Page 41: of Marine News Magazine (October 2020)

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INTERIOR OUTFITTING

Carlos Reyes

Tomas Tillberg

Managing Partner at Managing Partner at

Tomas Tillberg Design International Tomas Tillberg Design International “From a design perspective, we are very conscious of the tant to consider along the uncharted course ahead is the density of people in a given space,” Reyes said. “We are types and properties of materials that are used in passen- working on solutions that take advantage of the space the ger spaces, and how they could potentially contribute to best we can and give the passenger the feeling that they are greater onboard health and safety. The development and safe on board the ship.” choice of paints, ? ooring, fabrics, furniture, etc. are receiv- “One of the main elements that we believe will change ing more attention than ever before.

will be the space per passenger ratio in public areas. People “We are looking at materials all the time. New materials need to feel less crowded, which gives a sense of safety,” are very important for us,” Tillberg said. “Now there is a

Reyes said. “For sure, the outside decks and open areas will lot of focus on what materials will help in preventing the be utilized more than before.” spread of COVID. There are already suppliers who pro-

Tillberg said the company is also examining the ways vide surfaces that are COVID-resistant and also that are passengers move around aboard ships and how to create very easy to clean. Even fabrics. This is something we’re more open spaces and areas outside. looking at all the time. We rely on the manufacturers and

For the most part, reutilizing certain onboard spaces the scientists they work with to develop these materials (such as open areas, for example) is fairly straightforward, and we’re very alert to what comes out.”

Reyes noted, but he said this becomes much more chal- While the newbuild market is unlikely to see any sweep- lenging in other parts of the ship such as in high-traf? c and ing rebound anytime soon, that’s not to say there won’t be heavily utilized passenger corridors. other opportunities for designers, yards and suppliers. “It’s a whole new family of ideas and designs you have Reyes believes the reactivation and modi? cation of the to grapple with,” Tillberg added. “It’s a nice challenge ac- many passenger vessels that have been idled for months tually, and I think sometimes these challenges bring forth throughout the pandemic will provide signi? cant market better designs in general. We sort of get off the beaten opportunities going forward. Health and safety will surely track. We have to rethink things, which is very good from be at the forefront. “There will be a lot of opportunities, a design viewpoint.” without a doubt, to work together with the cruise lines to

One aspect of passenger vessels that will be very impor- come up with very innovative solutions,” he said.

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