A lobby provides the first impression of the building and is the most shared space in the every-day life of the residents. When renovations your lobby, special attention should be given to the design/selection of the materials, colors, furniture, lighting, and energy efficient solutions, as well as satisfying Building Code and functionality requirements. 

The first step towards the renovation of a lobby is to have a pre-design meeting to de­termine the resident’s requirements and wish list A professional should be hired to verify the existing conditions of the lobby and af­fected areas. Also, as a pre-design effort, lo­ cal jurisdiction code requirements and a full Building Code analysis should be performed to ensure that the new design meets code requirements. All new or renovated public spaces in residential buildings are required to comply with the Americans with Dis­abilities Act (ADA) for items such as (but not limited to) doors and hardware, railings, ramps, the height of reception desk, etc.

There are several design aesthetics to con­sider for the planning of your lobby. We rec­ommend a light color palette for the walls; as dark colors can give a heavy feeling to the residents. Having low maintenance and slip resistant floor finish is essential; porcelain tiles are ideal, as they do not crack easily and are easy to clean. Walk-off mats also known as entrance mats, are effective in wiping bac­teria, dirt, and moisture from shoes. If select­ ed as an after-thought, this element becomes an eyesore. Therefore walk-off mats should be incorporated in the design phase and in­tegrated into the floor finishes.

Spacious and double height lobby  spac­es are desirable, but they can be noisy. This makes the selection of finishes very import­ant. Hard-surfaced materials can reflect too much noise or create reverberation. We rec­ommend installing a second layer of materi­als that will absorb sound, such as floor area rugs or wall rugs. A growing trend is ready to install decorative wall and ceiling panels, which are a great way to finish a lobby space. However, be sure to check the product infor­ mation sheet for the fire-rating as well as the installation guide.

Incorporating energy efficient design de­cisions in the selection of lighting and me­chanical equipment are also needed for the lobby. We recommend incorporating daylight as a great way to freshen and improve the quality of lobby space, which can also re­duce your utility bill for the building. If you desire to enlarge the size of existing windows or an opening to bring more natural light into the space, make sure to incorporate insulated glass, summer and winter sun angles, as well as sun shading devices.

A design for a lobby must optimize thermal comfort, fresh air cir­culation, and moisture control during cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. An engineer should be hired to design and specify cost-effective mechanical systems. A popular design strategy to reduce construction costs is to utilize the ceiling plenum space for return air, which eliminates the need for return ducts.

The reception desk should be placed to view and direct the flow of people-traffic, greet visitors, and provide security for the building. The construction should incorporate security wiring, storage, and ADA accessibility requirements such as the counter height. A grow­ing trend for lobby furniture is a modern-minimalist approach that feels warm and inviting, much like an elegant lounge setting.

Special attention must be given to the design of the lighting so that it creates the proper mood in the waiting area, as well as highlights the circulation path and art displays. Artwork for the lobby should be a compliment to the interior finishes that blend with the environment. Important accessories such as umbrella stands, signage, receptacles, and Wi-Fi should be incorporated in the design stage.

A lobby renovation is a great way to upgrade your building entrance, but it requires careful planning and a multidiscipline design ap­proach. A long-lasting lobby design that is functional, economical, and aesthetically pleasing improves the building value, curb appeal, and the overall experience of visitors and residents