A Look at What’s New in Retail and Hospitality Design

Today’s products help create better results
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Sponsored by Construction Specialties, Inpro, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, and NanaWall Systems
By Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify selected trends and factors that influence the design and construction of resilient, comfortable, flexible, and attractive retail and hospitality buildings.
  2. Assess innovative product and system offerings that can be used to enhance retail and hospitality interior design, durability, human comfort, hygiene, and adaptability.
  3. Determine ways to economically address material usage, space enhancements, and occupant comfort while producing designs that meet owner and user needs for energy efficiency, longevity, and performance.
  4. Investigate ways to incorporate specific building technologies into retail and hospitality designs by reviewing project case studies.

Credits:

HSW
1 AIA LU/HSW
IACET
0.1 IACET CEU*
AAA
AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
AANB
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
AAPEI
AAPEI 1 Structured Learning Hour
MAA
MAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
NLAA
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA.
NSAA
This course can be self-reported to the NSAA
NWTAA
NWTAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
OAA
OAA 1 Learning Hour
SAA
SAA 1 Hour of Core Learning
 
This course can be self-reported to the AIBC, as per their CE Guidelines.
As an IACET Accredited Provider, BNP Media offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
This course is approved as a Structured Course
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
Approved for structured learning
Approved for Core Learning
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA
Course may qualify for Learning Hours with NWTAA
Course eligible for OAA Learning Hours
This course is approved as a core course
This course can be self-reported for Learning Units to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia
This test is no longer available for credit

It has been said “The only constant is change,” and that is notably true in the world of retail and hospitality design. Changing markets, changing ways of engaging with customers, changing local conditions, and changing building technology all require the designers of this vibrant building type to not only keep up with the changes but to also try to anticipate and stay ahead so that designs don’t quickly become outdated or obsolete. Staying abreast of current research and market reports is certainly one way to keep a pulse on the factors influencing retail and hospitality companies, but keeping up with building technology and products is also important for designers to develop relevant, successful solutions. This is true for new buildings as well as the frequent renovation and refurbishing of retail and hospitality spaces. In this course, we will focus on some of the latest building systems, products, and developments that can be used for a variety of store, restaurant, hotel, and similar buildings to create designs that perform just as well as they look.

Photo of a restaurant on a waterfront.

Photo courtesy of NanaWall Systems

Retail and hospitality spaces often need to change due to a variety of reasons, whether they are new or existing restaurants, hotels, or retail stores.

Creative Wall Surfaces

Retail and hospitality spaces, like most spaces, are defined by walls that can be finished in a variety of ways to elicit an emotional response, create a design statement, provide a sense of branding, or simply create a desired color and texture for the space enclosure. At the same time, they are exposed to high levels of people and activity. Therefore, they need to be durable and long lasting enough to withstand the rigors of their setting. Two innovative options to achieve this are discussed below.

Wall Panel Systems

The construction of retail and hospitality spaces is often very time sensitive, meaning the use of prefinished materials is often desirable to meet opening deadlines. Prefinished wall panel systems can meet that need while still providing diverse aesthetic options and high durability. Some can even be installed directly to a substrate with adhesive or hung on a Z-clip or similar to expedite installation and allow for changes or substitutions whenever needed. Either way, they can be used to create a positive first impression on those who enter the space and impact how they may remember it when they depart.

Wall panel systems that are engineered for superior impact resistance and carry a Class A fire rating are readily available and most suitable for retail and hospitality designs. They are available in a full range of colors and textures, including some that simulate metal or wood grain to create the desired look and feel for a space. Commonly, they can be specified and installed in any one of three ways.

  • Square edge wall panels provide durability with a flush look and tight panel seams. This style allows for the panels to be cut and assembled in the field to ensure easy installation for difficult areas or challenging wall conditions.
  • Full-wrap panels extend the protective, finished face around the edges of the panels, allowing them to be spaced apart to create innovative designs. They are available in both a beveled and square profile panel edge and can be affixed to the wall with either a premium adhesive or demountable Z-clips.
  • Wall trim that matches or complements the panels that is made from the same durable materials is also available. Such trim can combine woodgrain rigid sheet with a variety of molding options to allow designers to achieve a number of looks.

Overall, wall panel systems can create imaginative designs, improve construction processes, and provide the owner with an attractive, rigid, and durable wall finish solution.

Photo of interior wall panels with wrapped edges.

Photo courtesy of Inpro

Interior wall panels with wrapped edges can provide a variety of aesthetic design options as well as superior durability and protection in retail and hospitality settings.

Flexible Wall Protection

While rigid protective wall panels offer pattern and color choices, there is also an alternative that provides the aesthetic of rolled wallcovering with the function of traditional wall protection. Flexible wall protection materials are available that are so resilient, they fend off stains and vandalism simply by wiping away with standard or high-strength cleaning agents as needed. They offer the same durability and protective performance as traditional rigid wall protection, but they are indistinguishable from wallcoverings. They are durable enough to handle the conditions of the harshest environments, yet literally flexible enough to become the showpiece or backdrop of any interior. With seamless installation, they also become an uninterrupted finish in a variety of patterns and colors. These materials are offered as three-dimensional design alternatives, with wall panels wrapped in the wall covering for another way to bring visual interest to interiors. With these inviting textures, rich colors, alluring patterns, and a seamless appearance, a wall is no longer just a surface—it can be a canvas for expressive design possibilities.

Photo of flexible walls with coverings.

Photo courtesy of Inpro

Flexible wall coverings are an option that provide the character and protection of traditional wall coverings and the durability and wear resistance of rigid protection materials.

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in August 2017

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A Look at What’s New in Retail and Hospitality Design
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