Technology Friendly Spaces

It wasn’t always this way, but today it is hard to picture going to a store, restaurant, hotel, or motel and not seeing anyone with a cell phone, laptop, tablet, or other electronic device. Architects and other design professionals are typically right there in the mix, often with some of the latest and best products in our hands. But, do we fully acknowledge that experience into the design of hospitality and retail buildings? If so, we are probably making it easier for guests and customers to charge, connect, or efficiently use their devices in a pleasant, convenient manner. If we aren’t, then we may be leaving it to maintenance staff or others to incorporate something into a carefully designed space that may or may not be consistent with the design intents. Therefore, incorporating appropriate hardware, connectors, power, and audio visual wiring in a controlled, well-designed manner up front has become an integral part of hospitality and retail design.

The first step in designing for technology is to identify the specific needs of the people using the facility. Electrical outlets and/or USB ports are needed for charging or operating devices. Similarly, access to wired Internet or other data ports are still preferred and may be necessary in some cases over wireless connections. If the locations of these outlets or ports is limited to walls or floors in a room, they may not prove to be particularly convenient for users to find or connect. Think specifically of hotel guest rooms, business centers, lobbies, and eating spaces that have minimal outlets, thus discouraging device-wielding patrons from going there in favor of places that make it easier. Instead of wall and floor access, the better method is to incorporate outlets and ports into the design of built-in surface tops and desktops or to include them in furnishings that can be connected to a wall source. Doing that in a manner that is elegant, cost effective, and code compliant usually involves the use of grommets or other hardware that are specifically designed for the purpose of convenient access to power and data.

With the needs defined and the most convenient locations identified, designers can choose from a surprisingly large array of manufactured power and communication grommets and products to incorporate where needed. Single and multiple openings are available in a variety of materials, colors, and finishes to either blend, enhance, or contrast with the surrounding surfaces. They can be shaped round, square, or rectangular, and can allow the outlet or data port to be fully recessed and finished flush with the mounting surface. In some cases, it may be appropriate to use products that pop up for use and hide away when not needed. In others, it may be appropriate to use under-desk or edge-mount items or even freestanding tabletop solutions. In all cases, the wiring to serve them can usually be concealed within the built-in cabinetwork or furniture that they are serving, allowing for an appearance that is much more deliberate and finished rather than utilitarian in nature.

There are also a number of specialty items available that reflect even greater integration and convenience. For example, it is possible to integrate power outlets into small lighting fixtures designed for desktop or tabletop use, thus providing a single point for all electrical needs. Another popular option is the use of a Qi wireless charging station that connects with a compatible smart phone or other device without the need for a charger or plug. This is particularly helpful for people who prefer to reduce the number of chargers and other miscellaneous items that they need to travel with. The station works by simply placing a Qi-compatible device on the charging mat surface, allowing the device to start charging automatically. Some use a luminous light ring on the cap to indicate that the charging is underway, although it does not light up until successfully connected with the phone. No wires, no mess, and no problem forgetting to bring a USB cable or AC adapter.

In cases where power and data are needed in a flexible environment, such as restaurant or hotel meeting rooms, there are also design options. Running extension cords and data wires has been the easy answer in the past, although not necessarily the safest or most attractive option. Instead, flat products that sit on the floor and connect to nearby wall outlets may prove more appealing. These can serve computers, projectors, and other audio visual devices that need to be located in open areas away from a wall or where other built-in solutions aren’t practical. The flat profile makes them safer for walking near, and they can use concealed or embedded wiring to feed both data and electrical outlets.

Images courtesy of Doug Mockett & Company, Inc.

Integrating electrical outlets and data ports for electronic devices into hospitality and retail spaces is made easier and more elegant through the use of a wide variety of products designed for that purpose.