The impact of Covid-19 on design could be far-reaching extending to innovation around the materials we use for building, as well as how we use existing spaces and design new ones.
Space has always been a precious resource for those in the building sector but, thanks to the pandemic, we’re thinking about it like never before. Because beyond efforts to socially distance, wash our hands and wear a face covering, the issue of how our physical spaces are designed, occupied and used is now a significant challenge for the sector to overcome. As engineers, our responsibility to deliver a built environment that accurately reflects the world we’re living in means that we’re well placed to go beyond short-term fixes and instead drive forward efforts to maximise and rethink physical spaces in a post-Covid world.
Back in March, when the UK’s lockdown was first announced, many were fortunate enough to adapt to home working with relative ease, creating makeshift home offices and settling into a new way of working. What was unknown at the time, is the possibility of remote working extending well into the New Year (at least), meaning homeowners, councils and developers alike are likely rethinking the way homes can be designed for purpose.
We know from our work in cities that often the best way to maximise space without compromising too much outdoor space – which quickly became known as one of lockdown’s most sought-after assets – is to think vertically, rather than horizontally. This means making the best use of roof development and basement building expertise as possible, which can in turn, add value to homes.
However, when considering office spaces – and the vast number of people who occupy them – a different approach is needed. Here, before any significant rooftop or basement extensions are given the green light, a number of smaller measures can be taken first.
While check-in desks, one-way systems, and flexible working are likely to remain a long-term fixture, it’s likely that the popular open-plan office space, as well as the recent emphasis on hotdesking, co-working and other hallmarks of modern working, will soon have to be rethought. As an alternative, offices with open outdoor spaces, such as balconies and roof terraces, could very well become the new hot commodity, as well as isolated, closed office spaces for trusted, designated teams.
If greater measures are needed, airspace development – the process of building above a property, within its “air rights” – has become an increasingly popular design solution over the years. By being able to make the most of unused space, developers are able to meet the demands of both clients and government Covid-regulations. It’s certainly a complex task and calls for careful planning and preparation in order for new structures to be seamlessly integrated with the old. As part of this process, the review of archive drawings is often essential, as it allows engineers to justify the existing columns and structures for the additional load added and reduces the need for a new support structure and foundations. Beyond Covid-19, and with global populations set to double by 2050 it’s an innovative solution that we should expect to hear more about.
Overall, in our efforts to overcome some of the biggest challenges facing us today, we can expect the innovative thinking found across our sector to come to the greatest benefit over the coming years.
Source: newcivilengineer
