Hakan Ozkasikci, Executive Vice President of Design & Technical Services, Kerzner International

Posted in People on 20 December, 2023

Guided by innovative thinking and uncompromising principles, Kerzner’s visionary shares their take on sustainable design models for luxury hospitality.

Words: Jess Miles | Images: Courtesy of Kerzner International

If you didn’t hear about the opening of Atlantis The Royal this year, where have you been? Potentially the most talked about hotel of 2023, the new iconic landmark of Dubai is the brainchild of lesser talked about, Kerzner International. Working quietly behind the scenes since 1993 and letting their brands bask in the limelight, Kerzner International is behind not only the ultra-luxe Atlantis resorts, but also One&Only, Rare Finds, and their latest venture, SIRO. With unique and innovative offerings that go beyond passing trends, the brands within the portfolio have solidified Kerzner’s standing as a leading developer and operator of destination resorts on a global scale.

Behind any successful enterprise, are the people that lead the way. And in Kerzner’s case, are those who they define as the ‘vanguards of modern hospitality.’ One of those vanguards is Hakan Ozkasikci, the mastermind behind the local, sustainable design of new Kerzner destinations. Accumulating over 25 years of experience around the globe specialising in architecture, interior design, branding, conversion, and sustainability, Hakan formerly spearheaded design and development initiatives for Intercontinental Hotels Group in Europe. Subsequently, he joined Aman, where he managed the design of the brand’s renowned locations, all the while preserving their innate beauty.

Adding to his already impressive credentials, Hakan’s career took off with a master’s degree from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, focusing on sustainable design models for the hospitality industry. In an industry often accused of dragging its feet, eco-centric solutions have been a cornerstone of his work from the outset. Rightly so, Hakan has established himself as a thought leader in the realm of sustainable luxury hospitality design. In conversation with SPACE, he offers his insights on the subject and shares how Kerzner is embracing a transforming industry.

In the 20 years since your master’s degree, what is one key way in which the industry has progressed to enable sustainable practices?
The industry’s progress has facilitated the fusion of fundamental sustainability principles with cutting-edge technology while preserving the essence of vernacular design.

In the field, notable figures like Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, and Nicholas Grimshaw emerged as pioneers in technology-infused sustainability. They utilised cutting-edge advancements to attain remarkable levels of energy efficiency and generation. Monitoring and enhancing building performance became a standard practice, while the advent of digitalisation introduced sophisticated building management systems that efficiently oversee energy consumption and byproduct handling.

Hotels, serving a global clientele, have embraced this approach as a conscientious and pragmatic strategy. It achieves a seamless integration of cultural heritage preservation with the necessity for operational efficiency, marking a significant leap forward in the pursuit of sustainability within the hospitality sector. 

How does Kerzner adapt with the increasingly urgent social and environmental pressures on the travel and hospitality industries when it comes to design?
Sustainability, for Kerzner, is a comprehensive and holistic discipline. It involves considering all aspects from the outset, utilising by-products in favour of operational efficiency, and actively contributing to the local communities and environments where their properties are situated. This commitment is not only evident in existing Kerzner properties but also sets the standard for future developments under the Kerzner brand.

We place sustainability at the forefront of our approach to resort design. This commitment is exemplified in the careful and considerate design of properties such as One&Only Mandarina, where the natural topography of the land takes precedence. Instead of altering the landscape, the resort wholeheartedly embraces its striking natural setting, safeguarding the invaluable surroundings. Through careful, low-density planning in collaboration with botanical experts, the historical and ecological importance of the land is dutifully preserved. The choice of construction materials further reflects this ethos, with clay, wood, precious metal, and stone sourced locally, grounding the resort villas in the authentic spirit of the Cora and Huichol cultures.

One&Only Nyungwe House, Gisakura, Nyamasheke Nyungwe Forest Reserve, Rwanda

This considerate approach is mirrored at other Kerzner establishments, like One&Only Nyungwe House nestled on a functioning tea plantation, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, providing an up-close opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their native environment.

Are there different sustainability standards you look to achieve for each brand? For example, how does an Atlantis resort compare to a One&Only?
Atlantis resorts are characterised by their monumental scale and transformative impact on their immediate environments. Atlantis The Royal which opened in Dubai in February 2023, for instance, goes above and beyond in redefining the Atlantis brand with an infusion of ultra-luxury. The design ethos revolves around thematic styling, employing elements like fluid forms, carefully curated artwork, strategic lighting, and a deliberate composition of materials. The sheer volume of Atlantis resorts capitalises on the element of surprise, ensuring there’s always something new to discover in every corner.

On the other hand, One&Only Resorts embody a more intimate and harmonious integration with their natural surroundings. The design philosophy emphasises a thoughtful approach that allows nature to take centre stage, preserving the precious environment. Careful consideration is given to low-density planning and the use of local materials, grounding the properties in the authentic spirit of local cultures. Sustainability, in this context, is approached as a holistic discipline, encompassing all aspects from the outset and aiming to contribute positively to the locations they inhabit.

Above and below: OneOnly Mandarina, Mexico

Both Atlantis and One&Only resorts are committed to sustainability. Their approaches differ significantly due to the distinct characteristics and environments they operate within, but each brand’s sustainability standards are aligned with their unique brand identities and the expectations of their respective clientele.

‘Luxury’ and ‘sustainability’ can often be at odds with one another. How do you decide where to compromise, and what are non-negotiables?
Balancing ‘luxury’ and ‘sustainability’ is a nuanced endeavour, and indeed, there can be moments where they seem at odds. In our approach, the decision-making process hinges on a thorough understanding of the distinct brand identities and environments in which our properties operate.

‘Being in sync’ is an individual choice for everyone in terms of their preferences, and luxury feels a lot better when it is responsible.

AI technology is pushing the boundaries of design. In what ways can AI be harnessed to aid hospitality design for sustainable outcomes?
This is the topic of the moment! AI can play a significant role in designing spaces, enhancing sustainability credentials, and implementing new-age technology in hotels. For example, it can help with energy efficiency optimization by analysing patterns of energy consumption and suggest adjustments to lighting, heating, and cooling systems for optimal energy efficiency. This is especially useful with design for new projects such as SIRO, our newest hospitality brand where every SIRO guest room is designed as a ‘Recovery Cocoon’ for guests with the latest technology in place to improve physical and mental recovery, mitigate jet lag, enhance mood and ensure restorative sleep.

Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Middle East is known for industry-innovating design, and Atlantis The Royal must have been the ultimate playground for designers. What was the most ambitious aspect of that project?
Atlantis The Royal brings a new generation of distinctive luxury resort to Dubai. Created by a deluxe team of design and architecture visionaries, the most ambitious aspect of the project was integrating 406,000 square metres of built-up area to span over six towers that are adjoined by a sky bridge, 90 metres in length. We were asked to dream big on this project, and we certainly did.

With the upcoming opening of One&Only Aesthesis in Athens, what can we expect from the design story?
One&Only Aesthesis will be a juxtaposition of ancient myth and modern indulgence. The resort is at the crossroads of Greek history and culture-from the Acropolis and Parthenon to Syntagma Square and Cape Sounio and the glamorous Athenian Riviera. Expect a true paradise embodying Grecian heritage and authentic Athenian allure, which will celebrate the legendary Athenian Riviera whilst providing stunning, intuitive design.

The resort is inspired by the azure waters and the incredible natural surroundings, providing a modern Greek elegance, yet showcasing powerful elements dominant in Greek mythology like fire and water, carved from a palette of natural stone and timber.

The interior design of One&Only Aesthesis takes inspiration from the harmonious continuity of natural elements and incorporates ancient Greek accents with a contemporary approach. A captivating blend of colour palettes, featuring natural hues of whites and beiges, with art and accessories infusing patterns and blues, evokes a sense of timeless elegance throughout the resort’s spaces. Incorporating mid-century furniture, the interior design effortlessly infuses a modern twist, while highlighting the nostalgic allure of the 50s “golden era.”

Finally, do you have a favourite hotel from the Kerzner portfolio, either from a sentimental or design perspective?
OOMM with its Private Homes and Rare Finds, Bab Al Shams, both in terms of their responsible, sustainable design principles as well as their uncompromising and innovative take on luxury.