My literature review concluded the need for flexibility in lodging. After research, the typical hotel room provided

accommodations for the assumed “average” family of four. Meaning 2 beds (2 queen mattress’s or one queen + a pull out

sofa), a living space, bathroom, storage, and sometimes a kitchenette. Many families and groups are not able to fulfill their

needs with these typical arrangements, leaving them in search of alternatives. Hotels do offer other packages, including

adjoining rooms or rollaway cots, but they come at a fee (or impede on life-safety egress procedures). People will often

times sneak members in to avoid these temporary alternatives. This has caused alternative lodging facilities to skyrocket in

sales and experience. Companies like Airbnb, bed & breakfast’s, and HomeSwap have changed the lodging experience.

They accommodate unique user needs and offer experiences that allow the traveler to immerse themselves within the

culture. Although these options fulfill the unique user needs, they can miss the mark on the necessities of the lodging

experience. Guests often don’t know what they are walking into, until it happens. They lack the hospitality, traditional

hotels provide; along with the guaranteed cleanliness and safety concerns. By combining all the positive features of each

style of lodging, the customer experience can be changed forever. Including safety, professional cleanliness, and flexible

accommodations. This will ensure the user ca n adjust their experience based on what they need, rather than basing their

needs off of what is provided.

To fulfill this need & gap in the market, I’ve provided flexibility in the form of modularity, to the lodging market. The

basis of this concept model is provided by an entry plumbing core, with adjusting features surrounding. Each modular

unit will have a kitchenette, private bathroom, private bedroom, living room and loft area. Based on the size of the family

or group, each unit will have the capability to sleep 1-10 people. 1-6 individuals can fit within the un-extended space,

which holds a queen bed, and 2 pull out sofas. When expanded, two concealed Murphy Beds appear for additional floor

space, storage, and sleeping space. All units are connected by a central hall and additional entries, with adjacent parking

and lounging spaces. The front of the building will create the culture of the experience. Growing not only the community

but the relationships within. At The Cambio, you will find a unique restaruant/bar, fitness center, local store, event space,

and activity center! Make your experience the best and easiest it can be. Shift into a space made just for you.

METHODOLOGY: To see what current hotel options existed, I conducted my own set of research. The top left

images were real error messages from major hotel chains, after attempting to book a room for 5+ people. The four

other images, were some of the real reviews from various guests of the hotels that offered accommodations for

various family sizes, which is uncommon.

TOPIC SUBJECT: Hospitality & Lodging

RESEARCH QUESTION: How does the lack of flexibility in

lodging, affect the guest perception and experience?

THESIS STATEMENT: If the facility can be flexible, to

accommodate each unique group of guests, then the guest

experience will improve and ultimately increase brand loyalty and

lodge traffic.

USERS: Families + other traveling groups (+ employees)

CLIENT: Xanterra Parks & Resorts

LOCATION: 11530 S. Lacore Rd. Empire, MI 49630

SQUARE FOOTAGE: Approx.

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Original Spaceplan

SHORT PROGRAMMING: Reception/Lobby Space (1):

Function: Orientation zone, entry, check-in, guest navigation, centralized

Conversation Zone (1):

Function: Seating for guests, conversation areas,

Public Restrooms (3):

Function: Private use

Restaurant/Bar (1):

Function: Conversation, food & beverage services, bar facility, kitchen area

Private Offices (2):

Function: Private workspace for executives, meeting space

Conference Zone (2):

Function: Private meeting space, presentation capabilities,

Store Area (1):

Function: Offer general necessities, souvenirs, snacks

Private Rooms:

Function: Sleeping, eating, lounging, entertainment, bathrooms, storage

Event Space (1):

Function: Provide space for group events, presentation capabilities, multi-use

Pool & Fitness (1):

Function: lounging, indoor outdoor, changing, fitness activities

Back of House Area:

Function: Storage, deliveries,

Storage:

Function: Storage

Circulation:

Function: Provide connection from public to private spaces, flow of traffic

Maintenance zones:

Function: Laundry, storage, clean up, extra supplies

Mechanical Space:

Function: Building systems

BUILDING ANALYSIS

EMPIRE, MICHIGAN:

POPULATION: 375

MEDIAN INCOME: $51,392/year

LOCAL DESTINATIONS:

Sleeping Bear Dunes– 15 Minute Drive

Lake Michigan—Less than 5 minutes

Hiking Trails Surrounding

ABOUT: History in Lumbering, Big into Water

Sports, Nature preserves locally & Nature Trails.

SELF-SERVE LUMBER:

BUILT: 1915

ORIGIN: A.T. Ferrell Seed Manufacturing

LOCATION: 1621 Wheeler St. Saginaw, MI

TOTAL SQ. FOOTAGE: 173,770

Partial 2nd Floor

Remodels/recent additions

Warehousing Structure

Brick Exterior

Along the coast of Lake Michigan, The building is placed on the

edge of the city line. Empire is known for it’s farming and

lumbering history, so incorporating the natural materials, as well

as the building’s historical features, is important to it’s roots.

Three concepts narrowed into the one

Modular scene. Combining different shapes

and transitional pieces to create a flexible

experience for future guests.

Conceptual models.

INSPIRATIONAL IMAGES Nature, Vacation, Families