Commercial Fit-Out Trends 2021

There's no denying that the world of 2021 is nothing as it was back in 2019. Although I am sure we would all like to go back to the simpler times this is simply not possible right now. So we do as people do, we change and we adapt!

One major change that has occurred during these "Covid Times" has been a complete 180 to our offices and work places. This has directly affected the way we plan our spaces as we move through 2021 and I wanted to highlight some of these changes for our readers!

On of the positive results of Covid (There aren't many, I know) has been the new focus being put on Health & Safety, Mental Health, and Sustainability. This new emphasis is so important and is due to the slower pace we have taken during the pandemic.

This new emphasis has directly translated into commercial design trends for 2021. Now we are seeing Fit-out Companies and their industry partners put increasing emphasis on Sustainable Building, Resource Preservation, Green Space, and Health & Safety. I will elaborate on these principles below but to say it simply... we are taking steps towards quality over quantity, best over cheapest, and also considering the work environment; how it effects employees and their productivity!

So now we get into the details:

Sustainable Building:

I had the pleasure of moving to Dubai from Canada back in January. After researching the topic of Sustainable Building Trends within the GCC and the World, I realized that Dubai is really on the cutting edge of sustainable building.

I am sure many of you know and have marvelled at Dubai's 3D printed building located in DIFC. This amazing structure, which is the largest 3D printed building in the world, took only 3 workers and a printer to realize this administrative Dubai Municipality office.

Although the "cool factor" is definitely there, we must also realize that 3D printing is a highly efficient and sustainable method of construction as there is little to no waste when compared to traditional building methods.

Dubai has pledge to increase the amount of 3D printed buildings to 25% by 2030 which would be amazing for improve sustainability.

Resource Preservation:

Yet another major Fit-Out trend in 2021 is resource preservation. This is an important consideration for companies as they set up their factory, showroom, office, etc. The reason Resource Preservation is becoming more and more important is due to the impending effects of climate change and also a cost saving measure as green building techniques revolve around lowered energy use and lowered waste.

Some examples of Resource Preservation here in Dubai for recent projects would be:

• Dubai Sustainable City: The Dubai Sustainable City is a Net Zero Oasis within the UAE. The city is surrounded by trees, covered with solar panels, and includes an urban farm at it's core that is equipped with greenhouses full of fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and more.

• Terra: Dubai's Sustainability Pavilion is truly wonderful to behold... even-though the core principle shows how we are corrupting the earth... there is hope for the future encapsulated in the goal of the pavilion: to teach us how to be better to our planet. The pavilion shows the power of solar energy, how to conserve water, and how to be inspired in stopping climate change!

Green Space:

Another major trend in fit-out for 2021 is to incorporate life from within the office/business space. This is done by incorporating living trees and plants that grow inside the office- providing a more pleasant space, and offering purified air to occupants.

This is something I have personally seen in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi, while also seeing this in many proposals from prominent interior designers and fit out companies within the Emirates.

Health & Safety:

Lastly one very important trend of 2021 is an emphasis on health and safety within the work place. I believe this was a topic before Covid, but since the pandemic began this emphasis has grown so exponentially- which is why we see Health & Safety as one of our top trends for fit out and design.

Building for Top Health & Safety within the Fit Out industry involves really understanding the needs and tasks of employees and working to create a space for inspiration and enhance work flow.

Offices are opening up, cubicles are things of the past, and Glass Partitions are all the rage. Bright and calm colours with natural woods and materials are being used, "chill zones" are also popular, and even standing desks are being used more and more for enhancing employee health.

Conclusion:

Trends within the Fit Out & construction industry have really changed since 2019-2020. In 2021 we are focusing on the planet, the people, and leaving a smaller footprint within our city.