Radical Innovation, the marvellous industry competition led, and financed by, John Hardy has announces the winners for its 15th annual awards programme. Radical honours bold thinkers for groundbreaking innovations that will change and/or enhance the future of the travel and hospitality. For the second year in a row, the event was virtual, as necessitated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of submissions from more than 55 countries came from hoteliers, architects, designers, and students. The jury included, Claude Amar, Managing Director, The Hardy Group International; Ellen Brown, EVP, Fulcrum Hospitality; Mark Friesen, Principal, Beyer Brown & Assoc.; John Hardy, President/CEO, The Hardy Group; Michael Medzigian, Chairman and Managing Partner, Watermark Lodging Trust; Jena Thornton, Managing Director, Magnetic ERV; Simon Turner, Managing Director, Alpha Lodging Partners; and James Woods, WeWork Capital Advisors. Professional finalists were, FLOAT WITH US, submitted by Ocean Builders, BIOFRAME, submitted by Arno Matis Architecture and WATERLUST, submitted by Indidesign. The student finalists were, GAME HOTEL, submitted by Adelina Abdullina from Kazan State University and INNSERT submitted by Vladislav Krayushkin from Kazan State University.
Professional Grand Prize winner was FLOAT WITH US, by Morgan Ræ, Ocean Builders; Panama Professional First Runner Up was BIOFRAME, by Arno Matis, Arno Matis Architecture, Canada (SEE ABOVE); Student Winner was GAME HOTEL, Adelina Abdullina, Kazan State University, Russia.
Girlahead is especially fascinated by Bioframe. Vancouver-based Arno Matis Architecture (AMA) specializes in densifying coastal cities with modern spaces that connect to nature. AMA strive for responsive, sustainable design solutions beyond the utopian that serve the present yet point to an unimaginably exciting future. Bioframe is basically a building’s timber clip- on exterior. This adds windows and outdoor space with passive shading. It adds 20% to overall space, with reduced volatile organic compounds VOCs. Arno Mattis says a 200- room hotel, would thus be able to increase sales enormously, and there would definitelu increased revenue from other operations.
Let us switch to London, where the art deco former Whiteleys department store is currently being transformed to a 110-room SIX SENSES LONDON – architects Foster + Partners, interiors mainly AvroKO, who are apparently retaining the main staircase, modelled on La Scala. There will also be 14 Six Senses-branded residences. A Six Senses Spa will have lively areas flowing into more serene spaces for energising and restorative treatments, plus a 65 ft pool, the Alchemy Bar and a relaxation room. There will also be a private members club PMC, social and wellness with a central bar and lounge, a coworking space, a restaurant and wellness rooms, as well as wellness programming.
So, so much to look forward to, ALL HAIL TO FUTURE HOTELS. And Girlahead predicts that, just as today, tomorrow Four Seasons will continue to be a leader. Hear Four Seassons’ Simon Casson here:
