Mr. Koch, what role do you think architecture and design generally play in the success of hotels?
I believe that architecture and design must be a healthy basis for a successful hotel. However, the design must be based on where I am, what I do, who the target group is. But that can't work without a good team - without people who are there every day with their eyes open and who convey the concept of hospitality from the heart. Especially in the current "styling age", people shouldn't stand around like objects, everything has to feel real - just like at home. I have to feel: "I'm a guest of someone." We at Zoku have done that quite well. There's a kitchen that gives the guest the impression that he's in the kitchen of someone at home, cooking for him. And that makes him feel welcome. After all, that's what I, as a hotel guest, am looking for in a hotel. And then it's still up to the hotelier to decide whether he treats the guest in a very high-class way or whether the treatment is rather casual. The design provides the backdrop for this. At Zoku, we also took the longstay guest into account. Someone who is in Amsterdam for two months and works there is happy that social contacts can develop with others who stay longer. That you can cook together or play table tennis at the big breakfast table. That connects. At the same time people from the neighbourhood come and stay there. Everything flows smoothly into each other.
