June 30, 2017

Shea Links: June

At Shea, we pride ourselves on staying on top of what’s happening in design news. It helps us keep tabs on what’s fresh, inspiring, and happening in the world—and we make a few headlines of our own, too. Here are some recent articles delving into design, experience, and what’s buzzing in our community:

“How to Reinvent Open Kitchens” – Restaurant Hospitality:
Open-kitchen considerations to take (such as sound and ventilation), as well as ways in which they benefit restaurants (transparency, community, and more)

“Why Personal Space Isn’t on the Menu at So Many Restaurants” – Chicago Tribune:
A look at the practice of packing tables in restaurants to seat more people, particularly in New York, DC, Chicago, and San Francisco, and how to create boundaries in design without losing space

“Designing for Health: Beyond Visual Stimuli” – Contract:
How different sensory experiences can contribute to design in a healthcare space

“Designing Unisex Bathrooms for Everyone” – Restaurant Hospitality:
Creative and cheeky ways to design unisex and gender-neutral restrooms as stylish and comfortable for all

“So You Want to Open a Hotel Restaurant?” – FSR:
Notes on famed chefs who have opened hotel restaurants, and the pros and cons of opening and managing in that context

“What’s the Story?” – VMSD:
The importance of retail fixtures and design in delivering a brand message and story

 “A Grownup’s Guide to Fast-Fine Dining” – Wall Street Journal:
Looking at how older generations respond to fast-casual restaurants, versus the millennials they generally target

“New Restaurant Concepts Get Social” – Restaurant Hospitality:
How restaurants can be created as social hubs for long-term hanging out and game-playing, rather than just places to eat

 “Retail Revo(lux)tion” – Design:Retail:
Examining how the luxury market is shifting with the generations, and how the retail market is adapting to it (by way of collaborations, brand culture, seamless online/brick-and-mortar integration, and more)

“How Airbnb and its Rivals are Winning Over Hotel Snobs” – Wall Street Journal:
Why many frequent travelers are holdouts when it comes to vacation rentals, and how rental companies are trying to change that with more personalized service and management in prime locations