5 Commercial Building Designs for Modern and Functional Spaces

Modern commercial building designs must be adaptable to a world that seems to be moving faster every day. Open concept offices have given way to spaces that champion flexibility and collaboration. Cold and sterile designs have been replaced with natural warmth and biophilic elements. And much emphasis is placed on choosing materials that are sustainable and contribute to the building’s energy efficiency.

These five commercial building design ideas can help create an energy efficient space that is functional and welcoming.  

1. Functional and Flexible Environments

Open concept offices were the hot trend for a number of years, but noise levels and lack of dedicated spaces meant that the office spaces could be overwhelming. In an adapted version of open office space, commercial building design is leaning towards creating environments that are functional and flexible.

With many jobs being remote or hybrid roles, companies are rethinking the ways that they approach their commercial building designs. Flexible work spaces and technology that allows for communication between remote employees is paramount to succeeding now and in the future. The Tarrant County College Northwest Campus does a great job of using the space under the floating staircase to provide flexible seating and work areas —  a concept that can be implemented in commercial building designs as well. 

2. Energy Efficient Materials and Processes

Energy efficiency is at the forefront of many commercial building ideas. Modern materials and processes can increase the energy efficiency of the building, making it better for the environment and cutting energy costs. 

Powder coating, for instance, is an environmentally-friendly option for adding color to metal railing systems and other commercial building architectural design elements. It doesn’t rely on solvents or chemical carriers to apply the coating, but rather uses an electrostatic charge to hold the paint to the steel, eliminating VOC emissions. 

Steel is another sustainable building material as it can be recycled at the end of its life and remade into new products. Wood from sustainably managed forests is another good option for environmentally friendly commercial building ideas.

3. Curved Lines and Softer Spaces

Curved lines and softer spaces are making their way into commercial design in the form of comfortable seating and curved building elements. Curved staircases are one example of how commercial building designs are taking a less linear approach to their building elements. 

At the American Airlines Headquarters, a spiral staircase winds up three floors in the circular atrium while the SOLOTM Glass Railing System curves around the space to form an unobscured balcony. These curved lines sit in juxtaposition with the exterior of the building that is angled to represent forward motion and innovation.

4. Customized Designs

In earlier decades, design styles were very distinctive. From the mid-century designs of the 1950s to the proliferation of burnt orange in the 70s to the cubicle farms of the 90s and the rise of flexible work environments in the 2000s. Modern commercial building design focuses on customizing the space for each individual company, using building elements to meet this goal.

Today’s commercial building design ideas are largely tied to the company’s mission and vision. To achieve this design mission, many companies create a fully customized design to welcome those that use it. At the Granite Park IV office buildings, public spaces were carefully designed to incorporate stone, wood, and architectural ceilings with integrated lighting along with plenty of seating and a landscaped plaza that includes water features and sidewalks. 

5. Integration with Nature

We have become increasingly aware of the positive effect that nature and natural elements have on us as humans. Commercial designs often incorporate biophilic elements like wood, stone, and other natural materials as well as integrate plants and natural color schemes to enhance the connection to nature. At the BB&T Leadership Institute, the design integrates nature in a very literal way by featuring elevated walkways through the trees and a meeting room that feels like a treehouse setting in the canopy.

Work with VIVA Railings to Achieve Your Commercial Design Ideas

VIVA Railings manufactures stainless steel railings and uses wood and powder coating to create customizable handrail solutions that complement contemporary commercial spaces. Our handrail systems are available in a variety of styles with infill options that include glass, wire mesh, perforated metal panels, and cable railings. Our code compliant systems offer a polished final look and our high quality materials and manufacturing processes ensure durability. 

Beyond a range of infills, we also offer handrail and top rail options, a large variety of powder coating colors, different mounting options, and many more customization options, so you can achieve your commercial design ideas. 

Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to explore our commercial building railing systems and decide which one will best complement your design.