The one year anniversary of the onset of coronavirus is at the top of everyone’s minds. While reflecting on a year like no other is important for learning how to move forward, we have our sights set on the year ahead. We’ve been busy preparing for how the construction industry might continue to be impacted, especially as we welcome spring, our peak construction season. We are hopeful for how warmer weather will help progress projects, especially after Ohio’s record snowfall. But, the type of projects we take on this year might look a little differently.
It’s safe to say that many are feeling hopeful that we can put the pandemic behind us, thanks to Dewine’s rollout of vaccines opening to all people age 16 and up by the end of this month. But even though life will slowly start to get “back to normal,” experts say that those working in the construction industry will still notice the effects in projects for quite some time. In fact, how we lived this past year might continue to impact how we live moving forward, especially in places where we gather. According to Construction Drive, we might expect the following changes in the months and years following the pandemic:
In our workplaces
Before 2020, architects and designers leaned toward open-concept office spaces to promote partnership and collaboration among team members. But now that social distancing and working from home is a part of our everyday reality, we can expect a shift in design for new construction and office renovation.
Home offices are expected to still reign supreme for private work. And in 2021, we expect office spaces will soon reflect this. But that isn’t to say that collaboration will be any less important. Experts foresee a desire for a comfortable place for teams to work together outside of individuals’ home office spaces and (finally) off of video conference calls. Picture a smaller amount of cubicles and more meeting rooms. Imagine fewer communal bathrooms and more private spaces for each organization within the office building.
Not only will the design itself be getting a refresh, but wellness improvements like better air filtration systems, surface sanitization, and hands-free accessibility are also sure to be commonplace. These health-minded features will translate in all public areas even outside of the office and into where we visit and call home.
Where we vacation
To say that we are all eager to travel would be an understatement. And the construction industry will be a key player in helping us safely travel once again. We need innovative solutions to help people feel comfortable enough to travel again and to enjoy their stay once they’re there.
While most indoor gathering spaces will be getting smaller, flexible outdoor spaces will be given top priority in hotel design. Not only that, experts expect that existing hotels will prioritize the health and safety of every guest with wellness-minded updates. If you’re an active member of the construction industry, expect quite a bit of retrofitting work. Swapping out surfaces for a more antimicrobial and antibacterial alternative and installing better HVAC systems will be just the beginning. From creative traffic flow solutions to the flooring itself, construction crews will be on the frontline of recreating the standard hotel to a safer experience.
How we live
After a year of bunkering down, we are all seeking more space where we can live, work, and play in a safe private setting, both homeowners and renters alike. As construction firms begin work on new multi-family residences and remodeling existing structures, they can expect to meet tenant demand for more individual unit space and more spacious or easily segmented public areas.
New multi-family housing developments are expected to see a decrease in density and an increase in outdoor space to accommodate the continued do-everything-from-home reality. Outside of individual units, shared building amenities will see a change, too. Like we expect to see in offices and hotels, multifamily homes will feature more flex space and outdoor gathering options for more comfortable living.
If this past year has taught us anything it’s that the construction industry is more than capable of pivoting. No matter what this new year might throw at us, we are confident that the 2021 peak construction season will be a fresh start after a relatively stagnant year. If you’ve been a part of the post-pandemic pivot and are looking for a team to help you get the work done, click here. We are here to help support you, your business, and the construction industry as a whole throughout this new season.
