WELCOME (to the lobby) by Skyscraper Creative

Welcome.

What does it mean to feel “welcomed” in 2024? For us at Skyscraper Creative, the answer starts with the hotel lobby.

Once just a transitional space, the modern lobby has evolved into a canvas for storytelling, culture, and creativity. It’s where first impressions are made, where design sets the mood, and where guests discover the essence of a hotel’s personality.

For this inaugural issue, we’re talking about the lobbies that make you want to linger, the trends reshaping these spaces, and the hotels leading the charge.

Trend 1: The Lobby as a Living Room

Featured Hotel: The Standard, High Line, New York (pictured on the cover)

Lobbies today are about intimacy and community. Our previous clients, The Standard Hotels, known for their playful approach to design, are perfect examples of this shift. Take the Standard High Line in NYC: its cozy yet eclectic lobby blends low-slung seating with vibrant art, creating a vibe that says, “come in, sit down, and stay a while.” The energy of the space mirrors the pulse of the city outside, making guests feel like they’re stepping into the beating heart of NYC.

Trend 2: A Minimalist Masterclass

Featured Hotel: Aman Tokyo, Japan

In a world that often feels overwhelming, minimalism offers a sense of calm – and no one does it better than Aman Tokyo. The lobby is a soaring, serene space that blends traditional Japanese design with modern simplicity. Natural materials like stone and wood are paired with an abundance of natural light, creating an atmosphere that’s as meditative as it is striking.

This minimalist approach is more than an aesthetic – it’s a philosophy. In 2024, hotel lobbies like Aman Tokyo remind us that less truly can be more, focusing on what matters: the guest experience and a feeling of tranquility.

Trend 3: Local Culture as a Design Anchor

Featured Hotel: Ace Hotel Sydney (Australia)

Guests want authenticity, and lobbies are now a stage for local stories. Ace Hotel Sydney nails this by blending Australian modernist design with handcrafted local materials. The lobby serves as a gallery, workspace, and cultural hub – all while staying true to the city’s creative DNA.

Let’s Talk Design

Got a favorite lobby or trend you think we should feature? Drop us a line at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,

The Skyscraper Creative Team

www.SkyscraperCreative.com