Monocle Critic Argues the Modern Multi-Purpose Hotel Lobby Has Lost Its Purpose
Florian Siebeck, in an article for Monocle, contends that hotel lobbies are often misinterpreted as multifunctional spaces, serving as reception areas, co-working spots, and cocktail lounges. This effort to cater to diverse needs can lead to guest dissatisfaction. An effective lobby should provide a tranquil entryway, instilling confidence in visitors within approximately seven seconds. Aman Tokyo is highlighted for its peaceful design, while Siebeck points out the disruptive noise from constant social activities. The Manner in New York fosters a welcoming vibe with unobtrusive check-in processes, and The Okura Tokyo incorporates sound-absorbing carpets and calming layouts. Following the 2015 demolition of its 1962 landmark, public outcry resulted in a thoughtfully rebuilt lobby. Siebeck concludes that a lobby serves as a passage, rather than a destination.
Key facts
- Monocle's Frankfurt correspondent Florian Siebeck wrote the opinion piece on hotel lobby design
- Lobbies are increasingly asked to serve as reception desk, living room, co-working hub, cocktail bar, social condenser, pop-up retail floor and Zoom-call waiting room
- Designers say it takes about seven seconds to form a first impression of a room
- Aman Tokyo uses stone, timber and washi-paper lights with low-slung sofas in near-ceremonial symmetry
- The Manner in New York places check-in one level below the main lounge to keep arrivals out of the lounge
- The Okura Tokyo's 1962 modernist landmark building was demolished in 2015 and replaced with a less distinguished structure
- Public protest led to The Okura Tokyo lobby being reconstructed as an exact replica, with proportions laser scanned and light, temperature and acoustic properties measured
- At The Okura Tokyo, carpets absorb sound, crystal-like lanterns hang beneath a timber ceiling and chairs are arranged like plum blossoms
Entities
Artists
- Florian Siebeck
Institutions
- Monocle
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan
- New York
- United States
- Frankfurt
- Germany
Sources
- Monocle —