Designing the Future: Innovations and Sustainability at the Hotel Design Summit HPC2024
The 7th Hospitality Philippines Conference (HPC2024), held on September 11-12, 2024, at Marriott Manila, gathered over 500 professionals eager to advance the hospitality and tourism industry. With insights from nearly 100 industry experts and support from over 40 sponsors and partners, the event was a lively exchange of strategies and solutions. While 89% of the attendees were from the Philippines, the presence of delegates from nine other countries added a splash of international flavor, highlighting the widespread interest in the Philippines' hospitality landscape.
Day one was action-packed, featuring both the Hotel Investment Summit and the Hotel Design Summit.
The investment summit tackled the latest trends and strategies, giving everyone a comprehensive view of the evolving investment landscape in the Philippines. The design summit, which is the main topic of this article, discussed integrating cultural and environmental elements into hotel design, focusing on making spaces that are not just aesthetic but also functional and eco-friendly.
On day two, the spotlight shifted to the Hotel Revenue Summit. Speakers shared creative ways to boost profits using technology, data analytics, and new revenue strategies.
The range of topics covered showed how important it is for the hospitality industry to keep innovating and adapting to stay ahead.
Here are the key takeaways from the panel discussions at the Hotel Design Summit.
Designing for Sustainability: Innovations in Architecture and Hospitality
From left: Moderator Rhea Vitto Tabora, Asia Sustainable Travel Co-founder; Architect Romolo V. Nati, CEO & Chairman of Italpinas Development Corporation; Gaurang Khemka, Founder & Design Director of URBNarc; Arch. David Cabigao, CEO & Principal Architect of KDAS Group; Christopher Chua, Founding Partner & Creative Director of KulörGroup
Buildings are a major contributor to global energy-related emissions, accounting for 37%, according to the World Green Building Council's Advancing Net Zero Status Report 2023. Back in 2019, it was even higher at 39%, with 28% from operational emissions and 11% from materials and construction.
However, integrating sustainable practices from the design phase can slash energy usage and operational costs by nearly 30%, as International Energy Agency reported in 2019. It's not just good for the planet; it's a financially sound strategy.
Gaurang Khemka, Founder & Design Director of URBNarc, focuses on a comprehensive design approach. From master planning to the final interior touches, he believes sustainability should be integrated at every step. This holistic approach ensures that every element of a project works towards a sustainable future.
Arch. David Cabigao, CEO & Principal Architect of KDAS Group, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in reshaping guest expectations and emphasized using local, sustainable materials. "Sustainability means that if your material actually came through so many carbon exposures when it was produced, it doesn't really become sustainable."
Christopher Chua, Founding Partner & Creative Director of KulörGroup, pointed out the need to balance the three pillars of sustainability: people, planet, and profit. "Sustainable design must not only be environmentally sound but also economically feasible and socially responsible."
Architect Romolo V. Nati, CEO & Chairman of Italpinas Development Corporation, shared insights into passive green design strategies, such as enhancing natural ventilation and implementing rainwater harvesting systems. "These sustainable features in our projects not only save on costs but enhance the guest experience," offering both financial savings and improved customer satisfaction.
The session also explored innovative solutions like solar-powered systems and bamboo architecture. Nati discussed the benefits of solar photovoltaic panels as a renewable energy source that reduces reliance on traditional power grids.
While bamboo architecture is praised for its renewability and fast growth, it comes with its own set of challenges. Chua emphasized the need to consider local climate conditions, as bamboo's durability can be compromised by moisture and molds. Cabigao advised a long-term maintenance strategy: "Think long-term with a 3-, 5-, and 10-year budget plan to accommodate bamboo's lifecycle needs."
Crafting Atmosphere Through Design Integration
From left: Moderator Cathy Saldaña, CEO & Managing Director of PDP+Architecture; Felipe Agustin, President and Founder of ecoSolutions Engineering and Management; Melanie Freeland, Creative Director and Partner at RIOS; Rafael Moragas, Senior Urban Designer at Perkins and Will
Moderator Cathy Saldaña, CEO & Managing Director of PDP+Architecture, kicked off the discussion on how sustainable design can subtly shape the atmosphere of hospitality spaces. Saying that design should connect emotionally while being kind to our environment, she set the stage for a conversation about aesthetics and responsibility.
Melanie Freeland, Creative Director and Partner at RIOS, stressed the importance of deeply understanding the local culture and user needs. For hotels to shine, they need to capture the spirit of their location—not just in looks but in the unique experiences they offer.
Innovative materials and technologies were a hot topic too. Freeland talked about AI's game-changing role in design, saying, "AI lets us rethink what's possible." This approach can lead to groundbreaking ways of designing and using spaces, bringing creative solutions to old challenges.
On the engineering front, President and Founder Felipe Agustin of ecoSolutions Engineering and Management discussed the delicate balance between guest comfort and efficiency. He stressed the importance of smart systems and simulations to make buildings both welcoming and energy-efficient.
Rafael Moragas, Senior Urban Designer at Perkins and Will, shared the importance of integrating cultural heritage and natural settings into hotel design. He stressed that these experiences should mirror both the social and natural vibes of the area. Sharing a project where collaboration with a local museum fosters storytelling and cultural exchange, Moragas illustrated how such efforts enrich the guest experience with a genuine sense of place and history.
Designing for Tomorrow's Traveler
From left: Moderator Cathy Saldaña; Iris Ocampo, Founder of IEO Studio Inc.; Rebecca Plaza, Architect at WTA Design Studio; Norman Agleron, Partner of HBA Manila
Saldaña set the stage by outlining the essentials for today's savvy travelers: seamless connectivity, reliable water temperature, and pristine, cozy bedding. "Our discerning travelers just want those three," she remarked, laying the groundwork for a closer look at modern traveler expectations.
"But that was 2019. If you were to add to those top three, what would you add?" Saldaña challenged the panelists.
Norman Agleron, Partner of HBA Manila, spotlighted the rise of co-working spaces in hotels, reflecting a shift towards multifunctional environments. "You're not like working in a bubble," he noted, pointing out that these spaces allow guests to be productive while enjoying social interactions. This trend reflects the growing demand for flexible work environments, especially for nomadic professionals who blend work and leisure.
Rebecca Plaza, Architect at WTA Design Studio, zeroed in on the practical needs of tech-savvy travelers, such as having enough power outlets. "I need to be plugged in all the time," she said, emphasizing the need for hotels to support the tech-driven lifestyles of their guests. Her insights reflect a broader trend toward retrofitting older hotels to meet these modern demands. She also shared her perspective as a young mother, emphasizing the importance of having enough spaces, amenities, and activities that cater to families traveling with children.
Iris Ocampo, Founder of IEO Studio Inc., spoke about creating unique, brand-specific environments that enhance guest experiences. "Facilities should be able to accommodate all my needs," she asserted, stressing the value of personalized and diverse amenities that cater to various traveler profiles and preferences.
The panel also touched on the use of technology in hotel design. Norman discussed the integration of AI to create smart rooms that adapt to guest habits, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency. "The room needs to be smart enough to know when the guest is there and know the habits of the guest, and that's something that we are keen as interior designers to collaborate on how that is integrated into the hotel space."
The discussion also explored the balance between luxury and sustainability. Saldaña noted that today's most discerning travelers are eager to contribute to environmental efforts. "When you give them glass bottles of water, and then they just refill their mugs or their cups, when you find ways to help the community locally, when you find ways to institute a few local materials and reduce the carbon footprint, when you are finding ways and teaching them to conserve energy, they love it! And they won't mind paying $1,000 and up for that contribution."
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Solutions
From left: Colin Steley, Chief Sustainability Officer of Stratcon.ph; Conrado I. Generoso, Founding Director and Chief Operations Officer of GenWATT Energy Corporation; Matthias Gelber, Founder of GreenMan
Conrado I. Generoso, Founding Director and Chief Operations Officer of GenWATT Energy Corporation, shared insights on the financial viability of solar energy. "Think of it as an investment, not an expense," he advised, explaining that solar systems can offer significant returns over their 25-30-year lifespan. He presented a case study of a small resort in Pangasinan, where a hybrid solar setup is on track to save 70% of energy costs, delivering both financial and environmental wins.
He also highlighted the role of government incentives in making renewable energy more accessible. "The Philippines' Renewable Energy Law encourages banks to offer financing," he explained, noting that various financial packages are available to support solar investments. This support is important for smaller resorts and businesses looking to transition to green energy.
Colin Steley, Chief Sustainability Officer of Stratcon.ph, emphasized the power of data. "Data is where it all starts," he declared, advocating for the use of analytics to optimize energy use and identify savings opportunities. He cited a resort in Palawan that managed to trim its power usage by 5% through savvy data-driven energy management.
The discussion also touched on innovative technologies, such as frictionless motors, which, according to Colin, use less power and have lower operation maintenance costs. He mentioned these motors offer a fast ROI, illustrating how such technologies can complement solar systems to maximize efficiency and savings.
Wrapping up the session, moderator Matthias Gelber, Founder of GreenMan, emphasized the importance of behavior change alongside tech solutions. He encouraged hoteliers to explore both operational tweaks and technological upgrades in their energy strategies, blending the best of both worlds for maximum impact.
