ARE YOU READY? FROM TEMPORARY TO PERMANENT STRUCTURAL CHANGES

ARE YOU READY? From Temporary to Permanent Structural Changes

New 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.

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.

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 remotely for a portion of their week.

“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.”

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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Ventilation systems will undergo new protocols and a substantial increase in accessible outdoor spaces will be a priority.

In the Home

The need for a separate space in your home that can accommodate a proper home office will be a high priority. In addition to having the structural space, the components within that space have also been re-evaluated to encourage a more balanced and healthy approach to how one works physically.

With simultaneous activities like schooling, music practice, gameplay, and work all occurring under one roof, many homeowners took notice to the acoustics in their home and architects have already begun designing differently as a result, from intentional changes to layout and floor plans to applied use of more sound-absorbing materials in dedicated spaces that would be used for these activities.

“Homeowners are investing more in their space, especially as they redirect vacation funds that they could not use during the pandemic to critical home improvement projects. The result post pandemic is a large increase in customized solutions that better support current and future needs at home. Custom glass and mirror enclosures for home gyms is on the rise, as well as dedicated and more permanently customized home office spaces. People are going to be spending more time at home for the longer term,” says John.

Outdoor living spaces were often a priority for those who entertained or families that wanted expansive play areas, but further investment into a perfect outdoor space has now graced everyone’s priority lists. From re-invented balcony escapes to a completely reconfigured backyard oasis, these spaces are being maximized to their fullest potentials for the long-term.

Overall

When it comes to new builds, several changes are expected with extreme focus placed on the density of materials used and the overall efficiency of the final build. Sustainability is no longer an idealistic approach to building, but now also a safety measure.

Leveraging less dense materials will ensure surfaces prevent virus transmission which means more natural materials, like wood, will be used more frequently.

Advocating for higher standards when it comes to embodied and operational energy consumption in both commercial and residential buildings, architects and designers strive to meet zero carbon standards and ensure a more sustainable product is developed that will benefit both people and planet.

John Simonetti, President, Glass Inc

In the industry for over 10 years, John Simonetti started Glass Inc. in 2014 and he and his team specialize in custom glass and mirror work. The design and implementation skills of John and his team are impeccable, embracing endless possibilities when designing the glass finishes inside your home or business.