Choice Review

Most studies of hotel design as it pertains to hospitality services emanate from the social sciences and appear in hospitality industry publications rather than books published by academic presses. For the most part these studies focus on increasing the allure of the "servicescape" and thereby its profits. Housekeeping by Design is very different in both content and literary quality: it deals with the ethics of design, and it is a good read. Brody (design studies, Parsons School of Design, New School) argues that building design that does not attend to those who maintain the building is morally questionable and functionally/economically inefficient. In the course of this discussion he also probes other moral issues, like "green" posturing that allows corporate savings only at the expense of an increased burden on the workers. Brody's admonishments are based on substantive archival research and on-the-ground investigation, including interviews with staff at all levels. The author highlights the discussion with anecdotes from his own experience--his encounters with both the unexpected (e.g., an exploding fireplace) and the pleasurable (scenic views of Kauai). This is a thorough consideration of the physical aspects of architecture, historical conditions in the hotel services, and the all-too-often overlooked needs of the hospitality industry's labor force. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduates through faculty; students in vocational programs; professionals. --Annabel Jane Wharton, Duke University