Trends in Commercial Architecture: Part 2




Thank you for joining us for Part 2! For those who may have missed Part 1, we’re continuing our discussion about the trends we’re seeing in commercial architecture. Similar to all art forms, architecture evolves as the decades pass. Commercial architecture trends also emerge due to observed changes in the utilization of space, peoples’ attitudes, and the overall function of work spaces. In this article, the team at Seth A. Leeb Architect will examine each trend closely and discuss ways you can incorporate them into your future commercial architecture plans.

 

Health and Community-Focused 

You don’t usually think about hospitals when you think of commercial architecture, but building designers carefully consider every aspect when creating spaces that are both health-focused and community-focused. Some recent trends we’ve seen in this space include overcrowding prevention, providing adequate privacy for patients, recreating the feeling of home, and ensuring people have access to nature. 

 

Health and community-focused architecture puts people first by creating spaces that prioritize safety, comfortability and functionality for both patients and staff members. 

 

Upcycled Old Buildings

Upcycling, sometimes called repurposing, is when an architect renovates an abandoned building and uses it for something other than its original purpose. Examples include converting a defunct factory into a corporate office building, renovating a church and turning it into a chic restaurant, or using a shuttered shopping mall as a school building. 

 

You’ve probably been inside an upcycled old building before and you may have noticed certain architectural markers that stood out, like big floor-to-ceiling columns indicative of a former factory. Repurposing existing buildings is much more environmentally friendly than tearing them down and building from scratch.

 

Minimalism

This trend applies to both the exterior and interior of commercial buildings, and is characterized by basic geometric forms, monochromatic color schemes, simple materials, very basic furniture and other interior design elements. Minimalist spaces feel clean, smooth, relaxed and orderly. Many museums opt for a minimalist design in order to direct attention to the artwork instead of the building. 

 

Maximalism 

On the other end of the spectrum is maximalism, characterized by more of everything: more materials, patterns, shapes and colors. It’s about packing as much as possible into your space and making bold architectural design and interior design choices. Spaces that seek to engage the senses, like elementary schools, might prefer maximalism design. 

 

Ergonomic Furniture Pieces and Interior Design 

 

Ergonomics is an applied science that seeks to design things we use on a daily basis to make them as comfortable and as efficient as possible. If you have an office job you may have an ergonomic keyboard that maximizes hand and wrist comfort, or maybe an ergonomic office chair that relieves back and shoulder pain. 

 

Interior designers have seen a huge increase in demand for ergonomic furniture for commercial spaces as peoples’ comfort has become top priority. 

 

For more information about commercial architecture, or if you have any design questions, please contact our team at Seth A. Leeb Architect today or visit our website at: https://leeb-architecture.com/

Originally posted https://leeb-architecture.com/trends-in-commercial-architecture-part-2/

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