Tuesday 11th January, 2022
Commercial Architecture – Top Five Trends for 2022
Commercial
Architecture – Top Five Trends for 2022
By Mark Dawes, Managing Director, CAD Architects
The design of commercial buildings is constantly evolving, in response to the changing demands of users and investors. Here are five examples of growing trends that will have an impact on the work of commercial architects in 2022 and beyond.
1. Flexible working
Office buildings are adapting to the new era of flexible
working. Hot desks are becoming much more common in order to get maximum use
from the available space. Many companies want to incorporate informal meeting
spaces where remote workers can network with their colleagues while they are in
the office. In order to provide a quality experience for employees and to help
with staff retention, a growing number are providing spaces where staff can
relax, eat and even exercise. This requires the commercial architect to have a thorough
understanding of the people strategy for the business and how the building
design can help to facilitate this.
2. Sustainable design
More and more, customers expect the businesses that they buy
services from to have sound environmental credentials. This is a major
worldwide trend in commercial architecture. The aspects that commercial
operators need to consider are the use of sustainable and eco-friendly building
materials, building designs that are as energy efficient as possible,
incorporating renewable heating systems such as solar, and having building
designs which generate a minimum amount of waste material. When these are
executed properly, not only is this good for the environment, but it also makes
these facilities more efficient and economical to run.
3. Integrated technology
Today, technology such as routing for IT cables, WiFi
Infrastructure, videoconferencing, and telephony needs to form an integral part
of commercial building design and will become even more important as smart
technology plays an increasingly important role in future. Office workers will
expect to be able to control more office equipment from their phones and to
communicate seamlessly with their colleagues and customers across different
devices. Meanwhile, self-check-in
systems and digital key cards are just part of the wave of touchless tech which
is changing the face of the hospitality sector. Features such as automatic
doors along with sensor-operated bathroom fixtures will have
an increasing impact in the world of hospitality and tourism as well as other
commercial buildings.
4. Healthy environments
Whether it is for employees or for customers, there is now a
greater emphasis on designing commercial spaces for wellbeing and healthy
living. This means ensuring excellent ventilation and air conditioning, to
provide good quality, clean air. It requires avoiding building materials that
may release chemicals that could cause allergic reactions and exploring ways to
filter dust and pollen out of the atmosphere. Clever use of natural light is
important, to create spaces that are enjoyable to dwell in for long periods of
time.
5. Indoor/outdoor living
This trend, which has been growing in popularity for residential buildings, will continue to spill over into commercial applications. Modern folding doors and improved glass technology mean that this is now cost effective to use in buildings such as bars and restaurants. This allows establishments to offer a distinctive ambience that makes the most of the warmer weather and provides a quality experience for their customers. Increasingly, more and more indoor/outdoor living spaces will be introduced into all kinds of commercial buildings, as well as more use of greenery and natural features.
At CAD Architects, we have experience of designing a wide
range of commercial buildings, including innovative retail outlets, modern
commercial premises, hotels, tourist attractions, leisure facilities, bars and stylish
restaurants. As we go into 2022, we look forward to bringing the latest
thinking in commercial architecture to your project, delivering outstanding
value for money from your commercial investment.