Hotel(v)olution
TEAM: Joel Wong, Amanda Rahayuningtyas – Southern California Institute of Architecture
What is a hotel, really?
A hotel is a lot of things to different people. As a typology that has been around for long, particularly in Architecture, its function has been interpreted and reinterpreted far too many times. To attempt to de ne its true function is futile. Like every other Architecture that has been important enough to still exist, a hotel must be adaptable, exible and receptive. It should constantly reinvent itself as frequently as Architecture does. It should always question itself and nd ways to rede ne its impression on people’s minds.
Ultimately, a hotel’s duty is to serve. It must trust that the people know what is best for them. It must also give the people the freedom to choose what they want.
“Hote(l)volution” is a concept that comes into physical conception through the help of the people. It is low-maintenance and can occur anywhere. A typical “hote(l)volution” would be a large open space with multiple charging ports. A communal shower and toilet will then be set up at an inconspicuous part of the room. A booth at the front will rent out these universal modules, at an outrageously low price, that can be personalized to tailor to one’s needs. Its assembly is as easy as playing building blocks as it comes together to meet the next module through a highly thought-out custom click-and-release system for a simpler assembly process. This means that tools are not needed to assemble the modules. Think primitive hut meets technology and innovation. It comes with 4 custom and interchangeable panels, all of which play different roles (for example, you may use an opaque panel if you value your privacy). This promotes personalization and recognizes the idiosyncrasies of individuals when it comes to sleeping in a hotel room. It is a simple and straight-to-the-point solution that in turn provides us with more valid questions about the typology of a hotel.
This project questions the redundancy of certain elements in a typical hotel room. It embraces the uniqueness of individuals and thus entrusts them with the freedom to pave their own fate. This project delves into the question of basic necessities. What would different consumers require in a hotel? What are the general factors to consider? This project contests the typical “one size ts all policy” that hotels would normally adopt. It does so by giving the people the tools necessary for them to create their own version of a hotel room. This project challenges conventional Architecture and the result, an Architecture that is an absolute representation of human individuality and human capabilities.
Why should Architecture tell people what to do? Now is the time for Architecturevolution. It is time for people to tell Architecture what it must become.