Non-residential buildings occupy more than 90 billion square feet of the United States, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. That’s bigger than the state of Delaware.
The building of offices, stores, and similar structures is known as commercial architecture. Like any business, commercial architecture presents unique challenges and needs to grow and change with society. Some of the current trends in commercial architecture are great examples of this.
You might have noticed some of your favorite businesses making a commitment to sustainability and employees’ mental well-being. We’ll discuss these and a few other trends in this article.
Sustainability
Ever since climate change gained national attention in the late 1990s, the environment has been a major issue for most Americans. Business owners have followed suit and implemented a more sustainable urban design.
Eco-friendly architecture comes in many forms, but one of the most common practices involves using natural and sustainable materials, such as wood or bamboo. Many companies are also turning to solar panels and other clean energy sources.
It’s not only about using clean energy, either. Many companies are trying to use less energy as well by turning off lights and appliances when not in use. Some companies are ditching older, less efficient equipment for new, more sustainable equipment.
Mental Health
Understanding how commercial building spaces can encourage mental health and stability is hugely important for commercial contractors. Mental health awareness and acceptance has been thrust into the spotlight like never before. In the past decade, many celebrities have come forward with their mental health struggles. The number of adults attending therapy rose by three percent in the years following the COVID 19 outbreak. The portion of young adults seeking therapy grew by twice that much, with 6% more of them attending therapy after the pandemic.
Some organizations are taking note of this trend and adding counseling spaces, a variety of workspaces, and adding more biophilic elements to their offices. Biophilic refers to nature and how it affects human health.
Inclusivity
It’s hugely important for your commercial architect to understand how building design affects inclusivity. Inclusivity has been part of modern building design since the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, but it’s become one of the big trends in commercial architecture in recent years. Some of the biggest issues of the 2020s have revolved around society’s treatment of marginalized groups. This has led to a renewed outcry for greater acceptance and inclusivity in all areas of life.
Many companies are working with contractors to create workspaces that go above and beyond what the law mandates. Some companies, including Google, Microsoft, and other major tech companies prioritize hiring people on the Autism Spectrum due to their unique abilities and perspectives.
Trends in Commercial Architecture
Those creating a business or expanding one should know about the currenttrends in commercial architecture. We’ve discussed a few of these trends and how they influence business designs in the paragraphs above, but there’s always more to learn.
You can learn more about commercial architecture by reading our blog. If you’re looking for a company that can help you design the best space for your business needs, we encourage you to reach out to us at HHJ Architecture and Construction. Feel free to read more about us before committing to anything.