146 Making the right choice Choosing a product for a cruise ship interior involves more than just focusing on aesthetics. Lindsay James asks leading designers and specifiers to share their selection criteria and explain the reasons behind their priorities Choosing the right products for a cruise ship interior is far more than a matter of taste. Behind every choice is a complex set of considerations that often don’t apply to land-based projects. What if a chandelier swings dangerously during motion? What if the fabric of a chair reacts to the salty sea air? What if replacement parts can’t easily be stored or fitted? “Cruise ships come with unique constraints but, as cruise specialists, we understand how to turn those limitations into opportunities,” says Ben Dowson, creative director at CONDUCTR. “It’s our job to design immersive spaces that work hard for every guest and every square metre.” Some of the biggest constraints designers and specifiers face are regulation related. Consequently, the biggest nonnegotiable when selecting products for a cruise ship interior is International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification, with all the experts we spoke with agreeing that if a product doesn’t meet these marine safety standards, it simply doesn’t make it onboard. “All materials and products must comply with IMO standards for fire safety and performance,” says Gonzalo Tudanca, principal at HBA Miami. “This is mandatory for any marine interior application. It’s the first filter when selecting finishes or furnishings.” Catherine Ondrizek, design manager at ICRAVE, a Journey Studio, is particularly appreciative of suppliers that make the IMO certification for their interiors products clear. “It’s always a plus when products have their IMO ratings clearly marked and advertised,” she says. “If a company makes it hard to seek that information out, I will move on quickly.” With repeated usage, salty air and constant vibration, products must also be built to last. “The marine environment is tough,” says Anne Mari Gullikstad, CEO of YSA Design. “The air is very humid and salt particles on an outdoor deck can kill fibres. Colours easily bleach as well.” Matteo Pace, senior associate at HBA London, adds: “Durability is essential. Materials need to hold up to constant use and movement – guests, crew, vibrations and shifting temperatures. Nothing ever stands still on a ship.” For Petra Ryberg, owner and senior designer at Design Studio Berg, ensuring durability means choosing materials based on their functionality. “Design means nothing if it doesn’t work,” she says. “I believe in using the right material in the right place. The goal is for a space to look as good after years of use as it did on day one. That’s achievable with the correct material selection.” Product maintenance is also a key consideration. “Can the product be easily cleaned?” questions Ondrizek. “Will it withstand scratches or bumps from service carts and guest luggage? Can it be easily replaced by a crew member? Depending on where a material is being used, those answers can range from a strong yes to a strong no.” These are also key concerns for Pia Litokorpi, founder and creative director at Kudos Dsign. “We want the operational teams to recognise that we’ve kept them in mind when designing the spaces and selecting furniture and FEATURE
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