Health and Safety in Hospitality and Retail  

The events of 2020 have brought a new focus on health and safety to many building types but especially hospitality and retail settings. The ability of hospitality venues to rise to public health challenges quickly and provide customers with assurances of cleanliness, controlled exposure to others, and open, well-ventilated spaces has become paramount. Retail establishments have many of the same concerns but have also become more aware of the need for safety and protection in the event of unlawful entry or looting. This course looks at some of the ways that addressing these concerns is possible through designs that incorporate products, systems, or other components with proven capabilities.

Photo: Brad Feinknopf/OTTO; courtesy of Bison Innovative Products

Hospitality and retail settings are seeking a return of business following the pandemic, and architects are designing spaces now to help with ongoing public health, safety, and welfare.

Relatedly, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) quickly recognized that there are changing needs not only in the ways that retail and hospitality buildings are operated but also how they are designed or renovated. As a result, during 2020, the AIA established a team of architects, public health experts, engineers, and facility managers to assess and prepare the built environment for reopening during outbreak cycles of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, a report was issued titled “Reopening America: Strategies for Safer Buildings” (available for free on the AIA website). This AIA report, as we will refer to it throughout this course, identifies some basic health issues and operational actions for consideration in retail and hospitality settings.

CREATING USABLE OUTDOOR SPACES

While retail and hospitality buildings are often focused on the interior spaces, the pandemic created an immediate and growing desire to find outdoor spaces for people to safely use, particularly in hotels and restaurants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AIA report indicate that people are less likely to spread disease in outdoor settings than inside buildings. Rooftop decks, terraces, and patios are a way for hospitality and retail spaces to create such outdoor eating, lounging, or bar areas. Similarly, parklets, or pop-up parks, can help restaurants and other businesses by offering outdoor sidewalk café settings to accommodate more patrons. The challenge architects face when designing these spaces is finding a suitable system of materials that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing while also being able to accommodate sloped substrates, delicate waterproofing membranes, and other common structural elements.

Photos courtesy of Bison Innovative Products

Outdoor spaces such as roof terraces have become prized for their ability to provide appealing, safe spaces for retail and hospitality buildings.

Modular Deck Systems

The answer to this design challenge is often found in modular and versatile deck systems that are supported by either fixed- and/or adjustable-height pedestals. Such pedestal deck systems can commonly be used over any structural surface: on bare structural decks, rooftop decks, roof membranes, green roofs, plazas/terraces, compacted grade, pavement, or pool surrounds. These systems typically allow architects to use a variety of deck surface materials, including wood, stone, structural porcelain, crushed rock, grating, artificial turf, and even concrete to create unique custom looks that are consistent with the design intent of the surrounding spaces. An adjustable-height pedestal system is also an ideal solution for water-feature applications. The system conceals the water supply between the pedestals and beneath the surface materials, allowing water to drain to the surface below for recycling. Additionally, these supports are impervious to water, mold, and most chemicals.

Pop-Up Parks

An emerging trend is to create an outdoor space in the form of a “pop-up park.” These are commonly used to reclaim car-designated zones (i.e., parking spaces or extra traffic lanes) for pedestrian use. Pop-up parks vary in size and could encompass a one-car parking space, many spaces linked together, a reclaimed portion of a lot, a whole block, or a full lane. Many parks offer seating areas, gardens, bike parking, exercise, and other amenities. They were first recognized in San Francisco and New York in programs like Pavement to Parks. In some cases, these parks were defined as “removable” to expedite design review, permitting, and construction.

To create pop-up parks, level platforms, such as modular pedestal decks, are built on top of existing pavement and populated with planters, railing, benches, furniture, and other accessories. This allows for low installation costs since they can be installed in a way that does not require reconfiguring the streetscape, doing much if any demolition, or altering utilities. They are typically paired with nearby businesses to help with their use and upkeep. Sometimes, parks can be hosted or sponsored by local groups and organizations that pay to design and build them and agree to keep them maintained. They are usually small scale, affordable, flexible, and often temporary or mobile.

Regardless of where or how they are used, adjustable-height deck systems commonly incorporate three types of components as described in the following sections.

Photos: John Mannillo; courtesy of Bison Innovative Products

Pop-up parks reclaim outdoor spaces for pedestrian use, including seating and dining, making them ideal for restaurants and other establishments to provide options for their customers.

Deck Supports

Adjustable-height pedestals are the fundamental support system for the deck and have become recognized as one of the most labor- and cost-efficient methods of creating a level deck over a moderately sloped surface. High-density polypropylene plastic that is 100 percent recyclable is a common material used to manufacture the supports. This makes them impervious to water, mold, and freeze-thaw cycles. Their adjustability offers tremendous design flexibility compared to traditional deck-building materials and methods. Using a gravity system, the supports do not penetrate but rather protect roofing and waterproofing membranes thus, causing no damage or harm to the surface below.

The location of the pedestals is typically based on a modular layout that follows the size of the material used on the deck surface. Commonly, this is a 2-foot x 2-foot square grid, although many other sizes are possible as well. Adjustable pedestals are available in a range of heights and weight-bearing capacities to suit a variety of conditions or needs. Those decks carrying more weight or requiring more height to achieve a level condition will need a higher grade of pedestal. Adjustable-height pedestal systems can support decks over occupied spaces, allowing space for electrical systems, duct work, and irrigation.

Deck Surfaces

The versatility of adjustable pedestal deck supports means that they can be used to elevate a variety of decking surface materials. The common options include pavers made from concrete or stone, such as granite or travertine. Similarly, structural porcelain tiles, fiberglass grating, composite materials, or conventional wood decking systems can be used in a grid pattern to meet different design requirements. Typically, a galvanized steel paver tray is installed on top of the pedestals to support structural porcelain pavers or others. Surface materials can be removed for routine maintenance, repairs to the roof, or to gain access to other systems.

If a lighter-weight surface material is preferred or needed, wood tiles are a good alternative, weighing only one-third as much as concrete tiles. Typically made from hardwoods in a variety of species, wood tiles are commercial grade, responsibly harvested, and available in standard and FSC-certified hardwood options for sustainability. If maintaining the wood color is desired, wood tiles can be periodically cleaned and sealed. Left to weather naturally, the wood tiles will develop a silvery-gray patina.

Site Furnishings

Manufacturers of pedestal deck systems also offer coordinated, modular elements that are designed to integrate with their deck systems while giving the architect complete design flexibility. Modular wood cubes are available with an array of design options to incorporate seating, storage, and planters. Such cubes are available with a polyurethane lining and drainage holes to host plant life. At other times of the year, the cubes can be repurposed for seating and storage of seasonal items (i.e., cushions and pillows) by placing a manufactured hardwood top on the cube.

If a different look is desired, aluminum cubes are also an option. Designed to withstand temperature extremes, these low-maintenance, durable planters are constructed of lightweight, partially recycled aluminum. Some use an industrial strength powder-coated finishing process that is applied electrostatically and cured under heat, creating a more resilient finish than conventional paint. There are a variety of size and color choices available.

Overall, complete, coordinated modular deck systems as described here can be designed and specified to create attractive, durable, and sustainable outdoor spaces.

DURABLE, CLEANABLE EXTRUDED ALUMINUM TRIM

Increased concern for cleanliness has become a focus of many retail and hospitality settings as owners and managers seek to comply with health regulations and curtail the spread of disease. As a result, walls and other surfaces have been subjected to more frequent cleanings and sometimes with more powerful cleaning agents. That is all good if the materials on those surfaces are durable enough and easily cleaned. This is true not only for the basic surface material but also the trim that is usually required along all the edges.

Considering the need for greater durability and cleanability, as well as the need to protect edges and base conditions from damage, a trim material of choice is extruded aluminum. Manufacturers offer numerous standard and custom trim profiles that allow architects to create cohesive details using a product that offers greater durability and protection of the surface materials. There is even the ability to create details specific to a particular hospitality or retail brand where desired, and numerous finishes to fit the brand as well.

Extruded Aluminum Trim for Interior Walls

Extruded aluminum trim is being successfully used on drywall, millwork, acoustic ceilings, and even composite panels. This is good for the protection of the edges of all those materials and makes them easier to clean. In addition, the design options, variability, and cost-effectiveness of this trim make it very well-suited for hospitality and retail settings.

The trend in modern designs for retail and hospitality settings includes minimalist lines and the intentional absence of traditional wood moldings for doors, windows, ceilings, and base conditions. Many interior designs therefore lean toward a simpler, more elegant wall solution with a clean, modern look. Others may be focused on a more traditional or three-dimensional appearance for wall corners, base, and ceiling conditions. Still others may select certain walls to feature with added detailing and trim to create a total design appearance. All these different styles or looks are readily achievable using manufactured trim pieces made from aluminum extrusions.

Extruded aluminum products are readily available and designed to be used with ⁵⁄₈-inch-thick drywall to provide continuous edge protection for commercial use plus a ¹⁄₂ inch where applicable. Similarly, aluminum trim can be used in conjunction with wrapped surface finishes, such as fabric or vinyl wall coverings. Such trim pieces are available in a variety of traditional, contemporary, and modern looks to create subdued, elegant aesthetic or emphatic three-dimensional appearances. Since aluminum is highly durable, recyclable, lightweight, and noncombustible, it is a popular and logical choice for hospitality and retail interior trim.

Of course, the color of the trim is an important design consideration, regardless of the location. Fortunately, there are many options beyond the standard mill-finish aluminum. Extruded aluminum trim can be specified to be finished with a paint primer only, ready to receive final finish coats in the field of virtually any color. Alternatively, it can be specified as prefinished in the factory, reducing the on-site labor needs. The standard prefinished choices vary by manufacturer but typically include durable powder-coat paint, conventional wet paint coatings, or anodized aluminum in standard colors, such as clear, champagne, bronzes and black. At least one manufacturer can provide custom pattern matching on the aluminum to include logos, match wood panels, match stone walls, or even create a wood-grain look. With this variety of choices, the trim can appear to blend in with the adjacent wall panels, or it can be used to highlight all or some of the visual lines it creates. This flexibility using familiar and long-lasting finish options means that both the design and the performance level can be controlled.

Photo courtesy of Tamlyn

Extruded aluminum trim can be used on interior wall surfaces to provide custom looks, durable protection, and easy-to-clean surfaces.

Exterior Panel Trim

Building exteriors can benefit from the use of extruded aluminum trim too. Many retail and hospitality facilities use panelized cladding or rainscreen systems. Commonly, this cladding is incorporated from standard size panels or lapped siding made from fiber cement, composite material, engineered wood, or even thin composite aluminum panels. Designing with such materials is straightforward, but attention needs to be paid to the way the panels are secured to the building and how the edges, joints, transitions, and other details of the panels or siding are addressed. Typically, some sort of trim has been applied to accomplish this using wood, composite, or plastic-based materials. While those are effective and can be good for some buildings, their width, bulk, and ongoing maintenance can make them less desirable for use and detract from the overall facade design.

As an alternative to traditional exterior trim, many architects are turning to the use of thin, extruded aluminum trim systems. The use of extruded aluminum in buildings in general is common due to the versatile nature of the material and its durability. When used to hold the edges of exterior wall panels, it provides architects with a unique means to detail corners, vertical and horizontal joints, and material transitions. It can be specified in common thicknesses and profiles to suit any of the lightweight cladding materials already mentioned. Extruded aluminum trim can even be provided in sizes and styles that work with multiple panels, enabling architects to vary the material choices within their facade designs while still keeping details that will have a similar language. The variety of available extrusion profiles can create a recessed reveal between cladding panels or project outward to accentuate the lines of the design. Used in any of these ways, it has typically been shown to be less expensive with a more elegant look of clean lines than with other options.

Photo courtesy of Tamlyn

Extruded aluminum trim can be effectively used for smooth transitions between different cladding panel types at inside and outside corners, edges, and other locations.

Trim for Retail and Hospitality Buildings

Places that need to achieve good interior looks with a lot of durability, like retail and hospitality settings, quickly see the benefit of using extruded aluminum trim in conjunction with prefinished wall panels or site-finished gypsum board. For example, many fast-food restaurants often go through cycles of renovating and updating their locations to remain appealing to customers and competitive in the marketplace. The current trend among many of them, such as McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, and others, is to move to a sleeker and more modern motif, replacing some prior looks that are more visually cluttered and outdated in appearance. In the process, many are using prefinished wall panels with a selected wood grain or color as their primary wall surface. Then they are incorporating aluminum trim in coordinated finishes to provide durable corner and wall base conditions. They may also use aluminum trim pieces to create intentional reveals in the walls between the panels or at interior corners. Along the ceiling line, some incorporate an extruded aluminum trim piece that acts as a ceiling molding to complete the overall look and design intent.

Hospitality settings similarly require durability but may have a different aesthetic in mind. In these cases, extruded aluminum trim may be used with gypsum board to create defining lines along a wall surface or at the intersection of wall elements. Reveals are particularly popular in that regard and can be provided in a thin, minimalistic manner to simply reinforce vertical or horizontal lines, or to create an artistic accent on a wall. For a bolder, more three-dimensional profile, two-piece assemblies are available that allow a squared, rounded, or oblong shape to be inserted into a reveal that protrudes past the wall surface and creates a different shadow line and overall look.

Bailee Hoelzer, interior specification specialist with Tamlyn, provides some insight into the products and their makeup. She points out that “6063 is the ‘architectural alloy’ for aluminum extrusions and has a very smooth surface, allowing for varied finishes, such as anodized, powder coating, and others, that give the architect and owners the ability to choose a finish that fits their desired look on the properties. Further, the flexibility of this material allows for a partnership between the manufacturer and the designer or owner to promptly create custom profiles or detail as needed with only small minimum-sized orders needed for production.”

IMPROVED HVAC SYSTEMS

All discussions of wellness in today’s buildings usually include a focus on HVAC systems. In fact, the AIA report identifies one of the commonly recognized risks as “aerosolized transmission of droplets.” Hence, the report goes on to recommend “recommissioning and enhancing ventilation systems.” Attention to these systems should include the ways that the building is heated and cooled as well as how it is ventilated. Further, the energy-use impacts of these systems are always critical in retail and hospitality buildings.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems

While retail and hospitality buildings can incorporate many different types of heating and cooling systems, considerable success has been found in recent years by using variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. VRF systems move conditioned refrigerant directly to the zone requiring heating or cooling, allowing the temperature of that area to be more precisely controlled. They can simultaneously cool some zones while heating others or just provide conditioning to zones that are in use.

VRF systems are considered a superior heating and cooling option for building owners who are looking for energy efficiency, guest comfort, streamlined maintenance, and management. From a design standpoint, they offer discreet aesthetics, operational savings, and sound control. All of these attributes make energy-efficient VRF systems an ideal HVAC option for retail, mixed-use, hotel, lodge, and other hospitality applications. Further, VRF systems can be designed for small- or large-scale applications in both new construction and retrofit/renovation projects.

VRF systems should be paired with compatible ventilation systems to address all health and comfort needs. While ventilation systems are commonly installed separate from heating and cooling systems, some manufacturers may provide both types of equipment, which is preferable for initial design, pricing, and installation. Using a single manufacturer for all equipment streamlines ongoing service and maintenance as well. Ventilation systems need to be ducted to move air and are designed to exhaust air from inside the building and replace it with fresh air from the outside. Removing the conditioned air and replacing it with unconditioned outside air requires energy to ensure that the proper temperature and/or humidity level is met. As such, with high volumes of air brought in for conditioning, it is critical that ventilation equipment operates in an energy-efficient manner.

Part of the key to the energy efficiency of VRF systems coupled with appropriate ventilation systems is their ability to be readily designed and installed to operate in zones, thus providing improved comfort control to different indoor environments. Zones can be defined as single- or multiple-room spaces that are conditioned to a set temperature and operated independently from other rooms within the same structure. This allows facility managers to control each guest room in a hotel, for example, independently from other guest rooms. Or it can allow retail spaces to be controlled separately from hospitality spaces and common areas in mixed-use buildings. By using integrated, streamlined controls, hotels and lodges have a comprehensive HVAC solution that promotes wellness, efficiency, and operational savings.

Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS)

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems move conditioned refrigerant within facilities and can be either air based (left) or water-source heat-pump based.

Space-Saving Design Potential

The space required for mechanical equipment is often a concern in many buildings. Compared to traditional HVAC options, compact VRF systems are space saving and quiet. These features allows designers to retain room for other design features or amenities nearby the equipment. This could include an outdoor rooftop space where mechanical equipment might otherwise have been installed.

Inside the building, VRF systems utilize small-diameter piping to move conditioned refrigerant. This allows for smaller plenums with a reduction of space required between floors. As such, ceilings can be higher and rooms can appear more spacious within standard floor-to-floor heights. Taller spaces may also provide opportunities to increase window sizes for increased natural lighting. Alternatively, architects can demonstrate how to reduce construction costs by designing shorter buildings with the same amount of usable floor space. In some cases, smaller plenums may allow the floor-to-floor heights to be reduced enough that an additional floor may be possible, thus increasing the overall square footage or usable space.

VRF equipment throughout the building is also compact compared to conventional HVAC units and is distributed rather than centralized. This reduces space requirements for mechanical rooms inside the buildings, which may help to decrease the building footprint or simply allow more space for other building uses.

Ryan Bean is the director of development for the Sydell Group and has direct experience in this aspect of hospitality buildings. He notes, “Space constraints are a major factor for us. Many of the existing city properties we develop are built lot line to lot line. There is no space to build a centralized plant that has cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. VRF is ideal for us because we can put units on the roof that have a small footprint.” For example, in the NoMad LA Hotel, the use of VRF systems allowed space for a rooftop pool, a bar, restrooms, and a restaurant. Having revenue-producing outlets there is an obvious benefit to hotel developers and operators.

Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS)

VRF systems can be combined with ventilation systems and controlled for separate zones to provide a complete, coordinated, energy-efficient HVAC system.

PROVIDING GREATER SECURITY

The recent pandemic year has been a challenging one for many, leading to people feeling the strain of COVID-19 impacts, job losses, and social unrest. This has left many retail and hospitality owners and operators asking whether a standard security design is really enough to protect their buildings, inventory, customers, and employees.

Architects and other design professionals commonly understand that it is important to design retail, hospitality, and parking facilities for life safety and loss prevention, but in the minds of many, this has become the number-one priority. Of course, it is important to communicate with owners and others that having the proper security measures does not mean that aesthetics need to be sacrificed. Few people find a building to be welcoming or inviting if it appears to be unduly fortified. Since the whole goal of retail and hospitality buildings is to attract guests or customers to them, it is contradictory to design a building that looks like it is trying to keep people out. Instead, designers should focus on incorporating available security options that are visually undetectable or blend seamlessly into the building or its surroundings when the building is open and operating. When needed or after hours, a security system can be deployed that closes off the access to the establishment to provide the needed degree of safety and separation.

In light of the above, we consider three specific strategies that are useful in retail and hospitality settings.

Photo courtesy of CornellCookson

Retail security doors can be specified to provide the appropriate level of protection while rolling up out of sight when not needed or in use.

Retail Security Doors

Retail store owners are looking for ways to secure their businesses and strengthen protection for buildings and employees. Roll-up steel doors that have always been available to cover windows, glass doors, and other fenestration are a logical choice. However, some of these products are either meant for only standard-level protection or offer too many extra features that may not be needed or affordable. Manufacturers have responded by offering new product choices that provide the sweet spot of a heavy-duty rolling door without going to the unnecessary extreme.

When specifying roll-up steel doors for protecting retail stores, some of the features to review and consider include the following:

• Certifications: If doors are specifically designed for security in retail applications, they should be tested for specific performance characteristics. In the case of one manufacturer, a 14-foot x 10-foot door required more than 4,500 pounds of effort to lift the door 3 inches upward. Similarly, the door withstood up to 2,500 pounds of push effort without the curtain leaving the guides. If even further enhanced protection is desired, some roll-up doors are also certified by third-party agencies to perform to the Department of State standards for forced entry.
• Hood: The hood enclosure that contains the rolled-up door should be galvanized steel and can be ordered in a color to match the curtain or the building.
• Curtain: An appropriately heavy-duty curtain is at least 18-gauge galvanized steel with interlocking roll-formed slats. It is also desirable to have continuous end locks riveted to the ends of the slats. It can also be specified to come with a screw kit that allows the top slats to be attached to the barrel to prevent lifting attempts.
• Guides: The side guides for the curtain should be structural steel, specifically angle assemblies that bolt to the wall and support the weight of the door.
• Brackets: The side brackets should also be made from steel and bolted to the guide assembly to stabilize the counterbalance shaft and the curtain.
• Bottom bar: Heavy-duty bottom bars up to 6 inches tall can secure the bottom of the curtain and resist damage.
• Operation: Some manufacturers will provide a standard motor operation that can be upgraded to allow for automated operation, plus a hand chain and battery backup in the case of a power outage.
• Locking: Consider locking that is tamper proof and more heavy duty with slide bolts thrown via a thumb turn versus standard cylinder locking.
• Specialized end locks: Continuous cast end locks should be used to keep the curtain in the guides during violent impacts or crowd pressures.
• Fasteners: Only tamper-resistant fasteners should be used.

All these features together allow the door to withstand moderate risk with three or more attackers and a few hand tools. Doors like these are extremely versatile, making them well-suited for any storefront or back-of-house application. They are available as a standard service metal door or an insulated door. They can typically be installed on interior or exterior openings and are available in a range of standard finishes and colors. High-Performance Roll-Up Grilles

Hospitality and retail facilities increasingly include parking areas, such as garages or underground parking levels. The entrances to that parking can be a security issue or other problem if not controlled. Hence, the use of roll-up metal grilles has become a means to address these concerns with some of the following characteristics:

• Cleanliness: Parking garage doors limit access by uninvited guests, preventing unnecessary foot traffic and tailgaters.
• Security: Sealing a parking garage with a durable closure deters criminal activity, thus increasing safety and security.
• Comfort level: When visitors park in the garage, having a closure in place helps reassure their sense of safety.

Photos courtesy of CornellCookson

High-performance roll-up grilles can be used for parking garage entrances and other locations to help keep control of vehicular and pedestrian exit and entry.

Custom security grilles are manufactured to fit both new buildings and existing structures. In particular, grille patterns can be designed to be smaller in size and roll up into a more compact area to fit into lower overhead spaces. This is specifically useful for parking garages and other low-clearance openings where the space above an entrance may be limited due to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems (MEP). These durable closures achieve a compact size with smaller vertical links and horizontal coils without sacrificing security. This results in nearly 50 percent more space when coiled, allowing more room for ADA vans and taller vehicles. At least one manufacturer provides a very quiet operation, makes them available in straight or brick patterns, and offers several finishes, including stainless steel, aluminum mill, and clear anodized. In addition to being compact, high-performance security grilles like this are engineered and tested to operate smoothly for 500,000 open/close cycles at speeds of up to 24 inches per second.

High-performance compact parking grilles can be readily paired with a separate control panel so programming and setting limits for a parking entrance is simple. Safety is addressed with light curtains plus photo eyes to prevent potential harm or injury from the parking security grille. It is also possible to specify a direct drive operator that eliminates sprockets and chains, lessening wear and tear and frequent replacements. Further, perimeter parts can be customized, allowing a grille to be manufactured to exact specifications.

From an appearance standpoint, note that both high-performance grilles and retail security roll-up doors can be installed with the guides buried into the structure, providing a seamless look within the building. This allows for a more aesthetically pleasing look when the closure is opened or closed. In this manner, it is nearly undetectable when in the open position, yet it can be deployed to close at any time.

Photos courtesy of CornellCookson

Electronic automatic locks can be incorporated into the guides of select high-performance grilles to provide additional security and safety.

Electronic Automatic Locking

In some cases, there is a concern for grilles to be locked and secured automatically without needing an employee to physically access the grille. For these situations, an electronic lock can provide automatic locking protection, which is a particularly unique feature in high-performance grille products. Such locks are seamlessly mounted to the guides so they automatically engage the cylinder lock each time the grille closes. This arrangement provides additional lift resistance without compromising aesthetics, headroom, or performance.

Electronic automatic locking is available on some high-performance grilles. The locks can be a standard or tapering locking option, both with less than a 1-inch projection past the guide. If electrical power is lost or compromised, these locks will stay locked when the grille is in the closed position. Whenever needed, they can also be overridden with a key.

Heather Bender is the strategic marketing manager with CornellCookson and has observed the lift-resistance testing on high-performance grilles with electronic locks. She notes, “The locks were able to withstand up to 1,200 pounds of force on grilles with aluminum guides and up to 940 pounds of force on stainless steel guides without the bottom bar lifting over the lock.” This degree of performance offers considerable safety and security for the buildings where they are used.

CONCLUSION

Hospitality and retail buildings have been the focus of a lot of design and planning efforts to make them safer and healthier both during and after the recent pandemic. Outdoor spaces have become more prized and made possible with modular, pedestal deck systems. HVAC systems have been upgraded using VRF technology coupled with high-performance ventilation. Durable, cleanable surfaces have become the norm for interior and exterior surfaces and trim. Security has been enhanced using updated designs for overhead doors and grilles. Altogether, these and other design strategies are helping architects to meet the challenges of a post-pandemic world.

Outdoor Terrace Case Study

Project: Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Architect: Cooper Carry

The Project: The Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, is a beacon of modern amenities.

The Challenge: With panoramic views of uptown Charlotte, a rooftop indoor/outdoor event space was needed that could be flexible in terms of spaces and seating areas. The goal was to be able to host and entertain up to 150 guests.

The Solution: The renovated rooftop features the Merchant & Trade bar and uses sleek furniture, artificial turf, and wood deck tiles to create an inviting and warm social scene. The foundation of the rooftop renovation was created using adjustable- and fixed-height pedestals supporting 4x2 and 2x2 smooth ipê wood tiles for the deck surface. The modular wood tiles complement the aesthetics of the space and set the contemporary look, allowing for warm accessories and modern touches.

The Results: This rooftop space not only provides an attraction for guests and patrons, but it also differentiates the hotel from the many other choices in the city.

Pop-Up Park Case Study

Project: Pop-Up Park
Location: New York, New York

The Project: In an attempt to create more open space at Pearl and Broad in New York’s Financial District, community businesses joined forces to create an innovative, temporary mini park. Commonly, businesses that have integrated such “pop-up parks” have seen a 15–20 percent increase in sales, and these New York businesses wanted to pursue that outcome.

The Challenge: Narrow sidewalks and inadequate space are common challenges of adding outdoor seating for restaurant establishments. The physical limitations of the spaces along or adjacent to the streets are a typical concern, but so are the surface materials and sloping unevenness of the streets.

The Solution: This pop-up park extends off the curbside over what were once four parking spaces. It is open to the general public but was financed by adjacent establishments to create curb appeal and provide seating along crowded sidewalks. Adjustable pedestals and ipê wood tiles allow for the creation of a level, smooth decking surface over the uneven and sloping street. The creative, landscaped border uses custom-sized planter cubes with railings between each planter. The installation hardware for this pop-up park decking system is designed to allow for simple dismantling and seasonal storage.

The Results: The modular deck system has low installation and maintenance costs, making them easy for employees to embrace. The pop-up parks also increase visibility of local businesses, creating interest in the street areas and spaces for patrons to safely enjoy.

Restaurant Interiors Case Study

The Project: This Korean taco and ssam bar serving Korean cuisine in tortilla or ssam form. (“Ssam” is a Korean word meaning “wrapped.”) This restaurant seeks to provide a high-quality, authentic and very flavorful introduction to Korean cuisine through ssam and tacos.

The Challenge: While the owners wanted to deliver the best of Korean BBQ, they also wanted to do so in an approachable and casual atmosphere. At the same time, they want to educate and share with customers their love for Korean food and culture while showing how versatile it can be.

The Solution: To create the interior design that was sought, attention to detail and a view toward cleanliness were paramount. Surfaces that are made from easy-to-clean materials are used throughout. Sharp, crisp detailing was also sought that could create an appealing, casual atmosphere while continuing the use of durable, easy-to-clean surfaces. For this restaurant then, the choice of materials for wall trim and base were important. Therefore, a collaboration was established between the designers and a manufacturer of extruded aluminum wall trim. In developing the design, it was determined that a custom manufactured trim profile would work best. Working together, one was readily created that stayed within the budget and met both the aesthetic and cleanliness needs of the project.

The Result: The completed restaurant is successfully meeting its goals, including the sought-after look using custom trim.

VRF Case Study

Project: 800 North High Street Building
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Developer: Crawford Hoying Development
Architect: Moody Nolan
Engineer: PE Services

The Project: Since its opening in fall 2019, the 800 North High Street Building has become a fixture in the community. Part of Columbus, Ohio’s Short North Arts District, a neighborhood known for promoting local businesses and culture, this modern, mixed-use development features a coworking space, two restaurants, and Marriott’s new modern hotel brand, Moxy. “When you look at the Short North, you are talking about the hottest submarket within the hottest city in the Midwest,” says Nelson Yoder, RA, principal at Crawford Hoying Development.

The Challenge: In securing this piece of sought-after, premium real estate, Crawford Hoying had to ensure the building would drive revenue, so the decision was made early on to incorporate the full mixed-use capabilities. This presented the challenge of designing and specifying a versatile, cost-effective, and energy-efficient HVAC system that could help balance operating costs through efficient control and design flexibility. “When we approach a building like this, we are constantly evaluating it on a bunch of different viewpoints. Energy efficiency is an important pillar along with aesthetics, occupant comfort, and how the uses come together,” Yoder explains.

The Solution: For the 10-story, 150,000-square-foot building, the engineers at PE Services specified 215 tons of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) equipment. “One of the main benefits of this VRF system is that there are a number of unit types that can all be packaged for the infrastructure of the project,” says Craig Slaughterbeck, president of PE Services. “This is space saving and helped us meet the needs of the architecture firm, as we had to spatially allocate the HVAC system to fit within their desired aesthetic.”

Aesthetics were a key concern for the building, especially for the hotel portion. “For this project, we have 250 indoor units, and the styles vary based on their location throughout the building,” says Bryan Crnarich, PE, commercial regional manager for METUS. “In the hospitality areas of the building, it was really important to the ownership that we had ducted style units. In the electrical areas, we have wall-mounted units, and in the coworking space, we have sleek, ductless ceiling cassettes.”

To meet Moxy’s brand standards as well as the local zoning authority’s criteria, Crawford Hoying had to keep a simple, clean look for the rooms. This criteria even applied to the mechanical systems. “Many hotels have the grill underneath the window associated with a packaged terminal air-conditioner (PTAC) unit. At this site, we have fantastic skyline views, so the last thing we wanted to do was obscure them with a mechanical system,” Yoder explains. “Besides our own aesthetic tastes, we could not obtain zoning approval with a PTAC unit. Some agencies do not like this look. By going with VRF, we were able to eliminate that as a concern. Besides, letting the mechanical system ‘disappear’ into a room is fantastic for creating an overall ambience.”

VRF’s design flexibility also helped create more usable, leasable, and revenue-generating space for the building. The contractors at G Mechanical Inc. installed 90 percent of the mechanical systems for the building on a single platform located on the roof. “The outdoor units are allowed to sit so close together (while still running efficiently). Everything was so compact, the platform even includes a DOAS unit,” says Sean Minshall, project manager with G Mechanical. With such space-saving benefits, the architects were able to add a rooftop bar to the same level as the mechanical platform.

Crawford Hoying also appreciated the compact, two-pipe system when designing the interior of the building. “By selecting a VRF system, we could reduce penetrations from giant duct openings to much smaller chases for the line sets. This allowed us to save on both shaft wall construction on the front end as well as realize some more income from leasable space throughout the life cycle of the building,” Yoder says. “If you were to compare that with a unitary system, we would have very large duct runs going down the corridor, and coordination would have been a lot more difficult,” adds C.J. Giannetto, owner of G Mechanical.

The Result: The VRF system keeps the building warm and running efficiently, even in the coldest of winter weather. “For this particular design, we specified 21 outdoor hyper-heat, heat-recovery units. In an area like Columbus, Ohio, we have winter design temperatures near zero degrees,” Crnarich says. “That said, at this site, we do not have supplemental heat, nor do we have concern with auxiliary heat, as the outdoor units are able to maintain the set point temperature even on a zero-degree day."

The system’s heat recovery also helps provide a comfortable atmosphere while ensuring efficient energy usage. “Heat-recovery operation is ideal in a building like this. The system uses itself to reject heat one way or the other without rejecting it outside, which would normally be way more costly,” Minshall explains. Overall, the 800 North High Street building is an energy-efficient, mixed-use facility that maximizes leasable space, keeps occupants comfortable, and minimizes operational costs.

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a nationally known architect, consultant, continuing education presenter, and prolific author advancing better building performance by design. www.pjaarch.com, www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch