Adapting Multifamily Design to Trends in Apartment Living

Trends in apartment living typically dictate multifamily design, and in 2021 this has held particularly true. The pandemic drastically altered the lifestyles of residents, now spending more time than ever in their homes. Space once reserved for common after-hours amenities is now being reimagined to accommodate 24/7 living. Although this year’s outlook has brightened with the surge in vaccines, many designs are being penciled with coronavirus safety protocols in mind. The shift in planning is centering on a subtle balance between social distancing and engagement. Inside, wide-open spaces are being broken up by creative partitioning and cozy conversation pits are spreading into semi-private sections that encourage socializing. Outside, green space is expanding to tantalize residents’ culinary preferences and physical and mental health without crowding. HPA Design President Chelsea Dora-Shibley says multifamily design should reflect residents’ desire to feel safe when interacting with others in the apartment community, whether during business hours or afterward. Seating areas separated by decorative partitions, personal workout spaces and glass-enclosed work areas in common areas offer separation without compromising the visibility essential to creating a sense of community. “Even as the pandemic subsides, applied social distancing will still remain throughout our communities,” says Dora-Shibley. “It’s wonderful to have amenities like these sprinkled through your property where people can social distance.” But adapting designs to the pandemic extend to spacing out gathering areas. Apartment design now and in the future should appeal to not just co-working and personal work spaces but how residents are spending idle hours. Workplace and Social Media Spaces Common areas are being transformed to adapt to residents who stay engaged with families and friends through social media. As 2020 wound down, the most requested...