Sustainable solutions in the design of commercial spaces
The design of commercial spaces has changed significantly in the last few years. These changes were influenced not only by the pandemic, but also by the growing awareness of the direction in which our planet is heading. Most of us declare the will to live in harmony with nature, the willingness to have an impact on the surrounding environment - a good influence. However, declarations often remain only in the area of imaginations and less of real behavior. Of course, some actions in the right direction are carried out by us every day - segregating rubbish, saving energy and water, which also results from rising prices, and more rational food management. However, hardly anyone thinks about, for example, the carbon footprint of all the products we order - be it clothes or furniture; about tons of residual plastic that can be given a second life. In this aspect, I notice the role of designers and people who create the reality that surrounds us, both in terms of architecture, interiors, i.e. the physical environment, and influencers in the virtual environment. As designers, we feel responsible for the environmental impact of the spaces we create, especially when designing commercial interiors, the scope and scale of which can set an example further.
One of the last examples in which I had the opportunity to apply many ecological solutions is the project of the bank of the future, which will be opened soon. The first challenge we considered the most important was the use of natural finishing materials or those that were made from recycled materials to some extent. The lining proposed in the project is partially made of recycled materials, similar to the upholstery fabrics of soft furniture. We used natural materials, such as plywood in free-standing melodies or ceiling acoustic panels made of wood wool, the advantage of which is both the quality and durability of the product. These are features that extend the usefulness of furniture, and thus also reduce the overproduction of industry and related waste, as well as investment costs. When I talk about the carbon footprint and how we as architects can reduce it, I mean choosing local suppliers and producers. In this way, we not only reduce the length of the transport route and exhaust emissions, but also support smaller manufacturers, designers, and thus - the regional economy.
We try to implement the same actions in our next projects. Recycled furniture boards or wallpapers made of plastic bottles - this is a trend that will gradually dominate the market, I hope. If these products are used more and more often by conscious designers and investors, they will become more and more available, and thus they will become cheaper. Namely, it is the price that is still an obstacle to their wide application, and in the face of it, people are able to give up their ideals for the sake of financial comfort. The essence is to do it wisely and responsibly when designing / working, and thus to show the validity of sustainable solutions and their positive impact on business and the environment.
Creative Director
Izabela Kutyła
