Architects design everything from apartment buildings to museums, and from hospitals to cathedrals. This is the more glamorous side of the profession and doesn’t necessarily represent the role of the regular, everyday architect.
However, the job these architects do, while maybe less impressive, is just as, if not more important. They design the spaces we live and work in, and the buildings we interact with every day. From doors to emergency exits, fire suppression systems to window openers, what do architects pay attention to when constructing commercial buildings in 2023? Let’s find out.
The Purpose of the Building
First and foremost, the architect must identify and define the exact intended purpose of the building they are designing. Commercial buildings come in all different forms, they could be office blocks, supermarkets, or car showrooms. The purpose of the building is the very first thing the architect must ascertain, and this information will be used to inform every decision they make as they move forward.
Who Will be Using the Building
The next step in the process of designing a commercial building is to clarify who will be using the building. Some commercial buildings are only for staff, while others are open to both staff and customers. This distinction is critical and will significantly influence design choices as the architect begins constructing the building.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a fundamental cornerstone of an architect’s job. No matter whether its employees or customers, commercial spaces must be readily and easily accessible, without forgoing the safety and security of the building.
Doors and entrance ways are generally what we picture when we think of accessibility. However, it goes beyond that, architects must also consider accessibility inside the space itself. Windows are the perfect example of this. Many commercial buildings are tall, with windows in difficult or impossible to reach areas. In this situation, opting for electric window openers can be the perfect solution. These allow for windows to be opened remotely, making them accessible to everyone.
Safety and Security
When designing any building, safety and security should be an architect’s number one priority. However, this becomes even more important when designing a commercial space. Commercial buildings often house valuable equipment and even large sums of cash, which means ensuring the building is protected and not vulnerable to break-ins is absolutely essential.
Furthermore, the safety of the people within the building, whether they are staff or customers, is another factor that must be considered by the architect. If a fire was to break out, the building must be designed so that there are multiple, distinct escape routes. If one route was to be blocked off for whatever reason, this should not affect the availability of other escape routes.
To ensure buildings are designed and constructed with safety and security in mind, architects must adhere to the laws set out in the Building Safety Act 2022. Failure to do so can result in severe regulatory penalties.
Conclusion
Designing and constructing a commercial building is a complex and involved process. Architects must consider a range of different factors to ensure the building is both safe and practical, and that it meets the standards set out in building-related laws and regulations.