Design in "The New Normal"

Everything has pivoted to a different level with the pandemic now changing the way businesses operate as well as how people work, play and live.

In the same way, interior design takes on a different slant in "The New Normal" by virtue of the majority of the population now adopting a "Work From Home" (WFH) approach due to the various lockdowns.

New considerations like designing with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in mind are now key especially when it relates to office design in order to establish safe work distance. Furthermore, the WFH element in design becomes even more relevant than ever.

Thus, the focus on inclusive design has never been more pronounced as it is now. This is especially echoed by the need for space which needs to be balanced out by achieving a communal feel, while meeting the SOPs and social distancing needs. In addition to that, there is a need to design layouts maintaining one's own space for work and play.

Maintaining this equilibrium in "The New Normal" has thus become the centrepiece concern thrust to the responsibility of the interior designer taking into consideration evolution in the way we think, work, play, eat and live.

On the plus side, this has inspired more "thoughtful designs" as owners now require design layouts with effective space planning and storage. As compared to previously, the priority now includes raising into consideration design with a difference in order to cope with life in "The New Normal".

Being design inclusive in one's home yet being "separated" via space design under one roof are now considered vital for multi-generational harmoniuos living under one roof.

Here are some pivotal points for design in "The New Normal" which takes into consideration the "communal feel on demand" as seen in the design concept implemented for The Legacy OUG show unit undertaken for developer Overseas Union Garden Sdn Bhd.

Public spaces such as the kitchen and the dining plus living areas have seen walls being torn down to elevate the spatial effect while evoking a sense of space while living within the confines and safety of home.

There has undoubtedly been a paradigm shift in the design sense of things. However, it is not so much in a pluralistic way but in which something has taken placed individualistically since everyone has different needs.

For instance, people who choose to stay in a specific area may want to do so as they have close family ties with their elders and relatives, with them all wanting to stay in the same area to congregate conveniently during special celebrations and occasions. However, they can also reside in their own personal space when circumstances demand that.

Specially designed space thus allow for this need to be fine-tuned according to the various ever-changing needs that arise.

Moving forward, Puah Wai Jiun, Founder of Konsortium Design Sdn Bhd opines that as Gen Z takes over the workforce, the shift in design emphasis will tend to be tailored more to suit this generation's individual lifestyles needs.

"This generation prefers a more minimalistic look complemented by freer and more interpretive design while their choice of furniture tend to swerve more towards a more 'modern contemporary' feel.

"The use of vibrant colours and a shift from conservatism as seen fashionably trending currently are also pivotal for design in "The New Normal", she says.

She foresees that "layout design will need to evolve similarly to remain relevant in the 22nd century and beyond".

Will there be a shift in the way design of units will be approached in the future, taking into account instances of the pandemic? To her, the lesson brought forth from the pandemic is taht all of us needing to move away from the culture of work/live/eat/play in different areas and instead, learn to cope with a more inclusive environment at home that can function for different needs at different times of the day.

"Some countries have learnt to cope better since they have already adapted to a post pandemic lifesyles even prior to the pandemic. There are also those who didn't suffer much and are beginning to now cope with the pandemic.

Thus, designs will be simpler, more functional and breezy in the future with an increased carefree café and al fresco type of feel, especially in the public spaces at home and balcony areas.

"I feel that this in the way of the future and already, I see the shift happening as seen by the works and synergy exemplified by interior designers, owners and developers alike, she adds.

In the case of this project she had undertaken for The Legacy OUG show unit, various concerns were taken into consideration to account for the changes in people's lifestyle.

In the post pandemic era, needs will change, hence catering to the need for generous storage space with long breezy balconies which promote a healthy of cross ventilation. This supplements environmental needs to avoid dependency on the air conditioning working 24/7 which should be addressed.

The Dawn of the "New Age of Design" is thus essential in "The New Normal"; impacting the areas below and ensuring these considerations are addressed:

a) Spacious yet functional layout is important to nurture family ties and bonding while at home.

b) Ventilation and cross-circulation with long balconies and layout design that promote an airy and breezy feel as no one wants to spend time in a hot and humid home.

c) Colour scheme that is primarily neutral with pastel hues with some punctuations. of bright colours complemented by feature wall either on the loose furniture or walls.

d) Materials are divided into those that still require the avant-garde marble/onyx effect versus the practical easy-to-care for materials.

e) Designs typically done in clean simple lines with an almost Scandinavian feel.