Lynette Panarelli, Associate Professor of Interior Design, Wentworth
In the FutureLab Talk #8 Lynette Panarelli shares how architecture and interior design firms have responded to the rapidly changing design needs in the wake of the pandemic and the future of the industry. From sneeze guards to mudrooms, Lynette showed some real-world examples of how architecture firms everywhere are acting quickly to try to adapt workspaces to address new social distancing guidelines. Lynette’s examples demonstrated the close link between the development of apps and software that coordinate spatial use and occupancy patters with the configuration of furniture and spaces that keep the workforce safe. She also discussed the need for innovative, permanent solutions rather than a sole reliance on reactionary design. Lynette commented on the need for innovators and on how the architecture and design industry is sought after as it is in high demand to support companies and businesses transitioning and adapting their workspaces.