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.