Contextual vs. Luxury: Finding Balance in Hotel Architecture in India
Hotel architecture in India has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. Guests are no longer looking for just a place to stay; they expect a story, a sense of place, and a design that reflects both comfort and culture. This has brought forward two strong approaches in hospitality design:contextual architecture and luxury-driven design. The challenge for architects today lies in finding a balance that satisfies both. What is contextual hotel architecture ? Contextual architecture is about designing hotels that respond to their environment—social, cultural, and geographical. A contextual hotel in Rajasthan, for example, might use sandstone facades, courtyards, and jaali patterns that connect directly to the region’s identity. It’s about grounding the design in its setting so guests feel an authentic connection to the place they’re visiting. What defines luxury in hotel design ? On the other hand, luxury architecture is centered around indulgence and comfort. Think expan...