Out of dozens of submissions from 20+ countries, Radical Innovation has selected finalists in this year's competition: Driftscape by HOK (Toronto), Nest Inn by MM Architects (Paris), and Space View Inn by Juan Orduz (student at UNLV). The jury, comprised of top hospitality executives and design experts, selected the finalists based on their creativity and design, as well as their ability to impact the industry.
Over the past 10 years, Radical Innovation has pushed the boundaries in hospitality design and operations, awarding over $100K to innovative thinkers and helping them to realize their concepts. Last year's grand-prize winner, Zoku, just opened their first property in Amsterdam last month.
Driftscape is a mobile, self-sustaining hotel that, through the use of drone technology, allows guests to roam or touch down in diverse locations unattainable to traditional hotels. Driftscape hotels are made up of several modular units for ease of construction and mobility. Components include the "Oasis," formed of operational and community units and a food and beverage element, and the "Driftcraft," a single volume guest room unit that provides 360-degree views to the outside world and is fitted for untethered excursions of two to three days. Driftcraft is designed with minimal impact to sensitive environments, preserving the integrity and authenticity of the experience.
Nesting reimagines how we utilize urban parks and landscapes through a partnership between public and private entities. In response to the shortage of available space within cities, the lack of funding for essential parks and public spaces, and increasingly confined, restricted urban lifestyles, Nesting proposes introducing smart, flexible private spaces that will generate new experiences as well as revenue. The completely customizable modular units may be connected for versatile uses from suites to meeting rooms, and aim to create a greater sense of well being through interaction with nature, as well as community.
Space View Inn is a form of space travel that focuses on principles of transcendence and inclusion. Current space structures are characterized by small, confined spaces not conducive to meaningful and enjoyable travel experiences. Space View Inn proposes using an expanded truss system to support and add boundaries to a main spherical volume that allows guests to experience incredible views as well as microgravity in a large interior space. Additionally, the concept proposes a more inclusive, democratic form of space travel by introducing a lottery system that makes the experience possible for ordinary individuals, as well the very wealthy.