Chapter 14 Commercial Interior Design Applications 495 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. recreational equipment, indoor water parks, and ice-skating rinks. Therefore, much thought goes into the design of these specialty spaces. In addition, all convention centers must all offer, as one of their ameni- ties, technology equipment to support the meetings or evening events. These technologies include special lighting, sound equipment, video-capture capabilities, and large screens. With the popularity of teleconferenc- ing, new technologies must also offer conferencing with participants in other parts of the world. Spas In the recent past, wellness retreats and destination spas did not encompass luxurious furnishings, gourmet health foods, or free locker-room amenities. Their key focus was on health and lifestyle programs for partici- pants. With the advent luxury hotels and resorts getting in the spa game, changes are occurring. In fact, some hotels are converting current guest rooms into additional spa facilities because of the generated revenue. When designing a spa space, designers must consider private treatment villas, and high-tech facilities to complement the therapeutic services. These needs require different storage units, unique furniture, areas of privacy, and fl exible lighting to enhance the concept and mood of the experience, Figure 14-13. Restaurants and Dining Areas Successful restaurants offer good food, good service, and good ambience. The fi rst thing people love about a favorite restaurant is its food. Likewise, the fi rst thing a patron notices about a restaurant is the quality of its interior. If the interior ambience is not welcoming, the patron may not enter or ever return. Restaurant design is not as comprehensive as the design of hotels. Restaurants are smaller and require fewer confi gurations and rearrangements. They do, however, require great designs—perhaps even more so than hotels. An important goal of restaurants is to attract new customers, whether business travelers or vacationing tourists. As they choose hotels, people place more emphasis on referrals and the hotel’s reputation. They examine the daily rates and service charges. Food becomes a secondary priority. In contrast, when choosing restau- rants, people often enter a restaurant on impulse without a clear-cut reason for their choice. Sometimes merely a glance inside encourages potential patrons to venture in. A unique interior design may be the key element that motivates a person to choose one restaurant instead of another. The restaurant business is highly competitive, with over 50 percent going out of business the fi rst year. Restaurants have demanding functions and require a creative design Photograph: Kenneth M Wyner/Designed by ForrestPerkins Figure 14-12 The design of this LEED Gold certifi ed hotel and conference center connects the spaces in intriguing ways, refl ecting the evidence of motion. What design features of this conference center encourage visitors to explore? ©Stirling Elemendorf Photography/Designed by ForrestPerkins Figure 14-13 Lavish spa facilities complement the therapeutic services offered by many luxury hotels and resorts.