When looking for a space to analyze pragmatically, I thought a hotel lobby would be a great example of how a space functions. Most hotel lobbies are multi functional; serving as a guest check in space and a leisure area for guests to interact with others or to have some time to themselves. The lobby is the area that sees the most activity and acts as the central hub for the hotel and a main circulation path as well. There is a clear path to the adjoining stairway and the front exit. Rugs are also used to designate paths around the furniture. The furniture is located a bit to the left, as to not interfere with the main walkway to the reception desk. The large lighting fixtures above the seating area create a central focus within the space. Lighting is used throughout the space to create focal points and direct the viewer where to go. The amount of light is perfect, not too much as to make the space feel sterile, but enough to contrast the richness of the walls and floor. With the ceiling being so tall compared to the viewer, an abstracted wood pattern was applied to the wall to cancel any loud noises. With this being such a high traffic area, the receptionist needs to be able to have a coherent conversation with the customer, so the noise level must be controlled. The space is designed to be very open. This also allows the employees to see everything that is going on from behind the desk. This hotel lobby looks as though it balances its many functions well. The seating area is kept to itself so if a guest wants to sit and read and fade out of the crowd it is possible, even though they are smack dab in the middle of the lobby. The most noticeable is the area with three black and white chairs. The white rug and the drop lighting makes this seating area feel sectioned off like it is its own separate space. How well of a job do you think the lobby does of functioning as a multi-use space? Would you feel comfortable in the seating areas while activities are going on around you? Do you feel the designer could have done a better job of creating traffic patterns? If so how so?
Looking at the image, it seems really clear where to go. Traffic paths are defined by lighting levels - people move to the reception desk and from there to the rest of the space. Traffic paths are also defined by floor finishes - the rugs on floor create resting areas and spaces within the larger lobby. It seems really clear what each area functions as and how people are supposed to move throughout. The seating areas are well defined but they seem to be in the way. They are too close to the reception desk and do not consider customers' privacy. They are right in the middle of the space - I would feel uncomfortable seating right there where everyone could see me, especially knowing that employees are looking at me. If on one hand it provides security and travelling clarity, on the other hand the space does not provide intimacy for users. The designer should have considered using dropped ceilings to create a more intimate and comfortable space for the users.
ReplyDeleteThe traffic patterns are very clear at a first glance. By having nothing interrupting the path to the reception desk, customers can travel to the desk and check in. However, the way to the elevators is confusing. By looking at the image, I cannot locate the elevators. When checking in, the clerk could tell the customer where to go and after that they would know where to go for the remainder of their stay. This is inconvenient, but works.
ReplyDeleteIf I was sitting in the seating with the high backs I would feel comfortable, but the other seating is uncomfortable and very open. I feel like I would need more privacy to enjoy the seating spaces. Perhaps adding privacy walls or dividers will be more successful.
I believe that the hotel lobby space is a very successful multi-purpose space. The subconscious separation of space lets the user know what space is for what (middle section is for waiting, section of to the left side is for conversation and mingling, etc.) The reception area is very clearly defined by the long, lit white desk; with no other object in front of it (directly) or on top, it is very clear and simple as to what the function is. The small area rugs help to define seating areas, as well as the lighting. You can tell that the designer wanted to emphasis the small grouping of chairs in the middle of the space: they used the four large lighting fixtures, the circular white rug, and related colors of upholstery. There isn’t much contrast between the materials in the space; they are all mostly neutrals with blacks and whites, so it makes for a very visually appealing space that isn’t over stimulating. I would probably feel more comfortable in the seating that is off towards the back of the space. There isn’t direct, bright light shining on those seats, and the bright lights would make me feel much more exposed. I think that the traffic patterns that the designer has created work just fine. While there isn’t literal signage and arrows pointing a user in certain directions, the grouping of the furniture helps to lead the user through the space.
ReplyDeleteThe most important function of a lobby is to tell you where to go for reception and guidance.
ReplyDeleteThe front desk makes an obvious strong statement, telling you where to go first. It accomplishes this through the contrast of its sleek, cool, white form against the dark warm of the surrounding wood. Though you can see a propper heirarchy through color an texture, the lighting begins to make things more confusing. The biggest lighting statement is being made over the seating rather than at the front desk. I feel that the front desk lighting should be stronger, while the seating lighting should be minimized, at least through the size of the light fixture. Also, as Katie mentioned, there doesn't seem to be any guidance towards the elevators, which could be potentially frusrating for guests.