In 2015, Latrace was commissioned to develop the colour concept for the new corridors and classrooms of the extension of Ecolière hôteliere de Lausanne (EHL). In more than 15 years of teaching at the most renowned hospitality management schools in the world, we were able to gather a lot of knowledge in discussions and lessons as well as in informal and very personal exchanges with students from over 100 countries.

Founded in 1893 as the first hotel management school in the world, EHL has always been a melting pot of cultures. This is exactly what the corridors should convey. In order to be recognised as a real place to stay and meet, the aim was to create an atmosphere that promotes exchange by means of colours. The clear architectural structures and technically inspired building elements, such as glass and metal, were to be filled with life. At the same time, it was possible to create recognition value and references to the students’ respective homes.

Interviews with the students clearly showed that learning is associated with awakening, blossoming and growing. Setbacks, low points and new beginnings are also part of every study programme. It was often described like this:

When you arrive, everything is new, exciting, lively, active and intense at the same time. There is a lot of work, laughter and celebrating together. Time flies. (Floor 1)

In the middle of your studies, you reach the point where you’ve had enough. You finally want to see other places and manage your own time instead of studying for exams, developing projects and always finding new approaches to improve group dynamics and motivation. (Floor 2)

Then – just before the end – hecticness sets in. Only a few weeks remain with the close friends from all over the world before everyone will stream out in a different direction. Time is precious. The memory bank is filled with memories, as is the hard drive in the brain that organises and sorts all learning experiences. Rich in inspiration, creativity and knowledge, you leave the school – to meet again later in the hotels and companies of this world. (Floor 3)