Post Pandemic: The future of contemporary design

Design consultant Esra Lemmens on how “ the most unsettling and far-reaching” COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping work culture and how different industries work.

- Esra Lemmen

Home design will have to change in the future

In this uncertain environment of the coronavirus outbreak, the home has become humans’ last refuge, especially for those who are living under quarantine. The comfort of being at and working from home, wasting time instead of money, has led people away from their addiction to material things and into a realm of sharing, caring and making. It has challenged our concepts of wellness, personal space, sustainability, and productivity. This pandemic has pushed the companies to initiate working virtually. However, work-from-home is not a piece of cake; it may not be as comforting as it may seem. Companies will demand spaces to operate the whole mechanism from home. As a designer, you will have to carve out spaces for clients that are not just a selling point. Instead, the focus will be on a workspace with a live-work environment.

To make this happen, what you will need is a flexible environment, a shape-shifting home, and furniture that is multifunctional. Plus, you also have to consider fundamentals, such as privacy and comfort, lighting, proper ventilation, and a small outdoor space. To keep up with the changing dynamics, you will need a boost in technology. For instance, remote workers will need highspeed broadband. Stable, high-speed internet is a pre-requisite for work-from-home.

It is also essential to focus on things that you usually touch and even the use of space. Ergonomics will become important more than ever before. You may not want to splurge on an elegant sofa or furniture pieces that occupy wider spaces if you live in a small home. Moreover, designers will need to focus on household items and furniture, which can perform both form and function.

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