The USC Marshall School of Business has a new home in Fertitta Hall, which used a bold, cutting-edge hospitality-inspired design for higher education to encourage students and faculty to stay, collaborate, and learn in the building rather than leaving between classes. Technology-rich and inviting, USC officials reported that this is exactly what has happened.
What Is a Hospitality-Inspired Design?
The space required special social elements in order to entice students to stay between classes. The first of these elements are the luxurious finishes used throughout. The design uses lots of wood, natural lighting, high-polish surfaces and earthy, elegant colors including highlights in Trojan Cardinal and Gold. The result is a vibrant setting more like what you would find in a high-end resort’s lobby.
Collaborative, Technology-Enabled Spaces
The furniture is also a cut above what you would expect in a traditional university setting and a special emphasis was paid to seating options. This element of hospitality-inspired design created inviting and accommodating “third places” where students and faculty can plug in, charge up, collaborate, study, or unwind.
Students can work at a laptop bar, both collaboratively and individually. Power and data connectivity is provided while students are comfortably seated in Emeco Alfi stools. Other seating areas are furnished with Gaber Cevalet chairs that support ad hoc meetings when pulled together or provide privacy when used individually.
Even the in-house Fertitta Cafe is connected. Students can enjoy a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, snacks and desserts. The menu includes bao and bánh mÌ sandwiches, dim sum, Asian salads, noodles, rice bowls, and sushi that students and faculty can enjoy while comfortably seated in Imoderni Gray 21 high back chairs and Gray 24 low back chairs. Or, if work or study is on their personal menu, they can just enjoy the space while working with their laptops and connected devices. In other areas, Buzzispace PicNic tables paired with the Sandler Pit chair entice students to study and congregate in a casual and relaxing setting.
Global Focus Meets Global Manufacturers
Business today is interconnected globally more than at any time in history, and the trend is growing. As part of our design and delivery, Pacific Office Interiors pulled from a multitude of local, national, and international manufacturers. With our extensive network of strategic partners in the furniture and furnishings world, our experienced staff, and our commitment to customer satisfaction, we were able to underscore the international focus of a Marshall School of Business education with equally international furniture and space designs.
Hospitality-Inspired Design for Higher Education May be the New Standard
Technology-integrated spaces furnished in a hospitality-inspired design for higher education may seem like an unlikely or unmanageable pairing. However, the results for Fertitta Hall demonstrate just how effective the approach can be when skillfully implemented. USC turns to Pacific Office Interiors to deliver outstanding spaces. We can do the same for you.
If you’d like to learn more about design for educational spaces and furniture, contact us, call 818.735.0333 or email us at hello@poi.bz to learn more.
