HOME OFFICE SPACES FOR SMART WORK. IMPACT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON ARRANGEMENTS OF RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has encouraged a shift to smart-working both for companies as well as their employees. Work-related activities once performed in dedicated offices had to be moved to private spaces of individual homes, severely influencing how people use their residential space. Living and working conditions have been modified and the balance between them – interrupted. In this paper the authors present a study of the changes in the use of residential space based on questionnaires addressed to respondents in five age groups (up to 25, 26-35, 36-50, 51-65, more than 65), and living or studying in and around Milan (Lombardy), an area affected severely by Covid-19 between March and May 2020. The obtained questionnaire results have allowed the authors to create a set of apartment design requirements, which improve the performance of space. Research has led to a model-case study apartment.