In preparation for tenants’ needs and concerns as new development properties begin to open post pandemic and existing properties make changes influenced by new norms, developers and building owners are taking steps to plan for changes in commercial building design—now and for the future.
While some smart amenities are meant to provide safer environments and social distancing, others are being added to multi-family buildings, workplaces and large developments alike as a way to provide elements such as energy efficiencies and to support remote work trends.
New development projects and building renovations are being designed to account for flexibility (with the current mindset that these adaptations will work well for social distancing needs). Think wide, open floorplans and the ability to scale, move and function with less physical touch. Smart amenities and innovations that might be included are:
Toe-to-Go (T2G) elevator systems that provide hands-free functionality. Use your foot to depress the down/up buttons when calling the elevator; do the same inside the elevator to choose your floor. Voice-activated systems are also viable in these instances.
Touch-free key fob entry and access systems. While many buildings have been set up with these in the past, some still required physical key-turns in front door lobby areas, etc. More buildings are going to touchless entry at all entrances.
Updates to restrooms that include touch-free sinks, paper towel dispensers and toilets.
Updated clean-air technology. Installation of air and surface disinfectant designed to mitigate germs in large environment are being explored. These hospital-grade ventilation systems are being added as part of overall HVAC systems.
More sun exposure. Pandemic or not, we can all use a bit more sunshine to fuel our bodies and create positive environments. Floor-to-ceiling glass and windows are increasing in large development projects to account for high amounts of daylight to benefit employee’s health and performance.
New outdoor options. Added balconies and outdoor options for more access to fresh air is not only a benefit in our current state of creating distance but bodes well as selling points to tenants. These outdoor options are sought-after and may include curtain-lined seating areas, private cabanas or sectioned-off spaces.
Copper handles and shared-touch surfaces vs. steel. Copper is known for its antimicrobial properties. Some shared gyms and workout facilities have also moved to purchasing weights and equipment with copper handles for this very reason. While this is a great alternative to steel, it can also be a pricey change.
Moveable lobby and gathering furniture. Rather than built-in couches or over-sized furniture options, developers are opting for sectional options and furniture pieces that can be reconfigured as needs arise. This also includes adding dividers in co-working spaces.
Less assigned seating and more hot desk areas. Flexibility and accommodation for hybrid work will be the norm going forward.
Use of technology as a safeguard
New on the market this spring as an answer to COVID-19, Amenity Boss is an app that some multifamily properties use as a way to facilitate reservations for sought-out amenities (i.e. outdoor cabanas, workout facilities, patios, etc.) Some go as far as to require tenants to use this app in order to use any of these communal spaces.
WorkDesign Magazine recently published a list of desk reservation apps that can be used in commercial properties to manage shared workspaces and hot desks. Some of those include:
AgilQuest
Freespace
iOffice
Teem
Changes here to stay
It remains to be seen how far developers and building owners will continue to go with the addition of smart amenities and social distancing-prompted changes, but we do know that many of these amenity trends and updates are welcomed regardless of a pandemic. Updates to roof decks, for example, or the ability to configure separated furniture pieces in community lounge and lobby areas are appealing to residents, tenants and corporate real estate teams. And who wouldn’t want a nice floor-to-ceiling window in their office space?
The key in any instance of change is not only current mandates and necessities based on known community climates, but also the needs and expectations of users. What will make them feel comfortable? What are they looking for in their space? How can you design and operate your building in a way that will stand the test of time and provide amenities that will grow with the needs of your tenants? Need expert guidance as you work through your next development project? We are here to help. Contact us to get in touch.