How to Curate the Best Amenities in 2020
Amenities that focus on a wow-factor and interactivity will continue to be a focus this year.
“Interactivity is the key to today’s wow factor amenities,” Caylor, VP of business development at OTL, tells GlobeSt.com. “Consumers are well-informed, and more importantly, they are accustomed to entertainment being available at their fingertips through smart devices. Developers, in turn, are increasingly raising the bar in order to deliver wow factor amenities that start a conversation and attract crowds.”
First, Caylor says that developers should create an immersive experience that evokes emotion. “Integrating state-of-the-art effects such as lighting, music and choreographed water movements delivers these items, as well as increased engagement and repeat visitors,” he says. This can include adaptable features, like water shows that are interactive during the day and a professional entertainment show at night, driving consumer traffic.
In addition, Caylor says that technology can be an important aspect of creating an immersive experience. “Looking ahead, we’ll see a deeper focus on both interactivity and immersion, with new technologies that allow consumers to control water movement with a wand or even their cell phone,” he says.
Sustainability is another key trend in creating top amenities. “Today’s responsible design/build professionals know it is our responsibility to deliver the most advanced design, engineering, and technological solutions while equally being stewards for the environment,” says Caylor. “This already entails implementing strategies that conserve water and energy, and thereby cut costs for owners and developers. Looking ahead, there will be an increased focus on delivering sustainability within wow factor amenities.”
OTL has worked on creating first-class amenities at Texas Live, a $250 million development in Arlington, Texas. The project includes a water feature, as Caylor has described here. “OTL recently completed a special-effects show fountain near the Texas Live! development in Arlington, Texas,” he explains. “The fountain features bold special effects to deliver a thrilling show that integrates with its entertainment-driven surroundings, giving guests a true spectacle and attracting crowds of thousands.”