Uniting Elegance and Utility in Commercial Construction
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO STRIVE FOR FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETIC HARMONY—EVEN IN COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES
Something happens when people enter an aesthetically pleasing building. The effect may be almost imperceptible, but basically, they feel better.
It’s well established that the perception of beauty causes a release of oxytocin in the observer, boosting a general sense of wellbeing. Knowing this, researchers have worked hard to identify architectural features that induce positive responses in people, regardless of culture or personal taste. They have found, for instance, that curved lines are more agreeable to viewers than straight lines with sharp corners. In a similar way, a gently winding corridor produces less sensory disruption than one with abrupt, right-angle corners. This, in turn, induces people to slow their progress through their environment. Such subtle enhancements can lead to beneficial results for retailers and others who depend on consumers lingering contentedly rather than hurrying through.
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN
In today’s world, people typically spend most of their time indoors. This can isolate them from the therapeutic effects of nature. The best building design incorporates natural elements to enhance people’s experience.
The presence of sunlight is known to produce positive effects, affecting a person’s heart rate, body temperature, hormone secretion, alertness, along with other metabolic functions. Hence, modern architectural design makes abundant use of skylights and windows.
Natural greenery also elicits favorable responses, even when people are only subconsciously aware of its presence. Smart design incorporates the judicious use of indoor plants to enhance this effect. Plants also absorb CO2 and release oxygen into the atmosphere, which benefits everyone.
SATISFYING THE SENSES
In an effort to appeal to all of the senses, consumer-centric establishments make deliberate use of music and even aromas to enhance people’s experience, encouraging them to linger and, coincidentally, spend more money. And it’s well known that certain colors can affect people’s moods: reds, oranges, and yellows can heighten a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors such as blue and green produce a calming effect. In well-considered designs, colors are chosen and matched strategically to achieve the desired effect.
Good aesthetics can also de-emphasize the negative aspects of an enterprise. For instance, modern hospitals employ cheerful colors and design features to foster an optimistic mood among patients and visitors. The emphasis is on life, vigor, and health rather than frailty, sickness, and death.
Retailers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and others who interact regularly with the public understand these principles and implement them to great effect. But entities that are not consumer-facing sometimes neglect them, focusing on the bare functionality of their built environments. As a result, warehouses, factories, and industrial spaces can take on a drab, utilitarian feel. Smart building designers recognize this as a mistake. In a trend that can only expand, today’s best commercial and industrial structures are also aesthetically attractive.
LEAVING DRAB AESTHETICS BEHIND
There are many reasons why even non-public-facing structures should incorporate pleasing aesthetics. To name just a few:
User Experience and Satisfaction
Every structure—even a warehouse–will eventually have humans interacting within it. Stock room clerks, office personnel, foremen, managers, line workers, sales agents, delivery people, equipment operators—they all deserve a happy work environment.
Brand Image and Identity
Even non-public-facing entities need to cultivate a positive brand image. The physical structures they operate in say a lot about their quality, values, and prestige. When clients, customers, government officials, and others visit a company’s premises, they should be impressed and pleased with the physical environment. The impact may be subtle, but it is still significant.
Marketability and Competitive Advantage
A structure with pleasant, up-to-date architectural features will be more appealing to buyers than a drab one of similar size and age. Potential buyers and lessors typically have many properties to choose from, any of which could meet their basic needs. Their choice often depends on factors less tangible than square footage and functionality. Aesthetics can make the difference in achieving a sale.
Tenant Satisfaction and Retention
Many commercial buildings are intended to be leased, and long-term tenants are the most desirable. To achieve that outcome, the tenants must be happy enough with their environment to stay. Beyond the cost and practical issues, a pleasing environment can enhance the tenant-owner relationship and encourage tenants to remain.
Productivity and Employee Well-Being
Employees and others are happier and more productive when they work in a pleasant environment. That makes them less likely to leave or cause dissension among their fellow workers. The aesthetic features of a building play an important role in achieving that goal. A spacious, comfortable, welcoming physical space makes for happy workers.
Long-Term Value
The market value of a structure depends on many factors, but aesthetic considerations are an important one. A smart, people-friendly design can lift a property into a higher category than those with less appealing features.
Space Utilization and Efficiency
Smart building design combines attractiveness and functionality. A well-structured environment will make optimal use of space and contribute to efficiency.
Utility and practicality are important in any building’s design. But aesthetic considerations should never be neglected. Well-designed structures unite both priorities in happy harmony.
SIX DECADES AND STILL GOING STRONG
Our clients trust us to deliver buildings that help their businesses grow and succeed, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Whether it’s design+build services, PEMB steel erection, or start-to-finish building design and construction, we will treat your project – and your budget – as if they are our own.
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