Trends, evolution and the future for hospitality design in Poland
Maciej Zuranski, Head of Projects, Roca Polska
Maciej Zuranski shares his unique insight and commentary on the trends, evolution and future for hospitality design in Poland.
How have you seen hotel projects evolve across Poland in the last 5 years?
When I started working in our dynamically changing Poland, I had to educate myself on the entire investment process. I had to learn what is an investment? How should we approach it? What product portfolio is needed? Investment projects are a long-term task, both in terms of the product and the team. Five years is a fairly short period, but it was during this time that large hotel chains brought to life many new hotel brands. Five years is the time when hotels and their business and tourist guests have radically changed their expectations, bringing with them new challenges for contractors, designers, architects and for us – manufacturers.I believe that investment projects have undergone a kind of metamorphosis, where their function and style are much more closely aligned to a specific group of recipients, where every detail supports the specific type and purpose of the hotel: the building architecture, interior, lobby or hotel restaurant. All this to meet the expectations of visiting guests.
You and your team have worked on incredible projects such as Nobu, MGallery and Hampton by Hilton, what do you think are the key factors contributing to your success?
Yes, it was the team that was successful! The team that creates a design office under the guidance of Jaume Cassanyer based in Gryfice, and the investment implementation team that I manage.
Investment projects are very demanding, and all those, including architects, contractors and developers, who contribute to this complex project expect a lot from the manufacturer. Without an ambitious and professional team, 100% committed to the project, it would be impossible.
Sometimes it is a coincidence that decides about cooperation on a large and spectacular project. I remember how the outline and concept of one of the BESPOKE washbasins was created in a restaurant on a napkin, which I still have today. All the mentioned hotels were interesting challenges and each of them brought different experiences. Personally, I believe that the key to success is always to listen and try to answer questions as much as possible. The key is, and will continue to be, to find a way to achieve the goal for a manufacturer such as Laufen to implement the widest possible range of products throughout the different bathroom zones on the project.
What changes have interior designers and architects noted in Poland in terms of products?
Changes are in direct proportion to the changing world. The design process has changed in recent years. Technologies such as BIM, and websites,as well as materials such as instructions and technical drawings support the architect with the design process. All this documentation is digital. Formerly, the studio was a directory library, now this library is a server. The ongoing climate crisis is a very important issue influencing the development of products. Our clients are aware of the idea of sustainable development and are looking for such solutions. Of course, recently there has been a noticeable change in the attitude towards hygiene. Examples include touchless faucets and shower toilets, which are already used in hotels. Nobu is a perfect example where the apartments each have a Laufen Riva shower toilet.
Tell us more about how the BESPOKE team based in Poland contributed to the success of your project?
The investment would not be possible without good cooperation with my colleague Jaume Cassanyer. His team is responsible for the process of fulfilling individual orders, as well as the brand's commitment to creating each personalized piece of bathroom equipment.
We meet architects together looking for solutions. The two projects that we developed with the Medusa Group design office were advanced together, from the first meeting where we were introduced to the concept, and through the next, where we were looking for a colour, idea, solutions that could be produced. Then we coordinated the works on the construction site, in which we participated, supporting the architect and the contractor. Of course, it was not easy, but unusual places need visionaries, which the architects often are. At this point, I would like to appreciate the outstanding team of Medusa Group.
Finally, lockdowns permitting, if you could pick any hotel in the world to stay in, which would it be?
This is a difficult question! I must admit that due to my professional work I often sleep in hotels. My private expectations are completely different from the professional ones. On the other hand, when I make various presentations for architects, I can see how spontaneously they react to the interiors designed by Herzog & de Meuron at the Public Hotel in New York City. If I had to stay somewhere, it would be there. For those interested in our region, I would mention many beautiful implementations: Nobu, MGallery or Hampton by Hilton but also, in particular, I would pay attention to the Nicolaus hotel in Toruń, where you can find great design, beautiful products and history. I heartily recommend and invite you to the city of Nicolaus Copernicus.