Discover six expert tips for designing impactful lobbies that blend residential comfort with commercial functionality.
Lobbies set the tone for a building, serving as the first point of interaction and making a lasting impression. Today’s lobbies are multi-functional, reflecting the brand and culture of an organization A key trend is “resimercial” design, blending the comfort of residential spaces with the functionality of commercial environments, inspired by hospitality design.
By creating inviting and stylish environments, commercial and mixed-use spaces express their brand image and foster engagement. Here are six tips for designing impactful lobbies, with examples from resimercial and corporate spaces for inspiration.
1. Create a Sense of Arrival: One Broadway – Cambridge, MA
An impactful lobby design begins with the concept of creating a memorable sense of arrival. The lobby at One Broadway in Cambridge, MA, exemplifies this approach. Located in the heart of Kendall Square, One Broadway’s renovated lobby acts as a gateway to the building’s tenants, including members of the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC). The design welcomes visitors with sleek, modern furniture and open spaces that encourage interaction. The lobby’s aesthetic ties in with the area’s tech-focused community, providing a dynamic and collaborative environment.
To create a similar impact, consider using statement pieces such as large-scale art installations, modern light fixtures, and furniture arrangements that promote social interaction and networking. The goal is to make visitors feel welcomed while also conveying the identity and purpose of the space.
2. Incorporate Comfortable, Home-Like Elements: Mixed-Use Luxury Apartments – Boston, MA
Lobbies should feel warm and inviting. The South End mixed-use luxury apartments in Boston showcase the power of a resimercial approach in creating an environment where people want to linger. With a monochrome color palette and jewel-toned accents, the lobby sets a romantic and cozy tone, encouraging residents and guests to mingle.
When using this principle in a corporate setting, consider adding comfortable seating, soft rugs, and gentle lighting. These elements can create a cozy atmosphere similar to a high-end living room. This not only adds warmth but also fosters a sense of belonging. Use textiles, textures, and colors that evoke the comfort of home, which enhances the overall wellbeing of visitors.
3. Reflect the Neighborhood’s Character: One Congress – Boston, MA
Designing a lobby that resonates with its surroundings can help create a strong sense of place. At One Congress in Boston, the lobby captures the essence of the city’s creative and community-oriented spirit. This highly curated environment feels like an extension of the surrounding neighborhood. The design includes vintage pieces sourced from local markets, reinforcing the building’s connection to its local roots.
Incorporating local artwork, furniture from regional designers, or materials that reference the building’s history or location can personalize the lobby experience and make it resonate with visitors. It shows that the space is not just a corporate environment but part of the broader community.
4. Foster Collaboration and Interaction: Confidential Software Developer – Boston, MA
Lobbies can be more than transitional spaces; they can serve as collaborative hubs for tenants and visitors alike. This lobby at a software developer’s office in Boston’s Seaport District is a hub for creativity and innovation. This space is designed to facilitate casual meetings, brainstorming sessions, and impromptu collaborations among its staff of roboticists and engineers.
To achieve this, incorporate a range of postures such as café-style seating and comfortable lounge chairs that encourage spontaneous collaboration. This design approach makes the lobby not just a place to pass through but a functional part of the workspace, promoting productivity and creativity right from the moment you walk in.
5. Prioritize Flexibility and Adaptability: Aroma Joe’s – Scarborough, ME
The lobby of Aroma Joe’s headquarters at 700 Technology Way is designed to support a range of activities, from focused work to social interactions, reflecting the company’s community-driven ethos. The space features cozy seating areas for informal meetings and collaboration, along with flexible zones that can easily adapt to different needs.
Through movable furniture, demountable walls, and modular seating, the lobby can be reconfigured to host events, social gatherings, or individual work sessions. This adaptability makes the lobby a dynamic and versatile space, enhancing the overall experience for both employees and visitors.
6. Emphasize Wellbeing and Sustainability: Workhuman – Framingham, MA
Incorporating wellbeing into lobby design can transform these spaces into restorative environments that support mental and physical health. Workhuman’s headquarters in Framingham, MA, is a prime example, featuring biophilic design elements throughout the lobby. The two-story Gratitude Tree and natural materials create a sense of calm and inspiration, promoting employee wellbeing from the moment they enter.
To do this, use natural materials such as wood, stone, or moss walls. Also, add features like water elements or plants. These will help create a calm atmosphere. Adding areas for physical activity, relaxation, or socializing can improve the overall experience. This makes the lobby a space that supports both the body and mind.
Resimerical Design in Lobbies: Getting Started
A powerful lobby is more than just an entrance; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting first impression that reflects the brand’s values and identity. By incorporating principles of resimercial design, creating flexible and collaborative spaces, and emphasizing comfort and wellbeing, businesses can transform their lobbies into dynamic, engaging environments.
Whether it’s through the integration of local culture, hospitality-inspired comfort, or sustainable elements, these six tips provide a framework for designing lobbies that leave a lasting impact.