NEW YORK—On May 31, the third annual Futuregreen Hospitality Forum that brings together hotel brands, designers and manufacturers for a day-long think tank, was held at the Crosby Street Hotel in New York. More than 50 industry leaders attended to collectively discuss environmental challenges and discover new solutions for a more sustainable hotel industry.
Two keynote speakers addressed the theme: Smaller, Faster, Cheaper. Mitchell Joachim, a TED Fellow and founder of Terreform ONE shared his work on foldable cars and bioengineered homes made from living materials. Los Angeles-based filmmaker Nirvan Mullick—director/producer of the short documentary “Caine’s Arcade”—used his film about a nine-year-old boy that created a fully-functioning arcade out of cardboard to exemplify how limitations fuel creativity. This film raised money for Caine’s scholarship fund and sparked the Imagination Foundation, a worldwide movement to celebrate entrepreneurship and the power of imagination in children.
Inspired by Mullick’s film, Futuregreen delegates were tasked with the Cardboard Challenge, which asked them to create simple solutions with sustainable impact, using found materials.
Leaders Challenged to Think Differently
“This forum challenges leaders in our industry to think differently about the future of the built environment, manufacturing and hotel operations,” said Futuregreen co-founder Michael Suomi, Principal/VP Design, Stonehill & Taylor. “This year, we aim to realize a concept ideated at Futuregreen, as we look for a champion to bring our solution into the mainstream.”
Seven new sustainable ideas were presented at Futuregreen; One winning team was selected, earning a $2,500 prize, which the team donated to the Imagination Foundation.
Creating a prototype out of cardboard, one team at Futuregreen answered the call to maximize connectivity and reduce furnishings by creating one multi-purpose unit that would combine the functions of a nightstand and desk in a hotel space. The Smart Stand is height-adjustable (acting as a sitting or standing desk), agile, powered by solar technology, and it offers a rechargeable surface for electronics. This piece could function in a guestroom or public area, allowing for guests throughout the hotel to connect with ease.
Members of the Futuregreen board now seek a manufacturer to bring this product to market. Ted Brumleve, Director of Technical Services, Dolce Hotels & Resorts, has offered to champion it from the hotel side, placing it in the brand’s properties.
About the Futuregreen Hospitality Forum
The Futuregreen Advisory Council works to create resolutions that rally the hospitality industry toward change. Members of the Advisory Council include Clodagh, Clodagh Design; Stina Funch, Atwater Studio; Rob Gatzke, Gensler; Stephanie Liu, Stonehill & Taylor; Margaret McMahon, Wimberly Interiors; Steven Oakley, Stonehill & Taylor; Stephen Perkins, Stephen Perkins Architect; Ilene Shaw, Shaw & Co Productions; and David Tracz, Studio 3877. Michael Suomi, Principal/VP Design, Stonehill & Taylor, organized the inaugural Futuregreen Hospitality Forum in partnership with Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Design magazine. It was held in June 2012 at New York City’s first LEED Gold hotel, The Crosby Street Hotel, and attracted leaders of the industry, including hotel companies, major hospitality design firms and procurement companies. This year’s delegates included executives from major hotel brands including Starwood Capital, Wyndham Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Dolce Hotels & Resorts, and Chelsea Hotels.
Go to Stonehill & Taylor.
