With Americans spending more time than ever indoors during 2020, we're beginning to rethink our spaces. Check out some of the trends we expect to see in architecture and design in 2021, and make sure to call us when you're ready to rethink your space!
Open and multipurpose room design
Although we may be inside more, we don't want to feel enclosed. This trend is all about focusing on the best use of space and partitions in a way that prevents us from feeling boxed in. Room design in 2021 will take living and working into consideration, and allow for seamless transition from professional day to family evening with plenty of natural light and open-concept floor plans.
Cleanliness is next to godliness
Similar to what happened in the years following the 1918 outbreak of Spanish flu, we are seeing a return to stark white surfaces in an effort to promote light, germ-free built environments. White walls, floors, and furniture will allow for easy disinfecting and reflect the maximum amount of natural light that will hope to chase away any memories of illness.
Easy access to the outdoors
Once we've left winter behind, we'll be itching to get outside! In the new year, design will focus on the integration of indoor and outdoor space- we expect to see an increased amount of outdoor space especially from restaurants. Sunlight helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin, and that can give you more energy and help keep you calm, positive, and focused- something we'll all want more of in 2021!
While social returns, it may remain distant
2020 has made many of us significantly more conscious of our proximity to others in public spaces. While temporary set-ups may have worked last year, there is now demand for long-term solutions that provide distance in everyday designs. It's likely these demands will be met with features such as sanitation checkpoints, transparent partitions & separation panels, and social-distance-incentivizing layouts.
Office spaces are ready to embrace remote work
Many Americans became remote workers overnight in March of 2020, and it's likely to continue long into 2021. This doesn't mean, however, that formal offices will be obsolete. As smaller in-office teams will need to coordinate with remote coworkers, we will see larger cooperative spaces and conference rooms with designs that are mindful of the increased need for digital presentations and meetings. More wall space will likely need to be provided for screens that display video of on-camera colleagues, and specifications may need to be acoustic-friendly to reduce echoes.
