How people look at commercial architecture has changed massively in the last few years. There has been a big shift from every perspective, from businesses and employees to customers and many other stakeholders. There are now many different views on things like shape and form, sustainability, features and facilities, and countless other details. It creates challenges, but also opens the door for innovation and sustainable design.
When most people think of commercial space they generally picture massive buildings like office blocks and shopping centres. But, smaller spaces have become even more important recently. There tends to be higher demand for them instead of larger properties. They can be high tech offices, boutique shops, or tiny bars or coffee shops.
While the properties may be smaller, that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on how sustainable they are. There are still a number of things you can do even when you can’t go for a full roof of solar panels or a complex system to heat and cool the building naturally.
Make it feel like home
An interesting idea for small commercial architecture is to make it more like residential. Most people are more thoughtful at home when it comes to their energy use, recycling, and other eco-friendly practices. You want to inspire this in a shop, office, or whatever other space it is.
A key thing to take from residential designs is the flexibility. If you look at a home, there tends to be more freedom to adapt the layout of spaces and how we use them. For example, you could easily reorganise a living room and it would feel completely different. Use this same idea in a commercial space so it can grow and change with the business. It will massively improve the sustainability because you won’t be looking for new premises every few years.
Lighting
Getting it right with the lights is vital for every property. It should be one of the first things you consider for a small commercial space. You have to think of the impact on the users here. If the lighting is too dim or too bright, it can really influence people.
Natural light is always best for our health. It also happens that it is the most sustainable option. So, you should design even small spaces to maximise the natural lighting. You can be creative here with skylights and diffusers as well as traditional things like windows and doors.
Materials
The materials you use have a massive impact on how people perceive and experience commercial architecture. In smaller spaces you have a unique opportunity to celebrate sustainability and make it part of your branding. You can do this by choosing the right decor, furniture, fabrics, and more. Be sustainable and choose products that are good for the environment.
Outdoor space
Commercial premises should make the best use of any external spaces they have. You can enhance a small office, bar, restaurant or coffee shop by creating a relaxing garden with local stone and greenery. This will be somewhere people want to sit and spend time. It can also say a lot about your sustainable views.
Be creative and sustainable with your commercial architecture
Design trends for smaller spaces are definitely the ones to watch in the future. This is a good time for businesses to make real changes and get creative. It could help to tackle major challenges such as hybrid working and physically getting customers through the door.
If you are thinking of ways to change your space, or are designing a brand new property, we would love to help. We have a huge amount of experience and know how to create spaces that are great for people and gentle on the environment. Contact us to start looking at all of the opportunities.