Luxury vending machine in Miami

mondrianvendingmachineThe Modrian South Beach hotel in Miami now features an automated gift machine aimed at replacing hotel boutiques.

Designed by Mari Balestrazzi, this semi-automatic machine carries luxury items such as 24k gold handcuffs from Kiki de Montparnasse (now that’s an interesting gift!), Fred Flare heart sunglasses and a 14k gold necklace by Kiel Mead – to mention just a small portion of its range.

With vending machines coming back into fashion (after the demise of the automat in the 50’s), its interesting to see them make the leap into the luxury arena.

The New Luxury Signal: Emotional Stability

The New Luxury Signal: Emotional Stability

Luxury resorts used to sell status and spectacle. Now they sell something quieter: relief. Guests arrive overloaded, and the best resorts are redesigning around sensory calm, reduced friction, and emotional steadiness. Modern luxury is less about what you add, and more about what you remove.

When You Can’t Leave: Designing for the Flight Reflex in Airports, Venues, and Hospitals

When You Can’t Leave: Designing for the Flight Reflex in Airports, Venues, and Hospitals

In high-stimulus public spaces, our bodies do more than react – they strategise.
Airports, hospitals, and stadiums all evoke subtle “Flight” responses: scanning, pacing, early exits.
Understanding how threat appraisal drives behaviour can help architects and planners design calmer spaces – and reveal why relaxation, not excitement, predicts dwell, spend, and satisfaction.

Small Towns, Big Relief: Nostalgia, Tradition, and the Break From Self

Small Towns, Big Relief: Nostalgia, Tradition, and the Break From Self

Small towns do more than change the scenery. They give visitors a break from themselves. This piece unpacks how nostalgia and tradition create identity relief that boosts spend, dwell time, and community value. Practical takeaways for tourism, luxury, food, museums, and policy.