As each day passes, we move closer to normal and while we are not sure what ‘normal’ will look like this fall, we do know students want welcoming spaces on campus now more than ever. Welcoming smooth surfaces on campus Welcoming green education design Welcoming flexible education design

Senior living communities are searching for innovation and ideas to improve their infection control capabilities and the mounting financial burdens caused by urgent antibiotic resistant threats. While there are several vaccines available to protect against COVID-19, there are threats on the horizon that have minimal treatment, no cure, and no vaccine. Cleaning and cleanability are … Continued

For the nation’s colleges and universities learning in the social setting, which is at the foundation of higher education, is proving to be challenging in the time of COVID-19. It is a new year, and the availability of vaccines is on the rise, but colleges and universities also continue to show an increase in cases. … Continued

Independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing communities are poised to welcome the families of residents who have been locked down for a year. The management and staff of senior living communities, thankful for COVID vaccines, are ready to put their reopening plans in place. There are still challenges but there is one thing for … Continued

Hospitals are large facilities in constant evolution, so their interiors must be able to blend with the times and to deal with change in small increments. Unlike hotel or retail environments, a partial closure to allow one new look to be implemented is never an option, and the true 24 hour/7 days a week/365 day … Continued

When COVID struck unexpectedly last year, many employees and companies struggled to maintain their identities, work cultures and company morale. As people began working from home, establishing routines in a chaotic world, it begged the question, “What is going to happen in the future?” A new year brings new hope and for Kwalu, our ultimate … Continued

As the coronavirus mutates in tandem with the slow vaccine rollout, those in the healthcare community are becoming resigned to the possibility that this disease may be with us for a very long time. As with other illnesses we get inoculations for, COVID could become the new flu or measles endemic we learn to live … Continued

The senior living community is trying to turn away from last year and the pandemic as quickly as possible.

Last year was the beginning of change brought on by a viral pandemic. It was also the beginning of acceptance of a new normal. It is in this challenging environment education design and creativity thrive.

Waiting rooms of today are no longer filled with rows of chairs pressed together arm to arm and back-to-back and it is doubtful you will see that design in the waiting room of the future. Significant spacing is a trend that is being incorporated into the design of waiting spaces and throughout medical centers. Furniture that is thoughtfully placed to provide the right amount of spacing for social distancing and to create better traffic flow will help keep patients and visitors separated and comfortable.

A new year is always filled with hope for a brighter day. Expectations are very high for 2021 following the troublesome and challenging 2020.