The Art of Reinvention

The loss and devastation experienced by many in different areas of their lives caused by the pandemic can never be downplayed, however one can also look through rose tinted glasses and an open eye at the transformations and reinventions the pandemic has brought about- a world reimagined- a world reinvented.

The global pandemic has not only reshaped our businesses, education systems and social interactions it’s also paving the way forward for a post pandemic world. Digital adoption of online commerce and video conferencing has superseded what was expected to have grown over a decade.

The pandemic has forced us to rethink our daily lives from work to education and entertainment. It has also driven large groups of people to adopt a more holistic healthier life, seeing the value in time spent with family and friends, embracing the outdoors and being mindful and grateful for the mundane and the unnoticed that existed pre-pandemic which was rapidly ripped away from us.

The importance of housing was also greatly highlighted during lock-down with the “stay home- save lives” campaign and the pandemic once again highlighting the effect on the most vulnerable populations of the world. Over populated underprivileged areas need most of our urgent attention. The theme for World Architecture day 2020 chosen by the International Union of Architects was “toward a better urban future.” Safe practices cannot be followed due to a lack of amenities. Effective urban design and planning is critical in achieving adequate facilities and space for a better future for all.

Views on the future of interior design trends will make homes take on a more multi-functional stance with spaces that can be transformed throughout the day for a multitude of purposes. Open plan and integrated living will take on another dimension sectioning off and creating private spaces within living areas for zoom meetings, schooling or even home gym work out spaces. For instance-the use of a glass sliding door in itself has a multitude of benefits- whilst maintaining the feeling of light and space it provides a sound proof, quiet area that can be separated from already existing areas when the need arises.

Large windows increasing light and ventilation are other factors that will become a staple in a post Covid world. Gardens and outdoor areas have been a saving grace for many and new developments would possibly adopt these as necessities into high rise living. The focus the pandemic has placed on hygiene would in all probability continue to steer contemporary minimalism in architectural and structural design to the forefront avoiding all the nooks and crannies. Home grown living is another variable adopted by many where kitchens and
gardens are adorned with pots cultivating their own herbs and greens and the saying ‘going green’ has never been more relevant.

The political and economic climate heavily influences sociology and like all good trends sociology influences how clothing transcends into fashion. Sales in the Active and Leisure wear industries have sky rocketed and leisure wear has become a fashion staple. As we slowly climb out of the Covid rabbit hole we are starting to see an all new trend – the collaboration of both leisure/ active wear and workwear in one outfit. As many are still working from home, people are pairing work garments with leisure wear. A pair of active wear leggings with sneakers and a workwear blouse are now on trend and fit for the multitude of new age juggling- zoom meetings, in and amongst morning workouts, school drop offs and running errands. Whether the pandemic has brought us a new outlook on life or it has provoked our lives in such a way that we are looking within, whether it’s affected us on a personal level or on a global scale- if this pandemic has left us with anything- it’s left us with the art of reinvention.