The rise of COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we play, live, and work. It is our obligation — and ultimately our responsibility — as designers and makers to respond to the pandemic by looking towards future possibilities.
As the world begins to travel again, the first trips we will want to go on are:
Staycations – Somewhere unique but local
Road Trips – Destinations within a day’s drive
Nature-Centered – Places with large open-air spaces near beautiful landscapes and nature
In thinking through potential locations and existing infrastructure that could fill these three travel concepts, we’ve uncovered an opportunity to revive and reimagine the nostalgic motor hotels of days past. To that end, we have developed a “kit of parts” with solutions to renovate existing motels or create new, modular motels with wellbeing and safety in mind.
We see these reimagined motels as more than just a solution for leisure hospitality. They also introduce a new way of living and working for those whose journey is their destination since they may not need to return to a traditional office or home setting. A new, modernized network of motels – focused on a fun experience, efficiency in amenities, sleek design and of course, cleanliness and safety – could become the working traveler’s touch down for wi-fi hotspots or fiber cable connections to sustain their career along their journey.
Nostalgia
With the turn of events still unfolding as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, most all travel plans have been upended, rerouted, or altered in some way. Isolation and anxiety are now commonplace. The need for escapism, feeling connected to each other and building community is growing stronger with each day. We are all challenged with navigating and balancing a blurred version of work and home life that, first and foremost, is safe and secure.
Maybe we look back upon this rich history to create future opportunities and become re-inspired by the nostalgia from a bygone era to address this different type of anxiety. What if we find a departure from the monotony of a single environment and trade into a different experience where discovery, exploration and community intersect with the way we work?