OUR SITE | THE PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UAE HOTEL TYPE | HEALTH/WELLNESS + SUSTAINABILITY
RAHA
LILY WILKERSON + SHANNON FUNK
THE TASK
As designers, we have been introduced to WA, an international and luxurious hotel chain. WA has unique hotels that look different from location to location unlike many hotel chains. After receiving the core and shell, we as interiors began to develop a concept, goals, programming and design ideas reflective of WA’s vision.
THE PALM JUMEIRAH
Man made island designed by Nakheel Real Estate Co. Construction started in 2006 The island is made up of its trunk, spine, fronds and crescent Apartments and retail located within the trunk and fronds Hotels and resorts are located on the crescents (10.5 miles long)
the conceptual design for the four story wellness, sustainability + culture focused hotel located in UAE on the Palm Jumeirah
LOCATION ON THE PALM
Along the coast you can travel North from the island to Downtown Dubai. Traveling further south will take you to Abu Dhabi. To reach our site from the airport, one will have to travel through the palm via vehicle or via ferry from the pier.
RAHA | in the arabic origin, means peace of mind; rest; and comfort
“Raha is a space where all users can experience wellness; a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. The design of each space encouraging users to make choices toward a successful existence With attention to the care and comfort of anyone who walks through the door, users will find a sense of calmness through the harmony of all the working elements in the hotel.”
USERS PERSONAS
WELLNESS
Jane Davidson
25 year old, Active Lifestyle, American, Likes to Travel
WANTS
-Looking for a Hotel that will cater to her active lifestyle (working out, visiting around the city).
-Wants the Hotel to push sustainability that also gives a luxury feel.
Aaliyah + Amir Jalal
70 Years Old, Dubai Locals, Arabic, Relaxed Lifestyle
WANTS
-The hotel to reflect their Arabic culture and traditions, want to feel welcome.
- Wanting to enjoy a getaway in the local city
- Enjoys doing activities together
Saleem Hashim
32 Years Old, Bellman, Enjoys his time off work.
WANTS
-To work in a place that caters to him as a worker
-Usually on his feet all day, needs a space in order to relax on breaks
-Enjoys to hang out with co-workers at the hotel on his off days
SUSTAINABILITY CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
PEOPLE PARTNERSHIP PLANET PROSPERITY PEACE
connecting all demographics showing all users respect making sustainable choices bringing success to the hotel
providing this sense to users
OUR SITE |
31 CRESCENT RD
THE SITE
SECOND FLOOR
USER GROUP FOCUS
SALEEM
A major part of the hotel is the hotel staff. While designing we wanted to emphasize the accessibility and comfortability of the hotel staff. On our second floor, Saleem finds a staff lounge located conveniently off of the kitchen where he may grab a bite and that rest his feet for a moment. Considering the staff experience allowed for special features and the creation of spaces for the staff only.
PRIVATE DINING PARTNERSHIP + PEOPLE
Something unique about our hotel is the formal dining experience On the second floor, our restaurant features private dining rooms and a live bar where users can see local dishes be prepared. The private dining bars have exclusive views of Dubai’s skyline At the back of the second floor, an event space with a small bar is available to host small events, yoga sessions, parties and meetings.
Dining
Live Entertainment Restaurant Private Dining Restrooms Waiting Area Service Area Kitchen Cold Storage Event Space Staff Lounge
+
RESTURANT
MATERIAL SELECTIONS
Florida Tile
Serendipity | Infinite Cool Gray
Laminart
English Walnut
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
Altlas Plan Cream Prestige
FLOOR PLAN
KEY - Faro Barcelona | Mambo - Intra Lighting | Wave
ELEVATION A
A
HIGHTOWER
INTRA
Wave
OFS Kasura
Hari FARO BARCOLONA Mambo
LIGHTING
GARRETT LEATHER Saddle Leather | Palomino Nook | Surf
USER GROUP FOCUS
+ AMIR
With our concept being driven off of three pillars for the design, cultural considerations, health/wellness, + sustainability, a critical design decision was creating a relaxing spa and room experience. On this floor, Aaliyah + Amir found moments where their culture was being amplified. With local sourcing of materials and patterns relating back to the local areas, especially found in the Deluxe Bedroom, this space feels unique and representative of Old and New Dubai.
GUEST STAYS PEOPLE + PROSPERITY
On the third floor, you can find what we call “everything wellness”. You can find our private spa with massage rooms right before going outside to the pool and bar. At the pool there’s an indoor bar serving fresh cold pressed juice, smoothies and coffees. Guests also have the ability to rent out our private cabanas to take some time away to relax and restore their energy.
Outdoor Pool Steam Room Cold Tub Massage Rooms Changing Aromatherapy Spa Reception Restrooms Shaded Pool area Service area Deluxe Bedroom Regular Guest Bedroom Meditation
Wellness
THIRD FLOOR Everything
AALIYAH
DELUXE BEDROOM
MATERIAL SELECTIONS
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN . KEY - Intra Lighting | Wave - Intra Lighting | Flea - Intra Lighting | Zoe FLOOR PLAN
Arto Scirocco ELEVATION B
. B Laminart English Walnut
OFS Cosima
INTRA
INTRA
Wave
HERMAN MILLER Tuxedo Bench
LIGHTING Zoe Uno
LIGHTING
HERMAN MILLER Dex | Silverpine
--279 16 14' - 11" 9' - 6" 2 - 3" Pr ojec t number D t A 10 9 Unn am e d DUB AI W E LL NE SS HOTE L I D t No Descr pt on Date REFLECTED CEILING PLAN KEY - Intra Lighting | Wave - Intra Lighting | Flea RV Round SPA RECEPTION FLOOR PLAN ELEVATION C
Altlas Plan Cream Prestige C Florida Tile Serendipity
MATERIAL SELECTIONS
HIGHTOWER Proto Chair
INTRA
Wave
HERMAN MILLER Crosshatch Chair NAUGHTONE Ever
LIGHTING
DESIGNTEX Silicone Nappa | Oak
DESIGNTEX Billiard Cloth | Aintque
VIRTUAL REALITY TESTING
SUMMARY OF TEST
In order for us to better understand our space, we were tasked to test our space in virtual reality. We were to choose three users and guide them throughout our hotel, while giving them certain tasks to complete. Tasks included walking into certain rooms and areas of our chosen spaces. After the test, they were asked to give their opintions on and how the experience made them feel and if they beileve needs to be changed. This helps us as the designers understand how we made our users feel and how we can better our design for them in the future.
GOALS
COMFORTABLE
TESTERS
USER 1
AGE: 21 YEARS OLD
RACE/ETHNICITY: ASIAN AMERICAN
GENDER: MALE
USER 2
AGE: 21 YEARS OLD
RACE/ETHNICITY: WHITE
GENDER: FEMALE
USER 3
AGE: 21 YEARS OLD
RACE/ETHNICITY: WHITE
GENDER: MALE
WELCOMING ACCESSIBLE
LUXURIOUS DELUXE BEDROOM SPA RECEPTION
VIRTUAL REALITY TESTING
AVERAGE USER SATISFACTION RESULTS
Traditional
Chaotic
Coherent
Not Functional Simple
Inaccessible
Asymmetrical
Narrow
Unpleasant
Ugly
Unstimulating Happy
Unsecure
Tasteless
Uninviting
TAKE AWAYS
Contemporary Ordered
Incoherent Functional Complex Accessible Symmetrical Spacious
This virtual reality was very useful in getting to know the users experience. I thought it was very beneficial to walk through each space and get a feel for the lighting, accessibility, and overall feeling of the space. It also gave me a chance to look at improvements in my spaces and how to make them better.
CHANGES
Pleasant Beautiful Stimulating Sad Secure Tasteful
Inviting
Users suggestions for changes include:
• Higher reception desk height in the spa
• More color variation in the spa
• More storage in the bedroom
“This space made me comfortable because it was very open and had good scenery”
“The spa brought me a relaxing feeling”
“I was extremely satisfied with my luxury experience”
1
2
3
USER
USER
USER