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Pandemic Design & Construction Considerations for Interior Spaces

June 2, 2020
Joel Vande Boom
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused us to re-evaluate how we live, work and function. As states are re-opening, what is our new norm? This question has catapulted our industry into creating innovative solutions for the short term and, perhaps, for the foreseeable future of construction. We are designing, creating and building flexible environments while continually adapting to changes and a new evolution in the industry. Below, our experts look at key considerations when renovating an interior space for current and/or future occupation.

Building Infrastructure Improvements

Approximately 75 to 85% of all real estate space is already built, so the greatest adjustments forecasted are retrofits and remodels of existing spaces. When assessing existing space concerns, some cost-effective approaches involve solutions for retrofits and alternations could include:

  • Increasing the number of air exchanges and fresh air intake to help dilute any airborne respiratory droplets
  • Upgrading filters if the existing unit capacity is available
  • Creating and/or improving outdoor experiences for tenants or employees will help to promote health and wellness and potentially increase morale

Office Design Layout and Function of Operations

 width=With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s distance requirements of six feet and the need to limit larger gatherings, it is hard to imagine what our future work life will look like. Some options may involve:

  • Investing in additional square footage to expand safe space requirements
  • Adding barriers in-place between workstations to add a layer of caution as well as creating workstations that are easy to clean
  • Adding “touchless” items such as lighting systems, sink stations and paper towel dispensers
  • Virtual meetings
  • Creating one-way traffic flow patterns or routes in areas such as kitchens and mark the floor for proper spacing in waiting lines

All the above options improve the safety of the environment with rather low-cost impacts, apart from adjusting furniture options and investing in additional real estate.

Cleaning and Facility Function for Building Operations

Without proper maintenance to maintain this new environment and keep the building clean for tenants or employees, the result will be minimized. Some tips include:

  • Increase cleaning of common areas to four times per day instead of the typical nightly cleaning
  • Limit number of employees in the shipping and receiving areas
  • Reduce freight elevator traffic
  • Minimize in house and outside vendor deliveries

By working collaboratively with design teams and owners, we are creating spaces that promote safety and health and foster the development of advanced workspace strategies for the future – whatever it may look like. Whether you need a new corporate headquarters or are looking to renovate existing spaces, we can assist with your interior reconfiguration.
What trends are you seeing in workplace design changes?




About Authors
Joel Vande Boom is a project executive in Gilbane’s Columbus Ohio office and has been in the AEC industry for over 13 years. As the leader for Gilbane’s Midwest Interiors team, Joel is instrumental in providing exceptional leadership and guidance on complex projects. Joel’s experience has served him well in leading discussions with client teams and providing innovative solutions for today’s unique construction challenges. Joel holds a dual bachelor of science degree in Architectural Engineering and Construction Management with a minor in Financial Management from Milwaukee School of Engineering.
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