The year 2020 has brought many changes, a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In the United States and around the world, companies have had to change the way they do business. From office to restaurants, retail to manufacturing, medical to real estate, it seems everything has changed the way individuals live and work. Knowing that, it is not surprising that the construction industry has experience changes as well, including those who, like Perillo Construction, do commercial design and build outs. Though it all, companies have adapted and transformed to create safe workspaces for employees, clients, and customers. With that in mind, let’s explore the commercial building trends for 2021.
State-of-the-Art Air Filtration Systems
As the world learned about COVID-19 and how it was spread, it became clear that high quality HVAC and air filtration systems deliver good ventilation and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as well as other viruses, bacteria, molds, mildew, and allergens. While some business owners have already made the needed upgrades, many are planning to invest in enhanced air filtration systems capable of removing contaminated indoor air (rather than recirculating it) and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. Existing buildings as well as new construction will likely need to meet new guidelines for building air quality as well as layout and design.
Glass and New Commercial Floor Plans
The new normal may bring less open layouts utilizing glass systems to maintain the look and feel of openness. Frameless glass systems will lead the ways and bring the look to life, creating flexible multifunctional spaces that welcome natural light and can be opened and closed as needed. Many of these frameless sliding glass systems offer exceptional performance including soundproofing and separating spaces, as well as providing the needed security for those within.
Nature Inside and Out
Businesses, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, no longer consider only indoor spaces in their design but also the expansion or addition of outdoor spaces for employees and customers. Adding or expanding outdoor space includes the trends rooftops areas and patio spaces as well as dining areas and streateries for restaurants and markets. Even office buildings and high rises are getting in on the trend capturing areas for outdoor breaks, lunches, and collaborative meetings.
Biophilic design, the trend of bringing plants and natural features inside, continues to grow and is especially popular in businesses where direct outdoor spaces are not available. This design trend which continues to grow uses plants, incorporates living walls, and utilizes natural stone and wood to help employees, clients, and customers feel like they are connected to the outdoors. In fact, the biophilic trend has sparked a number of studies which all agree employees are more productive, creative, and happy in their work when surrounded by nature.
Environmentally-Conscious Design
Environmentally-conscious design continues to evolve as a popular trend as consumers become more aware of humanity’s effect on the environment. In turn, employees and customers expect eco-friendly elements in businesses they work for and support form restaurants to retails, commercial to manufacturing. Some of the most popular environmentally friendly trends include energy efficient lighting (natural light and LED bulbs), and solar panels, as well as energy efficient appliances, windows, and doors.
Technology Integration
Communication – global to local – in the age of COVID-19 has become even more crucial leading to a trend in technology integration across a wide variety of industries. Advancements in communication technology include cable management and the addition of outlets/plugs throughout, and spaces devoted to teleconferencing featuring screens and digital whiteboards.
Reach Out to Perillo Construction
Are you and your company ready to get on the latest commercial build out trends as 2021 begins? Call on the experts at Perillo Construction to see your build out through successfully from start to finish.