Page 44 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Spring 2021 Digital Interactive Issue

be checked, in addition to checking off building
amenities that include a deli, a gym, conference
or training rooms and, in many urban settings,
the perk of a high walkability factor. Having a clean
air filtration system is a trend that is here to stay.”
Steelcase’s survey supports Fredericks’ comments
on air quality and exposure points, noting that
73% of workers said they are concerned with air
quality, 69% worry about density in the office, and
66% are keeping an eye on visitor protocols.

“Another big challenge is that people will be nervous
about commuting on public transportation.
And, especially in big cities, there are so many
buildings that require elevator access. Safely
and efficiently getting people into these 80- or
100-story tall buildings is certainly going to be a
■ Workstation layout for a post-pandemic office, courtesy of TRELLIS, Kalamazoo, MI.
challenge,” said Breen.
aimed at individual full-time telecommuters, who Aside from the hybrid models of tomorrow, there Generally speaking, size requirements are down for
may earn up to $10,000 for relocation expenses will certainly be changes in the utilities required office projects. According to a report by Cushman
to Vermont. in offices. According to Fredericks, “there is a big and Wakefield, global pricing and demand for
trend right now in clean air within office spaces. office space will take up to five years to recover
“I do think some of the trends are still developing I am seeing interest in smaller buildings, and from the pandemic. “On the one hand, I think
and leaders are still navigating their specific less interest in high rise opportunities. Employers that there is going to be more office space sharing
industry trends on which workplace strategies are looking for an easy in-and-out for their than there's been in the past. On the other, I
will and will not work given all the variables. But employees to limit risk of exposure. Or, at least, do think that the days of putting seven, eight,
I definitely believe a hybrid model will be part the perception of this risk. Of course, this is even ten people per 1,000 square feet are
of the planning for any future office project,” industry-specific, but in most office projects, top of behind us. I think that office professionals are not
Fredericks said. the line air filtration is a checkbox that will have to necessarily going to tolerate being in that close

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