These Canadian Designers Might Revolutionize the Hotel Industry

Rendering courtesy of HOK.

Finally, finally, it looks like we might be getting the future that Disneyland has been promising us.

The designers at the Toronto office of HOK--a global architectural, engineering, interiors and consulting firm--have rolled out a conceptual technology, Driftscape, which if completed, might just turn the lodging industry on its ear.

Essentially, Driftscape is a hotel room in a drone. Neat, right?

For now, there are two models: Driftcraft, a single unit guestroom that features 360 degree views of the outside world and can fly around the area in which the consumer is staying. Then there’s Oasis, which combines Driftcraft units and includes a central hub with food & beverage offerings.

With the exception of a few key locations—hello Runway 2 at Toronto Pearson International Airport—I I envision that ultimately Driftcraft could park/fly/float anywhere.

"I’ll take a space for two over the Bay of Fundy please. Oh, you're all booked for that night? Do you have anything in Niagara Falls?"

Driftscape is one of two finalists for the Radical Innovation Award 2016 competition. The competition is designed to challenge the hospitality industry to “advance progressive thinking in design and operations.” The two finalists were selected by a jury of hospitality professionals and beat out more than 50 submissions from around the world.

The implications of this technology could be far-reaching. Forget staying at a hotel, using an RV or camping. Even AirBNB could become obsolete. In time, people could own their own personal Driftcraft. They could tow it along behind them for road trips or else lease one out—a la a vacation ownership model—in exotic destinations. And eventually, who'd need airplanes? Just extend the range on my Driftcraft, please.

It’s a cliché, but the sky really could be the limit with this project.

The two finalists will present their concepts on stage at the New Museum on Oct. 5. The winner will receive $10,000 to further develop their concept. 

Follow @MonicaPoling