Many businesses and institutions have felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including schools. Although many throughout the country remain closed, others have reopened with modifications to interior design. As regulations change, more schools may come up with solutions to introduce students back to buildings. If you’re a commercial developer, some of these new features might affect your projects for the foreseeable future. Here are some changes you can expect to stick around.

Short-Term Interior Design Changes 

With little time to prepare for the fall semester, many governments have chosen not to reopen their schools. In some states, institutions have reopened for onsite learning with rules that require social distancing and personal protective equipment, including masks.

Some districts have chosen to temporarily remove unnecessary furniture from classrooms to allow teachers to separate desks. As a general rule, students are seated at least six feet apart. When rearranging furniture isn’t sufficient to meet this guideline, auditoriums and gymnasiums are used for socially distanced classroom learning. In other cases, temporary modular buildings are being constructed to accommodate more students on campus.

Long-Term Interior Design Changes 

Even though some districts have already reestablished in-person learning, bringing all students back safely generally requires more long-term solutions. Due to the increased need to keep hands clean, schools may opt to have handwashing stations build at each entrance. Encouraging students and instructors to wash their hands before entering gets them into a healthy routine that reduces the spread of viruses.

In many cases, larger schools don’t require renovations to make room for everyone. As a result, new institutions may be built to include more classrooms, larger rooms, and extra outdoor areas.

If you’re looking for a design-integrated firm that keeps up with the times, turn to the team at Jackola Engineering & Architecture, PC, for your commercial projects. With over 50 years of experience, these professionals provide architecture, structural engineering, and interior design services. Visit their website to learn more about their work. To discuss a project, call their Kalispell, MT, office at (406) 755-3208, or reach the Vancouver, WA, office at (360) 852-8746.