Post Covid-19 design innovation | A new lifestyle under construction
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Post Covid-19 design innovation | A new lifestyle under construction
On March 27 lockdown changed the face of South Africa. In an instant offices were the new no-no, and instead of jumping into the daily commute we simply rolled out of bed and into the cubicle. With Twitter having announced that their employees can work from home forever, a new way of life is here. And with a change in habits comes a change in two of life's biggest investments - homes and cars. Here SA's architects, interior designers and car manufacturers unpack the trends they are seeing.
"I've seen a jump to home renovation in the last month," says Tracy Levinson (PArch MIA KZN), architect from LevEco Architects. "People have had an opportunity to really live in their own space, analyse it, and come up with their own ideas on how to use their homes better."
Current trends Tracy is seeing with homeowners is investigation into new study nooks or home office spaces, extra play areas, and renovations of the traditional granny flat - a perfect home-office space. Larger sculleries and pantries are also the new watch-word, a place to hide away mess, add storage space and allow for less grocery shopping trips.
"It's about finding ways to create spaces within spaces," says Levinson. "Families are discovering that it's possible, and fun, to spend more of their lives at home."
Along with home re-design is a movement to redecorate too.
"People are spending their money on their home spaces, treating themselves to pretty things," says interior designer Christi Smith from Second Treasures.
"Instead of holidays, movies or shopping, these budgetary items are staying indoors."
Smith has seen a particular focus on work related items. Matching his-and-hers work desks or bigger desks for two, and where renovation isn't possible, re-shuffling is the key. Siblings are moving in together and swapping beds for bunk-beds, while mom or dad create a study at home.
In accompaniment to the home, the family car design, and features, are being re-evaluated too.
"Interest in motoring innovation is piquing post pandemic," says Charmagne Mavudzi, head of marketing for Volvo Cars South Africa.
"Features that require less touching are growing in demand, such as motion activated boot spaces, where just a swing of the foot beneath the tailgate pops the rear door; touch-free infotainment centres that minimise surface contact and even allow control while wearing protective gloves; and keyless entry with your car opening simply when you're in range, and even popping the door for you too," she points out.
"Whilst some design innovations might be new to the market and in response to the threat of the virus, most will be adaptations of, and renewed interest in, existing solutions. This gives people the freedom of choice and it means that redesigning your life to suit your new needs is possible - it's not an out of reach concept," says Mavudzi.
"People are thinking in detail about how their lives work on a daily basis, and how to design their space to change with their growing needs. It's an exciting time to help clients achieve the maximum out of their investments," adds Levinson.
Author: P24
