How do you design offices and public spaces so that everyone can work or stay there safely and effectively with the necessary six-foot distance? It is a question currently occupying many interior architects and has paved the way for the sticker economy. A makeshift solution, if you ask me. Let’s take this moment to systematically improve spaces with an eye on the future.
Fortunately, there are affordable, custom-made quality solutions that help maintain social distancing while simultaneously making the space more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. More on that later.
Standing still or looking ahead?
In a way, I understand the impulse to want to get back to work quickly; stickers are temporary in nature and easily applied. But temporary is a flexible term; no one knows how long the situation will last and how long social distancing rules will remain in force. In the meantime, this makeshift solution detracts from the quality of the interior concept you so carefully conceived and designed.
After all, isn’t a certain interior chosen out of the conviction that it best serves the interests of everyone in the space? Isn’t it primarily about providing a positive experience for those who work or stay there?
Barrier tapes, floor stickers, and handwritten A4 notes do not look professional and serve as a constant reminder that we are in the middle of a crisis.
Upgrading the space
Now is the time to look ahead and give spaces that much-desired quality boost. The fact that many organizations need to revise their existing interior provides the perfect opportunity to go for an integrated approach that also addresses other user needs. Needs that have often faded into the background but are no less important.
In many open-plan spaces, there are complaints about noise nuisance and a strong demand for more natural separation. This is particularly felt in open-plan offices. And the solution? It has been right under our feet all along.
The floor forms a beautiful canvas for applying grids and partitions around desk environments and improving acoustics. On both carpet and vinyl, spaces can be beautifully divided for a safe and pleasant working distance. This solution also proves its value after corona by improving the space and equipping it for the future.
Functional and aesthetic boost
Our Social Distancing collection contributes to a safe working environment in the new six-foot society, but offers more than just safety. With lines and/or designs printed on carpet or vinyl, surrounded by a solid color, you create zones that make a difference both functionally and aesthetically.
By adapting the designs and shapes to existing colors and design elements in the interior, you create a harmonious interplay. Combined with logos and other branding elements, you can clearly and powerfully reflect the organization’s signature.
Printed curtain fabrics can also be used in existing environments to create separate workstations or to camouflage meeting areas. Print curtains bring peace and privacy in an accessible way where it is needed most. Thanks to the acoustic and antibacterial properties, this mood maker has a positive effect on the well-being of office employees.
Boost the experience
The social distancing society certainly offers opportunities in restaurants and other hospitality environments as well. Give waiting at the entrance of a terrace or restaurant a touch of exclusivity by letting it contribute to the experience.
Go beyond just a cord at the door. Ensure a pleasant reception by creating comfortable seating areas at the entrance or welcome hall. Welcome guests with a walk-off mat printed with an inviting welcome message. Or hang beautiful curtain fabric on the wall or between walking routes. Even a table with a dispenser can be designed as a radiant centerpiece.
Turn a necessity into a virtue. Embrace the situation and see what positives it can bring you in the long term.
The right accents in the right place
When you go for a long-term solution, you want the material to retain the same appearance even after years of faithful service. Knowledge of the material is crucial in this case. We standardly take factors such as positioning (is the material hanging in sunlight?) and intensity of use (is it walked on a lot?) into account to arrive at the optimal choice and execution.
In addition to the Social Distancing collection, the Eminent collection and the Royaal collection are also ideal for use in (post-)corona-proof interiors. The designs from this collection combine well with modern and bold solid colors, making them perfectly suited for visually creating zones in spaces.
Whatever your choice may be, at TREU interior specials we are happy to advise you on the optimal balance between material and color choice.
We place the right accents in the right place.
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