Danish studio BIG and construction company ICON work in collaboration on the new El Cosmico project, which is a campground and housing project. It is made for hotelier Liz Lambert in Texas and takes over a space of almost 60 acres. The building is inspired by the desert landscape and also highlights the work that BIG worked on alongside NASA themed around the moon and more.
Founder of BIG, Bjarke Ingels explains the research behind the design, stating "We’d spent some time doing research on what construction on Mars and the moon would look like and it was quite clear that additive manufacturing like 3D printing was probably the only viable option. We also already sort of created some visuals where you could see the tectonics of 3D printing combined, in the case of Mars, with the red tones of Martain regoliths, you ended up with something that felt like a kind of vernacular architecture. The cementitious material of 3D printing created this texture that reminded me of some of the handcrafted teeth details you find on traditional adobe houses."
Desert-Inspired Campground Hotels
BIG and ICON Join Forces to Develop the El Cosmico Project
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Camping - Developing eco-friendly and sustainable campground hotels can disrupt the traditional hotel industry and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
2. Additive Manufacturing - Incorporating 3D printing technology into building construction can revolutionize the way hotels and resorts are built in the future.
3. Desert-inspired Architecture - Designing hotels and resorts based on regional landscapes can provide a unique and immersive experience for guests, setting a trend in themed hotels.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - The hotel industry can embrace sustainable and eco-friendly practices, as well as innovative construction technology, to stay competitive and appeal to customers who value environmentally-conscious lodging options and unique experiences.
2. Construction - The construction industry can explore the potential of additive manufacturing in building sustainable hotels and resorts that are tailored to regional landscapes and offer a new realm of creativity and efficiency.
3. Tourism - Tourism and travel industries can adapt to the growing trend of themed hotels that offer guests a cultural and immersive experience in the local environment, enriching their stay and encouraging repeat business.