4 minute read
Multi-functionally Speaking
Multi-functionally Speaking
By Walter Marin
Prior to the pandemic, there was a trend to build compact apartments to accommodate more tenants. The design goal was to provide space for a living room with allowance for a nice kitchen and sleeping area. Due to the rise in remote and hybrid work, the trends have shifted.
Today, developers are reacting to the market changes. In order to appeal to the “New Normal,” they are expanding the size of apartments in urban areas. As people spend more time at home, residential building design must incorporate space for a home office.
Past and Present
In the past, there was a huge influx of young professionals vying to live in large metropolitan areas such as New York City. These days, the big city appeal goes beyond Manhattan and involves other neighborhoods including those in Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx. Developers and architects acknowledged the push to create more affordable units for the transient population. Lifestyles for these young people involved commuting, working in-person, and activities or rest in the evening. There was not an emphasis on space for a remote work setup or home gym. Due to the pandemic, smaller units have become unrentable. Rather than developing more studios, designers are creating apartments with multiple rooms per unit. The preferred residences are one and two-bedrooms (or larger) and include an alcove to separate the two living spaces.
The New Layout
Studios are no longer a suitable solution, even for in-person workers. Our way of living has evolved tremendously, and people need to harness their home for cooking, work and entertainment. L-shaped convertible studios can accommodate two living spaces, while one-bedroom units and larger are preferred. Any unit with open outdoor space is highly desirable, due to wellness benefits and COVID-safe socializing. Ideal layouts for remote workers include designated or flexible space to fit a desk, separate from the sleeping area. One-bedroom apartments and L-shaped studios often accommodate this arrangement. As developers and architects move away from studios, there is an increased demand for two-bedroom apartments where the additional room functions as a dedicated home office, guest room, or nursery. These second enclosed rooms may be used for working out or they may include transitional features like a partition so that two people can use the space at the same time. Alternatively, the extra unit can also act as a second living room for residents to entertain, care for children or conduct remote learning. Generally, architects aim to position the remote working space separate from the rest of the family, including pets. This work region should be set apart from the kitchen, refrigerator, and any entertainment center to reduce background noise for video calls. When establishing a remote learning or work location within a home, the
functional space should resemble your setup at the office. A home office should feature a desk that can accommodate two monitors, have adequate lighting and include an ergonomic chair to support good posture.
Enter Amenities
Some of the amenities that are widely desired by remote workers include outdoor spaces, gym facilities, ample mail room space, contactless doorways to avoid germs, and communal lounges. There is an extra appeal that comes with communal lounges as it allows remote workers to venture outside of their homes during working hours. Lounges may be preferred over a co-working space because there are no fees and no commute. Additionally, new multi-housing and mixed-use designs ensure that roofs are no longer just a place to hold water; they have become a major amenity. The pandemic has emphasized shortcomings in every aspect of our society, including the lack of private and shared outdoor gathering spaces. Residents used to justify their small apartments because they spent so much time away from it, but once they were forced indoors for a year, they began to ask more from their building. It prompted a new need: a place to safely meet with friends and family. In a dense and urban neighborhood, rooftops are the answer. Our team recently worked on a development in Brooklyn, 305 23rd Street. The residential building has features that are greatly appreciated in COVID-19 era. 305 provides all that is required for fully functioning remote work. Occupants have personal outdoor space, remarkable views, and shared outdoor areas. The site itself is convenient as it is close to parks and several transportation hubs—making it accessible for workers who need to step out during the day. Similarly, another new development we completed is 730 Hicks Street. The interior layout features a spacious living room, along with generous one- and two-bedroom units. As architects, we assess the needs of residents and respond by creating thoughtful spaces that accommodate remote work and new lifestyles. Urban living has changed significantly due to the pandemic, and current trends indicate that residential design needs to include multifunctional features and support wellness. MH
Walter Marin, NCARB, is a Senior Principal with Marin Architects.
