Welcome to the fascinating world of commercial interior design and fitouts. These are the projects that breathe life and personality into commercial spaces, transforming them into functional and aesthetically pleasing working environments. New trends, driven by technological innovation and shifting societal needs, are revolutionising commercial fitouts. In this post, we explore these new trends, their driving forces, and the impact they have on the future of commercial spaces.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Commercial Spaces

Certainly, one of the most significant factors impacting commercial space design in recent times has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Business operations have pivoted markedly, which in turn has necessitated a redefinition of commercial fitouts. Most noticeable is the move towards flexibility and modularity, allowing for businesses to adapt their spaces according to evolving needs or restrictions. The concept of flexible working spaces has become central, as remote and hybrid working models become more common.

Alongside flexibility, there has been a heightened focus on health and safety. Commercial fitouts now frequently incorporate design elements aimed at temporary or permanent social distancing, as well as sanitation facilities and signage. For instance, the Sydney-based creative agency “Thinkerbell” has redesigned its office space, incorporating floor markings to maintain social distance, modular workspace furniture, and hands-free sanitizing stations.

Embracing Sustainability

Another key trend in the evolution of commercial fitouts is the increasing focus on sustainability. Business owners are more conscious about their environmental footprint than ever before. This consciousness extends into their choice of materials, energy usage, waste generation and indoor environmental quality. Sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled metals, and low VOC paints are becoming the norm, alongside energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems.

Innovative design practices are also emerging which promote natural ventilation, sunlight penetration, and improved indoor air quality. These not only result in a lower environmental footprint but also contribute to the wellbeing and productivity of employees.

The Rise of Biophilic Design

A new star in the commercial fitout arena is biophilic design – the art of bringing the outside in. This trend focuses on incorporating elements of nature into workspace design. This could be as simple as indoor plants and nature-inspired artwork, or as complex as living roofs and indoor water features.

Why the fascination with nature? Research suggests that biophilic design can have a positive impact on employee wellbeing and productivity. For example, call-center workers at a Dutch company demonstrated a 15% increase in productivity after their workspace was re-designed to incorporate natural elements.

Smart Technology Integration

Digital innovation is having a considerable impact on commercial fitouts as well. More and more businesses are integrating smart technology into their spaces to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. This could range from advanced lighting and climate control systems to smart meeting rooms and AI-powered building management systems.

Moreover, technology is enabling the creation of responsive workspaces. For instance, responsive furniture can adjust to user preferences, while digital signage can change according to dynamic needs or schedules.
Multifunctional Spaces and Flexibility

The traditional concept of fixed spaces for specific functions is fading in commercial environments. More businesses are adopting versatile, multifunctional spaces that can cater to diverse needs. Huddle rooms that can transform into brainstorming spaces, breakout areas doubling as informal meeting rooms, or movable walls transforming open spaces into private offices – all these illustrate the new fitout trends.

These flexible spaces foster collaboration, promote an agile work culture, and provide businesses with the ability to adapt without requiring extensive or expensive renovations.

The Wellbeing Factor: The Move Towards Human-Centered Design

A truly innovative commercial fitout trend is the move towards prioritising employee wellbeing in the design process. As more businesses realise the potential benefits of improved staff wellbeing, commercial fitouts are incorporating design elements that enhance physical and mental health.

Ergonomically designed furniture, relaxation zones, and choice of colours that induce calm are just a few examples. Spaces like "The Well," a co-working space in New South Wales, pay special attention to light, noise, and temperature control and include dedicated spaces for relaxation and meditation.

Undeniably, these trends are redefining the commercial fitout landscape. Businesses keen on maintaining a competitive edge, retaining talent, and enhancing their brand must understand and embrace these megatrends shaping the future of commercial space design.