modern look with seasonal experiential decor to keep the space feeling new. The hotel and casino has invested in everything from a Japanese Garden display hung from the ceiling to hot air balloons toting oversized birds nests.
The Aria example is also great in terms of flexibility. During special events, season changes, and hotel promotions, the brand must be flexible without impacting the long-term look or feel of the space. In this way, experiential design, even the temporary instances above, allow the brand to maintain the spectacle that is being a Las Vegas hotel, while maintaining the contemporary luxury, artistry, and technological savvy that Aria is known for.
Future-Proofing Lobby Design
A “future-proof” lobby doesn’t need to be wall-to-wall screens or endless accents of chrome and metal. There’s a way to strike an elegant balance that allows brands to grow and evolve while having a strong foundation of design. The goal isn’t to overwhelm and dazzle with the latest tech or trends, but to welcome guests today while still feeling fresh and relevant for years to come.