During the pandemic, homes have been serving as makeshift workplaces, schools, gyms, playgrounds and social spaces, on top of their primary purposes. We asked three design professionals what lessons have been learned from lockdown, and how those experiences might impact house design in the future.
. . .
Frank Mahan, associate director of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), agrees that health and well-being – trending in real estate design even before the pandemic – will be increasingly emphasised going forward, “All types of buildings – offices, education buildings, train stations, residences and hotels – should put well-being at the forefront,” he says. “But the pandemic could be an impetus to elevate our standards for indoor environments even higher. In fact, SOM coordinated a petition statement to the World Health Organisation promoting a collaboration with the design industry to develop guidelines for this purpose.”
In a residential context, Mahan believes the most valuable amenities will be those that will allow people to maintain their health and wellness without having to go out too often.