Unlike a coastal resort, which often exists as a self-contained escape, an urban resort is inherently porous. It must connect, respond, and contribute to the life and energy of its host city. Designing such a space is both an architectural and experiential opportunity that blends hospitality with civic engagement.
Contextual Integration
Rather than focusing inward, a city-based resort should open itself to its surrounding and this begins with a deep understanding of place. The site’s history, architectural vernacular, street life, and cultural identity are a few elements that inform the resort’s identity. The resort will succeed when it becomes part of the neighborhood’s rhythm, offering spaces that welcome both locals and visitors. Street level transparency and public facing programming foster a sense of openness and belonging to all those who pass by. The goal should be to craft a destination that amplifies the identity of the city rather than escaping it.
Nashville Convention Center Hotel: Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architecture
Experience-Driven Design
The success of an urban resort is not based on its amenities, but how those experiences are perceived. As a guest explores your urban resort, experiences should resonate and become meaningful moments that invite return. Whether it’s the way the entry sequence unfolds or the texture of a stone finish, each detail should be a deliberate gesture contributing to a larger curated narrative. In city settings, the goal would not be to compete with the city’s energy, but to complement it with moments of intimacy, discovery, and excitement. The urban resort becomes not just a place to stay, but a gateway into the unique identity of its host city.
Bourbon Steak, Las Vegas, NV: Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architecture
Functionality of Operations
While design and experience are vital, an urban resort must also perform seamlessly behind the scenes. In dense city environments, where space is limited, operational efficiency becomes a highly choreographed necessity. Service circulation, back of house access and vertical distribution must be planned with precision and out of site to support a high-quality guest experience. In an urban setting, every aspect of operations requires thoughtful integration to create the highest standard of guest experience.
An urban resort must be a place of return, reflection, and connection. When thoughtfully designed and seamlessly operated, it becomes a living extension of a city, offering not just hospitality, but belonging.
– Nick Lehrer, Architect at Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects
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