OP-ED

The global pandemic is posing a new set of challenges to the F&B design. As the world recovers from the impact of an unexpected global pandemic that has paralyzed life as we know it, the interior design industry is currently looking into how the future will be for designing spaces of high use such as F & B outlets. In 2020, F&B has been particularly sensitive to global changes and it begs the question of how will interior design change in the aftermath of Covid19?

Without a doubt, 2020, marks the start of a new era for humanity, ushering in a shift in psychology and behaviour which will reverberate throughout every facet of our society. With social distancing here to stay for a while and with lessons learned from the effects of C0VID-19, designers are preparing to implement changes that will reflect on a long-term structure and take into consideration the unplanned event of a new outbreak.

REDEFINING MODULAR DESIGN

One of the most important aspects of F&B design during the COVID-19 pandemic was the capability for the F&B outlets to quickly adapt to the social distancing rules. With fixed structures, the reshaping of the interior became an impossible challenge and it leads to reducing the capacity of customers in the outlet. Modular furniture and

modular structures will be the new trend. A degree of privacy is maintained within any interior layout using modular walls that could redesign any layout. Electrical networks need only have one route into the partition system and then can be spread internally. Some items can be packed away within the walls when the modules are closed as well.

DECORATIVE LIGHTING

As a natural consequence of introducing modular designing, rethinking decorative lighting is an essential part. Making the transition from static lights to dynamic lighting track systems will allow the F&B space to rearrange the lights system according to the location of furniture and requirements of social distancing without compromising on the quality of the ambience.

CHANGING THE WAY WE CHOOSE MATERIALS

An increased need for sanitisation in places with high customer volume is reflecting now in the permanent choices interior designers will have to make. The surface phobia induced by the global pandemic is a thought-provoking insight into how we can innovate the use of materials in such a way that it becomes non-hospitable for viruses. The choice of fabrics that are virus-resistant and biosafe coatings for surfaces will see increased demand, preparing any F&B outlet to cope with outbreak scenarios.

ADAPTABLE JOINERY

Another important aspect of designing for the future of F&B outlets is the implementation of adaptable joinery systems. Creating mobile joinery systems will catalyse a dynamic change of interior in the event of an outbreak, helping the outlet to integrate social distancing rules.

SANITISING SYSTEMS

Both as a behind the scene feature for the staff and an F&B outlet entrance mandatory set-up for customers, the integration of sanitising systems and temperature checks will have to take a permanent design-friendly shape. From small dispensers to creating personalised hand sanitiser tools, we will see the sanitising need including contactless hand sanitising stations, and post signs reminding guests about social distancing.

The design for the F&B industry will be defined by two main trends: adaptable and modular. The flexibility of structures and furniture will define the next wave of design, pushing the creativity to innovate ways to integrate new elements of flexible structures and increased safety measures.