SEPTEMBER 2021 |
15
ARE YOU READY?
F rom
to
Temporary
Permanent Structural Changes
by Brandy Henderson
N
ew challenges create an opportunity for new solutions to make way. This past year-and-a-half created a trial-and-error period for several temporary solutions required to divide space, add protective layers between people, and create safe and distant physical environments for essential work and business to take place. Meanwhile, our homes became a centralized hub for literally everything, from work to school, exercise, entertainment, and even a family camping vacation in the living room.
“The trends have definitely shifted. As a result of safety concerns, the temporary installments are being taken down and the office floor plan is being redefined. Permanent enclosures and barriers in reception areas are being designed, the addition of glass walls and dividers throughout, and a focus on more private offices and rooms,” says John Simonetti, President of Glass Inc. “The demand is very high, and it is all hands on deck to satisfy the need for more permanent solutions that are more refined.”
In the Workplace For continued safety, the plexiglass barriers will be replaced and re-designed with tempered glass and acrylic screens. Flourishing open spaces that promoted shared space and co-working arrangements will be converted to more dedicated and assigned workspaces, and an increase in personal office space will return. Office environments will also consider the new footprint of blended working arrangements where many people continue to work
Contactless modifications that were being introduced slowly to incorporate energy efficient solutions will take larger priority because of the sanitary factors. Automatic doors, touch-free faucets and dispensers and other touchless gadgets will make their way into the office.
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Although some of the temporary modifications to our work and home structures are no longer the necessity that they were last year, there are many that appear to be needed more permanently which has led architects to prepare for these changes in their future designs and builds. How the various spaces in businesses and homes are being used has changed substantially, and a shift in priorities and needs will have a long-standing effect on how future builds will look and feel.
remotely for a portion of their week.
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