Creating a Successful post-COVID Environment

As designers, we must think of ways to seamlessly integrate tasteful, yet protective measures into the built environment.

Photo by Étienne Godiard on Unsplash

Practically all industries have been transformed by the #COVID-19 pandemic and I honestly believe that these past few months mark the start of a new era within #interiordesign. Whether we see an increase in cleanable surfaces, pod-like environments, and/or markers encouraging separation between one another, we know things are changing. The limits to which existing physical spaces can morph are being tested and these changes are taxing our minds and bodies, whether we realize it or not.

Any severe amount of change can be extremely traumatic to an individual. For some, the agitation is so subtle that it can be difficult to recognize. However, more sensitive types are having harder times functioning at their best.

We've endured enough trauma as a result of this pandemic. We should be seeking ways make returning to public spaces as easy, and seamless, as possible.

As designers, it would benefit us all to re-frame the modification of these post-COVID spaces as something of an upgrade rather than a reactive measure. We must think; how can we transform necessary change into a beautiful and integrated design feature? Not sure what that means just yet? That's a-okay. Read on!

I've put together a list of design tips that will not only help by improving the overall feel of a space, but (most importantly) provide occupants with the tools necessary to slow any possible contagion.

• Immersive Branding Experience: I would encourage us to use this strange time to create an immersive and holistic brand experience that will strengthen brand recognition by keeping customers engaged, rather than distracting them with COVID verbiage. Example A: arrows directing flow or implying separation don't have to be literal and drawn out in tape. Encourage health and safety for the long haul with a carpet tile upgrade instead. Try a pattern or shape change that implies new boundaries and traffic flow. This can also be a branded experience by using something that represents your company's story (color or pattern). I would advise keeping color subtle (but, it depends on the space). Example B: If you have any signage, make sure that the fonts, colors, etc. are visually appealing and incorporate a subtle logo or brand image that speaks to your company. Example C: Can you make screens out of a material other than plexiglass? Consider a more permanent and sustainable (i.e. recyclable/recycled) solution.

• Implied clean-ability: Let's take a closer look before we cover the world in "pleather" (plastic leather) and anti-microbial surfaces. Yikes. According to the Environmental Working Group, "The American Medical Association warns that overuse of antimicrobial products could cause germs to develop resistance to useful antibiotics and make them ineffective." Plus, an unbalanced amount of sterile-looking surfaces are not easy on the eyes... or the soul. 😌Try materials that can be easily wiped down, but that still have a warmth in texture or hue. We want to avoid cold and sterile environments, even though they need to imply cleanliness. Source: http://static.ewg.org/reports/2009/school_cleaners/EWG-School-Cleaning-Supplies.pdf

• This is a fresh start. This pandemic has showed us a potential new way of living; a way that fits both humanity and nature. If a space is in need of some renovation, this is the time to prioritize sustainable options for the home or office. What about designing an intentional area for compost and other methods of recycling? Could you add more greenery (i.e. plants) to help improve indoor air quality? Are there new materials that you could look into like hemp-lime (hemp-lime is a super cool material that is made of hemp, but is strong enough to use in building. It actually absorbs the CO2 that is produced in creation during its curing process!) or materials made from plants or recycled content? Not only will you be helping your own environment, but marketing a sustainable story can do wonders for a brand!

I empower you to change your tone, narrative and/or story. Stuff happens. The pandemic happened. Now it's on our shoulders to create a new and better way to share and improve our spaces. Hopefully these tips can help to get even more ideas flowing! Have any questions? Feel free to reach out!