NEWH - August 2003 - (Page 41)

to see and be seen… by: Stephen D. Thompson, ASID, President Interior Design Force From our experience as designers and patrons of such establishments, we sense a trend in nightclub design that abandons a dark, smoky atmosphere in favor of a lighter mood. People want to see their surroundings and their friends…the phrase “see and be seen” comes to mind. The space needs to be exciting and invigorating, but at the same time comfortable. As always, clients are looking for designs that will not become outdated in a matter of months. In addition, the design and products must stand up to the use and abuses they will receive over the years. “The design direction was modern and sophisticated, yet bright, colorful and a bit whimsical.” –Stephen D. Thompson, Interior Design Force To that end, we encourage our clients to try new products, color schemes and styles of furnishings, as well as a fresh approach to the actual layout, the “theme” and marketing. Of course, the project must be tailored to the client’s needs and the profile of the clientele. One of our most recent examples is “Northern Lights” no longer a typical hotel bar. A dark, dated “pub” with low ceilings off the bustling lobby of the Stamford Marriott Hotel was in much need of a fresh new look. A complete renovation of the 2,300 sq. ft. space was in order, as there was nothing to save. Investigation behind walls and above ceilings produced two happy surprises: large windows to the front of the hotel and an additional eight feet of ceiling height! The client wished for a light, user-friendly room that would appeal to hotel guests as well as local patrons, with an emphasis on the comfort of female customers. As the room would be used in afternoon as well as at night, the room needed to be inviting in daylight as well as nightlight. During the day, the newly exposed two-story windows bring plenty of natural light into the space, while in the evening the exciting, colorful lighting encourages guests to wander in from the adjacent Lobby. The former multi-level layout was eliminated in favor of one level, improving the flow of the room. The new, higher ceiling exposed a network of beams, which were treated simply and purely as a strong architectural design element. One oversized column became a circular wood-clad focal point around which the room “revolves.” A long curvaceous bar spans between the new two-story window bays, which give the exterior of the hotel a glimpse of the excitement within. 41

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - August 2003

NEWH - August 2003
Contents
Letter From the Editor
Hospitality News
On the Road Again
Calling All Entries
Tips on Specs
The Creation of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
Signature Golf Resorts
Designing a Golf Clubhouse
International Purchasing
Creating a Vision for Clubhouse Renovations
Signage for Today’s Golf Resort
The History of Nightclubs
To See and Be Seen
Appealing to the Senses
Marysol–Real and Magical in the Windy City
The Juggling Act—The “Ooh and Aah” vs. Value Engineering
Cork—Not Just for Wine Bottles Anymore
Lessons Not Learned: Life Safety Issues From the Cocoanut
Small Business Advice...
Things to Consider When Building, Renovating or Expanding
Industry Partner Education
Sources and Credits
Bios

NEWH - August 2003