September 2022 Digital Issue

Event space at Toronto's Drake Hotel Modern Wing
Additionally, DesignAgency configured the lobby
at Toronto’s The Drake Hotel’s new Modern Wing, in
collaboration with the Drake’s in-house design team.
“The Drake Hotel’s new Modern Wing gives the
hotel its first proper lobby to not only accommodate
a living room-style lounge area and intimate lobby
bar, but also a communal work table and meeting and
event space that can either be left open to the buzz
of the lobby or closed off for private functions,” says
Mekhayech. “Even in this more compact footprint,
we designed the space to bring together elements of
residential and hospitality design and anticipate the
needs of the contemporary professional.”
The Welcome Desk and Living Room at newly
opened W Toronto, designed by global creative agency
Sid Lee, features velvet furniture, a communal faux fire
pit, a circular destination bar featuring cascading amber
lighting and access to The Yard, its outdoor terrace. The
hotel also boasts Canada’s first W Sound Suite, situated
off the Living Room and outfitted with professional
equipment for musicians, podcasters and other creatives.
Additionally, five event spaces encompassing 4,679 sq.
ft., feature botanical-inspired wallpaper and elliptical
lighting and offer both casual working and bigpresentation
settings.
There are a few design elements that can’t be overlooked
when designed effective co-working spaces in hotels. In
addition to reliable Wi-Fi and ample outlets, lighting is a
major component in workspace design.
“Glare and visual discomfort are frequent complaints,
so we often provide light levels that can be adjusted,
especially in a hotel environment where the space might
transition from one function to another throughout the
day,” says Marti Gallucci, design director at Torontobased
Mason Studio Inc., who designed Kimpton Saint
George Hotel in 2018 and most recently, the Kimpton
Banneker Hotel in Washington, D.C. “For user control,
we might integrate a table lamp or a floor lamp that
might be positioned in a way to illuminate the surface or
portion of a table. It’s a blend of both architectural and
decorative lighting to set up a space successfully.”
“It’s important for guests to be able to choose areas
with different light levels. If they’re looking at paper,
they need a higher light level as opposed to looking at a
computer screen where they’re going to want lower light
levels,” says Kara MacGregor, principal at Halifax-based
MAC Interior Design Inc., who designed Four Points by
Sheraton Moncton, Delta Dartmouth, Prince George
Halifax and more.
With regard to materiality, Gallucci says “there are
plenty of options with nanotechnology, which are selfhealing
products for scratches and scuffs. There’s also
anti-bacterial and fingerprint-proof surfaces.” Durability
and cleanability are also important considerations when
selecting surfaces.
Gallucci continues, ““The layer of acoustics is
important, too. Creating areas that are loud and
vivacious, as well as areas that are quieter and more
intimate, is crucial,” says Gallucci. “We can control a
lot of that with physical partitions or through the use
of acoustic materials, such as batting or wool panels.
Shredded wood fibre creates fantastic textures and
patterns, and drapery or an upholstered sofa or rug can
really help control the travel of sound.”
In recent years, hotels have begun experimenting with
different colours, patterns and textures to bring out the
hotel’s personality and generate interest from guests.
The biophilic design trend is also on the rise with the
introduction of potted plants and green walls, which
Gallucci says are “great to include in a space because of
their natural ability to clean the air. They can also be used
as a barrier to create privacy or division between spaces
without including a direct partition.”
“In the first year of COVID, we saw this incredible
movement away from whites and greys to layered florals,”
says MacGregor. “Clients are craving playful textures and
colours to generate interest in their spaces.”
Unlike traditional office spaces, guests are now
looking for inviting workspaces that spur creativity and
productivity while providing the same level of comfort
and flexibility found at home.
“When you introduce some of the comforts and
conveniences of home or hospitality with the excitement
of activity and the uplifting effect of a beautifully curated
space, people tend to stay longer, strike up conversations
and participate beyond the average work day,” says
Mekhayech “From small details such as USB ports to
larger decisions about lighting and acoustics, as well as
interesting art and cultural programs and easy access to
food and beverage, every design choice is made to create
an enticing space that people will enjoy using.” ◆
BRANDON BARRÉ
COOL. EDGY. CHIC.
®
inspired transformation.
superior performance.
Aiden® by Best Western is a trendy new collection of
modern, boutique hotels with a cool, laid-back personality.
No two hotels are alike. Aiden embodies the personality of
the neighborhood and the spirit of the owner/developer.
To learn more visit aiden.bwhhg-dev.com
Brad Leblanc, SVP, Chief Development Officer brad.leblanc@bwhhotelgroup.com
*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate. ©2022 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved. Each Best Western ® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.
38 | SEPTEMBER 2022
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