{"id":30293,"date":"2021-02-17T17:06:01","date_gmt":"2021-02-17T14:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/?p=30293"},"modified":"2025-07-16T15:06:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T12:06:58","slug":"expert-roundup-the-future-of-office-spaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/expert-roundup-the-future-of-office-spaces\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Roundup: The Future of Office Spaces"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s no secret that the COVID-19 outbreak took the entire world by storm. New regulations and restrictions on everyday life have taken their toll on people<\/a> and businesses alike. In fact, the pandemic has completely changed the way we travel, communicate, meet, shop and experience life in general. But, how has it influenced the future of buildings and construction?<\/p>\n

To find out, we spoke with several architects and interior designers to understand COVID-19\u2019s consequences on the future of office spaces. Specifically, we asked how office spaces could be made healthier for employees; the techniques and materials that will play an important role in the future; and the next trends in commercial real estate interior design.<\/p>\n

Meet our Experts<\/h2>\n
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Meghan Barlotta<\/h3>\n

Senior Associate at KIMMERLE Workspace <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Laura Bonucchi<\/h3>\n

Strategic Real Estate Advisor at Real Estate Bees<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Mark Bryan<\/h3>\n

Futurist and Senior Interior Designer at M+A Architects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Lori Caldwell<\/h3>\n

Designer and Owner at Lori Caldwell Designs<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Abbey Cwiek-Garrett<\/h3>\n

Principal at DLR Group<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Jillian Dorell<\/h3>\n

Design\/construction Project Manager at Larken Associates<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Rae Duncan<\/h3>\n

Interior Designer at Rae Duncan<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Paul Ferro<\/h3>\n

Co-founder and Principal of Form4 Architecture<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Steven Kratchman<\/h3>\n

Owner and Founder of Steven Kratchman Architect<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Angie Lane<\/h3>\n

Architect and Interior Designer at A.Lane Architecture<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Megan Lantz<\/h3>\n

VP of Research & Development at HITT Contracting<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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KD Reid<\/h3>\n

Interior Designer at KD Reid Interiors<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Geoff Ross<\/h3>\n

Real Estate Executive<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Leslie Saul<\/h3>\n

President\/Chief Vision Facilitator and Design Synthesizerat at Leslie Saul & Associates<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

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Helen White<\/h3>\n

Co-founder and Interior designer at house of<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

How has COVID-19 changed architecture and interior design, and what will be the long-term results?<\/h2>\n
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Meghan Barlotta<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> Our new focus is on higher levels of cleanliness. Formerly, we considered materials that would be durable and would stand the test of time in high-traffic areas. Now, we think beyond wear and tear, and consider features and materials that can minimize contact and ensure proper cleanability.<\/p>\n

We know reducing contact, where possible, helps to mitigate transmission. Adding touchless technologies to entries and faucets is a small enhancement, but it will yield long-term benefit. We can also expect to see the addition of items like extra storage at workspaces. This will allow employees to clear desktops at the end of each day to ensure adequate cleaning and disinfecting takes place each evening.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Laura Bonucchi<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> COVID-19 has changed the landscape of our living and working spaces in many ways. In commercial environments, sanitation and increased physical distancing of workers have become top priorities. As many workers are now working from home<\/a> who previously were not, companies are realizing the benefits of this additional flexibility. Firstly, there is a cost savings in not requiring as much office space. It is predicted that, after the pandemic is over, many positions will continue to be work-from-home positions \u2014 or at least allow this flexibility several days per week.<\/p>\n

For workers who are still in the office, more working space is required to maintain social distancing. Workplaces are being reconfigured to allow [for] more space between desks. Many companies are requiring work-from-home through mid-summer 2021, when vaccine distribution is expected to be available to all.<\/p>\n

The long-term results of the pandemic will be an increased dependence on technology and utilizing remote workers. As we have seen, much can be accomplished through Zoom meetings, and the push to automate and streamline other work processes has never been higher. Even for medical workers, \u2018teledoc\u2019 services are often just as effective as in-person, patient-doctor meetings, while in the field of law, remote hearings are becoming the norm. Workers who previously used to travel for their positions will find, moving forward, that the need to do so is less imperative, as these meetings can also be conducted virtually.<\/p>\n

Conversely, the field of residential design is seeing a huge boom of project requests, and DIY home improvement projects are at an all-time high. With people spending more time at home, and the functional requirements of our homes increasing \u2014 think home office, home gym and remote classroom \u2014 this has led many people to desire to update and improve their homes. Or, in some cases, move to a more suitable living space. Additionally, suddenly, the \u2018open concept\u2019 floor plan \u2014 which has become so desirable over the last decade \u2014 is suddenly far less so. When a family is all home together, with the parents trying to work and the kids trying to accomplish remote learning, the need for privacy and sound control have increased.<\/p>\n

With changes that have been implemented due to COVID-19, there is the opportunity to have long-term effects on the improvement with how we live and work, with better air quality and cleanliness of surfaces being a way to improve our quality of life and also prohibit the spread of germs through the workplace.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mark Bryan<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> 2020 and COVID-19 will be known as the great accelerator. While highlighting gaps in our clients\u2019 assets and needs, it has pushed forward a host of macro world drivers that have been waiting in the wings. With the pandemic came desynchronized living; fear factor of safety; prioritizing self, but strengthening the \u2018we\u2019; an intimacy and social recession; an understanding of our carbon footprint; recognizing diversity; and a hefty reliance on phygital [physical plus digital] living.<\/p>\n

We have moved from speed to purpose; from apathetic to empowered; from individual to collective; from myopic to choice; from smart to helpful; and from mass-produced to curated.<\/p>\n

With this, architecture and interior design will become the community bridge to foster inclusivity, empathy, empowerment, upskilling, wellness and regenerative designs\/spaces\/principles. The responsibility as architects and designers is greater than ever to create space for change.<\/p>\n

We see four main forecasts<\/span> for what our industry will be shaped by and look like in the next 10 years:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Mobilized:<\/strong><\/em> As people flex back and forth between rural and urban preferred living \u2014 depending on safety and comfort needs \u2014 cities become more dispersed, along with workplaces becoming more hub-based. With this, firms are completely mobile and working in a 24\/7 modality due to a time-fluid society. This new mobility allows projects to be more \u2018gig\u2019 or subscription-based. Smaller projects will sometimes only focus on a specialized part before moving onto the next project. Subscription-based services and delivered offerings align with brands and partners for future projects and services. The demand for delivery will also create new, mobile at-home developments and micro-communities.<\/p>\n

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2. Resiliency Developers:<\/strong><\/em> In the wake of the pandemic, the mistrust of being in spaces that are packed with others changes how users interact with the environments and what they need to feel safe. This requires firms to rethink how to create social, flexible buildings rooted in safety. These adaptive buildings require new systems to be in place that are listed on public domains for users to see updates on before entering the building or centers. The activations within these buildings allow for quick changes or pivots to space to allow for new use. Examples will be seen as workplace spaces that are able to become production spaces. Other activations would allow the sealing of a building for an internal sanitization. These buildings are deemed resilient or pandemic-prepared. These new design principles also incorporate ways to build resiliency within the users by requiring spaces for mental wellness \u2014 both during times of crisis and everyday living.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. Sensorial Enablers:<\/em><\/strong> In contrast to touchless experiences brought on by the pandemic, those that are sensorial will become a priority. This elevates experiential design and requires behavioral psychology to allow for these experiences to be inclusive of all populations. Those experiences that bring joy to daily ritualized spaces will be used as a metric for productivity and company culture\/engagement. Companies that include sensorial experiences will be more positively received by their clients and staff. Immersive realities will be curated and tailored to individual needs through augmented intelligence.<\/p>\n

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4. Ecological Producers:<\/em><\/strong> Self-sustaining architecture rises as a request from future clients who have had to pivot during the pandemic. This requires the use of materials that can perform self-care and allow for new, energy-generating practices to be incorporated. These new ecosystems update sustainability practices to become regenerative and allow for new off-grid\/siloed certifications to be applied. These self-sustaining buildings are also required to give developers more control over the building\u2019s performance. Part of self-sustaining is preparedness for climate disaster and for reusing waste to create replacement materials for repair as the building ages. Included in these new buildings are conditioned outdoor spaces that allow for flex indoor\/outdoor use. Clean design principles are also employed to promote safety and wellbeing.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lori Caldwell<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> Before COVID-19, most commercial spaces<\/a> were focused on how many people we can fit into each space. But, with the pandemic, we now need more space between people. Shopping areas will need larger aisles; restaurants place tables farther apart; and, long-term, we will need larger spaces even at a lesser capacity.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Abbey Cwiek-Garret<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> The pandemic has fundamentally shifted the reasons we want to meet in shared spaces, whether it be the office or a retail establishment. We want destinations to gather, to collaborate in, to have intentional in-person contact \u2026 If we\u2019re needing quiet focus or we know exactly what item we\u2019re looking to purchase, we may still choose to stay home to do so. But, people still crave constructive feedback [and] creative brainstorming and want to broaden their horizons with experiences, and that will still occur in shared space. The perspective shift is that those spaces will now be crafted around safely and flexibly interacting as the main objective.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jillian Dorell<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> When designing, we always keep in mind aesthetic and function for all aspects, from overall structure to a wall covering detail. One thing that has lacked in the past that is now becoming more prevalent is how people function in the space cleanly. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to focus on new elements that might have been overlooked before or previously considered an accessory instead of a necessity. We now have new terms, such as \u2018social distancing\u2019 and \u2018high-touch surfaces,\u2019 which will play a much greater role in design from here on out. HVAC system upgrades with greater fresh air distribution and blue-light, germ-fighting technology; surfaces with antimicrobial properties; and designed locations for hand-sanitizing are just a few properties I project to be at the forefront for the future of design.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Rae Duncan<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Certainly, people are spending way more time at home. Your interiors are all you see all day, so it matters. People are improving their homes in vibrant and interesting ways. Commercial design for my firm has declined as many industries are in flux, but homes are getting larger and more luxurious. People are building more office space<\/a> into homes, and they\u2019re spending money on bigger homes outside the city. I think people want more unique, colorful, interesting spaces. The amount of time spent in the home is immense, and the normal neutrals don\u2019t seem to do it for clients anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Paul Ferro<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>As architects and interior designers, we are seeking new, performance-driven solutions that address all pertinent intellectual and emotional issues that may arise as we consider reopening. With new spatial, furniture, material, technological, procedural and behavioral solutions applied to the workplace, the spread of COVID-19 can be seriously curtailed, allowing us to reopen the economy and reengage the workplace. However, individual employees\u2019 safety concerns will be the most difficult factor to address upon the return to work. Once quarantine orders are lifted, not all employees will eagerly rush back to the activities and places that occupied their lives before COVID-19. Government and corporate regulations will continue to instruct architects and design industry professionals to create solutions for those concerns.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Steven Kratchman<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Conversions and adaptive reuse projects have really grown in New York City and the Hudson River Valley, up through the northern suburbs. This region has been on the leading edge of that trend nationally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before it affected office buildings, it began with homeowners that had to quickly turn their houses into their primary business locations, plus using them as their children\u2019s schools, then functioning as their off-hours relaxation spaces. That\u2019s a significant change in use, and people are growing their homes out and up to accommodate this increased need.<\/p>\n

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It has allowed homeowners to rediscover their communities, too. For example, residents in the Hudson River Valley now see the region as transportation-friendly; rich in food and wine culture; and very outdoors-oriented, with lakes, mountains and recreation easily accessible. Additionally, they view the existing residential and commercial building stock as more affordable to grow out and up, versus new development.<\/p>\n

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People are also putting more focus into their outdoor spaces at their homes, extending indoor amenities out, such as seating, fireplaces and more. Existing properties in the suburbs already have access to the outdoors and can be exploited very easily in terms of front, side, and rear yards and roofs.<\/p>\n

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This \u2018out and up\u2019 expansion mindset has extended into office and commercial space, notably seen where restaurants have extended out onto sidewalks or parking lots. Office buildings, social clubs, hotels, and multi-family buildings are focusing more on renovating their facades and common spaces to create warmer and more welcoming spaces that are significantly refreshed \u2014 essentially turning older or ignored spaces into areas that change the personality of the buildings.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Angie Lane<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>COVID has changed architecture and interiors by necessitating flexibility.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Megan Lantz<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Through our work with several clients nationwide, we have seen the desire for immediate changes in the workplace allowing for appropriate social distancing and more individual space for employees. While many of these measures are temporary and most clients are moving forward with designs without COVID-19 at the forefront, we have seen a trend where large collaboration and meeting spaces that traditionally have held several hundred people for town hall meetings are no longer a priority.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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KD Reid<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>COVID-19 has impacted the architecture and design industry by changing the way we plan for the future. Trade shows have been impacted with in-person experience to virtual showrooms and online product launches.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Geoff Ross<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>We don\u2019t know how it has changed architecture\/interior design and aren\u2019t going to know until we all start going back to work. There is much discussion about it at this point, but very little actual, considered uptake and practical application. With office hubs like New York City still experiencing 10% to 15% tenant occupancy, the world is still wide open.\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Leslie Saul<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>The bad news: Many firms that specialize in workplace design have been slowed to almost a standstill. Although we have one new expansion project, we also have several downsizing projects. Many businesses have seen the success of remote working and believe they will not need big offices that are mostly empty. I believe that this is short-sighted.<\/p>\n

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The good news: Fewer people going into the office takes pressure off transportation systems and is good for reducing carbon emissions. Also, in firms where they insisted on 100% attendance, people will now get more flexibility about where they work.<\/p>\n

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That being said, there are downsides to remote work, such as security issues, ergonomic issues, distractions, etc. Who pays for improving working conditions at home? Young people in studio apartments and parents of young kids may not have ideal set-ups.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Helen White<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>COVID-19 has meant that we are going to be using our offices very differently in the future. With a lot of big businesses predicting that 50% of their workforce will be working from home at any time, this means that a trip to the office suddenly becomes an occasion and a treat. A trip to the office is not a time to sit at a solitary desk in silence, but to interact with our co-workers. This means banks of desks and their lighting schemes are becoming redundant. Many offices have recessed LED lighting to provide consistent levels throughout the space. The light is often bright and far enough above head height to reduce screen glare and eye strain.\u201d\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How can architecture or office design supplement efforts to contain the spread of
\nCOVID-19 and make workplaces healthier overall?<\/h2>\n

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Meghan Barlotta<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>During the warmer months of the pandemic, we saw that being outside allowed us to gather with less concern for viral spread. Even before COVID-19, design trends centered around access to natural light and windows to help alleviate sensory deprivation and encourage creativity.<\/p>\n

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Beyond space planning, which optimizes access to windows, we can anticipate an increased focus on the development of outdoor meeting areas and workstations. Formerly, outdoor spaces were planned around lunchtime or break time activities. Now, we are seeing companies and property owners engage in projects which create spaces for employees and tenants to conduct meetings outdoors. Biophilic design<\/a> elements will also help promote a connection with the natural world and create a balanced work environment when the weather does not permit us to utilize outdoor spaces. Biophilic concepts include green walls with plants; use of natural materials, like wood; indoor water features; and lighting that mimics daylight.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Laura Bonucchi<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> With regards to the built environments that we live and work in, improving air quality and ventilation are of top concern with stopping the spread of this deadly virus. Increased ventilation can be accomplished by upgrading ventilation systems; increasing the percentage flow of fresh outdoor air through the ventilation system; and also filtering germs from recirculated forced air. Although, this is often not an inexpensive upgrade for workplaces or schools to make, as it often will require an entirely new system to be put in place.<\/p>\n

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Interestingly, there is increased research around the use of UVC radiation to sterilize air and surfaces. It is known to disinfect air, water and nonporous surfaces. For decades, this type of light has been used to reduce the spread of pathogens. These are often referred to as \u2018germicidal\u2019 lamps. They can be introduced inside of air ducts in commercial spaces, with limited use for homes. It is important to note that direct exposure can be dangerous and different wavelengths have different results.<\/p>\n

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More information can be found at: https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/uv-lights-and-lamps-ultraviolet-c-radiation-disinfection-and-coronavirus. Additionally, due to the pandemic, there is even more demand for durable commercial products that can withstand heavy cleaning products, including bleach. In projects, I am seeing an increased demand for bleach-cleanable fabrics. Plexiglass dividers have also become the norm in many work and commercial spaces.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mark Bryan<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> We call them the three Cs: choice, comfort and control. Implementing these three Cs creates insulator spaces that are the ways to successfully return to the workplace, and to enable those who interact within the workplace to be empowered and build resiliency.<\/p>\n

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1. Choice<\/strong><\/em>: We have all gained a great insight into our personal needs, whether that is spatially, emotionally or physically. With most companies and employees reporting they want a blend of work from home and return to work, COVID is allowing designers to create spaces that allow for social distancing in the short-term, and then needs-based work in the long-run. Accelerated to the forefront due to COVID-19, spatial choice will be agile and task-\/needs-based working. These spaces allow users to choose when and where to work based on their needs. This means they can choose what is safe for themselves at that time. The difference now is that this choice will need to be connected to a cultural hub as workers are now used to home comforts and choosing when to work based on their asynchronistic schedule. The hub creates a need to still come into the office. The hub allows for siloed distribution of the office so that people can work closer to home as their proximity to their home hub will feel safer and more easily accessible. This is distributed working. Design and architecture\u2019s role will be the facilitator to create multiple venues, with a connective tissue of the company\u2019s values to still attract and retain new talent.<\/p>\n

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2. Comfort:<\/strong><\/em> COVID\u2019s effect on the workplace is also emotional. Like it or not, we all have experienced trauma, and for employees to return to healthier work lives, their spaces need to provide them tools to deal with the fallout. Global fears of safety and security will need to be addressed, as well as creating spaces that provide communal care. Recognizing design and architecture will need to facilitate systemic transparency from the top down \u2014 transparency with where the company stands, what they are implementing and why. Using materials that use evidence-based design principles to calm the central nervous systems, providing respite spaces to help employees build resiliency, and values-driven messaging all become part of a space\u2019s safety messaging that provides comfort. In essence, spaces that allow for the recognition and identity of their fellow employees\u2019 and their own needs.<\/p>\n

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3. Control:<\/strong> <\/em>COVID has forced the office to become much more touch-conscious. Going forward, we will want to control who touches our desk or tools. We will want to have a log of when spaces were last used \u2014 which room monitoring and sensors that are already deployed can provide. There will also be helpful devices that keep us safe by allowing us the control to clean when we want to. Lobby spaces in the new offices of the future will become more expansive in their role, rather than being relegated to waiting rooms. Lobbies will become spaces for sanitization through new light fixtures and HVAC devices that clean the furniture and air.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lori Caldwell<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> Even before COVID-19, there was always an issue of cleanliness in offices. When one employee is sick, it tends to run through a workplace quickly. With COVID, we are seeing smaller groups in meeting spaces [and] more time spent in individual offices. But, with all of that isolation, design needs to focus on creating warm and inviting spaces. Workplaces will need to focus on natural light and comforting design elements to ensure employees do not feel the harmful effects of isolation and the lack of human contact through the pandemic. We can also use materials that are easily cleaned and hold up to the constant sanitizing practices.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Abbey Cwiek-Garret<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span> One way is to be more transparent about the health of the space with users by tracking and sharing meaningful real-time building data. Occupants will be looking for information on how the building\/space lives and breathes, and how it adjusts to maintain those healthy levels if outside influences threaten that balance. Educating users on their wellbeing in their space empowers them to set that expectation and make decisions based on that data. Embracing the idea of less-enclosed spaces and more \u2018zoned\u2019 open studios then can evolve as needed, knowing that people who want to return to work will have more in-person contact with one another.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jillian Dorell<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>The trend for office settings over the last few years has gone from tall-walled cubicles to shared working spaces with minimal to no division between them. There are ways to create division between occupants without actually having to construct walls between them, so we are going to see some very creative ways to achieve this separation in the future. Glass is a great way to physically keep personal space divided while visually creating a communal space, and vinyl graphic designs are so advanced now that an entire space can be centered around these elements.<\/p>\n

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When designing our new office amid the outbreak of COVID in March, I made sure we had a ton of glass for light and communal engagement, so it did not have a \u2018fishbowl\u2019 feel. I worked with my signage company to come up with a design that tied together all elements of the space, making the glass and graphics feel like a design element, instead of an afterthought. I installed four workstations that incorporated some higher walls mixed with some lower walls and glass to make it less secluded and more inclusive, while maintaining social distancing guidelines.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Rae Duncan<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Ventilation and windows are essential, as well as cleaning surfaces and air. I think large office buildings may turn to more small, satellite offices and home-based work to contain exposure and allow small teams to continue working together. A smaller, contained office is much more manageable and safe in terms of infection and spread. We\u2019ll see barriers and bubbles of teams working in office space together, with separate bathrooms and exits for each bubble.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Paul Ferro<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Companies can institute rotating shifts between coming into the office and working from home to reduce the number of people in the office. Supplemental design ideas: Reduce workspace density with wider circulation, greater separation of workstations and one-way foot traffic. Include barriers to shield workstations; return to high cubicles; eliminate hot-desking. Separate workstation rooms with walls, glass, hygienic washable curtains, etc. Conduct meetings with video conferencing from an assigned desk or home (or at outdoor meeting spaces, where practical). Run HVAC systems 24\/7, if possible; keep relative humidity at 40% to 60%; use bipolar ionization systems; remove hand dryers from restrooms. Improve lighting solutions, such as UVC lighting to sterilize air; germicidal ultraviolet disinfection lighting for surface-sensitive areas, such as fitness equipment and food-preparation areas; increase interior sunlight for biophilic wellness benefits and natural disinfection. Touchless (motion- or voice-controlled) doors, elevator controls, toilet partition doors, plumbing fixtures, hygiene stations, light switches, etc.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Steven Kratchman<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Architects have spent significant effort in focusing on the needs of business owners to get their workforces back in the office, while meeting perceptions that their workspaces are safe. I\u2019ve seen an upswing in the desire to accommodate technology that allows more face-to-face conversation, while lessening in-person interaction \u2014 such as conference facilities that allow distancing, yet the ability to interact as teammates and clients.<\/p>\n

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Some open-concept offices are transitioning to transparent dividers that still allow the interaction of people and reintegrating teamwork. Window space is also being better utilized to help bring the outside in to a better degree. Some companies are opting to expand their space to allow [for] more social distancing, while maintaining the same headcount in their offices.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Angie Lane<\/h2>\n

“<\/span>Office design can supplement the spread by revisiting spatial layouts to obtain spatial distances, as well as create walled niches for individuals (whether they are transparent for non-visual separation or solid). Installing shields at points of customer interaction is important, as well. Thinking of these and designing these as permanent installations is a better use of upgrade investments. A thoughtfully designed intervention can enhance the brand interaction instead of just being a Band-Aid.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Megan Lantz<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>To make workplaces healthier overall, it\u2019s ideal to create a natural flow of individuals throughout the workplace. Additionally, offices can select antimicrobial materials and touchless products, when possible, and install new HVAC systems, which ensure the consistent flow of clean air throughout an office space. Incorporation of outdoor spaces is also key, as fresh air has been proven to provide health benefits and also reduces transmission of viruses, such as COVID-19.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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KD Reid<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>To maintain healthy work environments, offices will have to be creative in their work environment \u2014 from allowing employees to work, as well as establishing new zones and boundaries in the work environment to maintain safety.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Geoff Ross<\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>The obvious ways to make the workplace safer are no different than what would be practiced everywhere \u2014 masks and social distancing. The real problem comes from the number of people in an office and how long they are there. As we have all seen, people are sloppy about masks. Combined with questionable airflow, it is not an ideal situation. Ask yourself: Would you want to sit in a restaurant for eight hours? Offices also need to be doing some basic technical things:<\/p>\n

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