Experience is created with composition: Sonali Bhagwati

Speaking at the BW HOTELIER - Axor Hansgrohe "Design Innovation to Conservation" WeBBlast Series Episode 1 themed ‘Shower With All Senses’, Sonali Bhagwati, President of DesignPlus Associates, shared, “Experiences are created not just with luxury components rather with how it is composed.”

She explains that a bathroom is an extension of living space and varies from hotel-to-hotel, be it a 4-star business hotel or a luxury hotel. “Today, a bathroom is like a car that has many models for different types of people. A 3-star or 4-star business hotel takes emphasis on functionality with standardised experiences. The game changes at a luxury hotel or a resort or a heritage hotel where spaces and experiences are non-standardised, creating a sense of mystery.”

“For mid-market developer housing, there is a heavy emphasis on functionality and storage because that’s one of the most important things in an Indian home but there is also a huge emphasis on cost. Whereas for high end residences, the scenario changes and the sky is the limit. Different strokes for different folks,” she added.

She also highlighted that architects bring cultural nuances to the space by putting one element that connects guests to the context of the place. “These little things that come under the tenets of the brand standards can connect interest,” she commented.

Talking about maintaining sustainability, Bhagwati mentioned that every hotel is working on water conservation, use of recyclable water, etc. but lifestyle hotels have the opportunity to bring sustainability to the forefront. “Little things like use of recycle materials, local crafts and material can be a very nice way to bring sustainability in an abstract manner as a part of design element,” she concluded.