genkan

How the Pandemic Will Shape Built Environments

In recent months, we’ve all experienced unprecedented change, and continue to do so, for the foreseeable future. Loss and uncertainty on a massive scale reminds us of our own fragility, calling our attention to the undeniable truths – what we value, what’s important to us, and the inescapability of our interconnectedness.

These changes in our lives and habits will influence built environments

Sophia Calima
post pandemic built environments

We’ve created our identities around aspirations and activities, which are closely intertwined with people and places. In this new era of “social distancing,” “stay at home,” “quarantine life” and “shelter in place,” the quality of our immediate surroundings is becoming more important than ever. These changes in our lives and habits will influence built environments.

genkan, mudroom
A Japanese genkan is midway between a porch and a doormat. It’s similar to a mudroom, where we can leave our outerwear before entering living spaces. Photo from Wikipedia

Designers are now being called to include elements that were previously abandoned in favor of finances, aesthetics and design sensibilities. Balconies, yards, separate entrances or mudrooms (where we can leave our outerwear before entering living spaces), materials with antimicrobial properties (like copper and brass), water and air filtration systems, UVC lamps, air purifiers, urban farming in small spaces, a renewed interest in local industries, sustainability, green design, environmental impact, health, well-being, personal space requirements and the workplace at home, among others, will be a huge part of this new world. A holistic approach to interior design may offer some solutions. On my next post, I’ll run through what it’s all about!