Three Ways Architectural Walls Can Future-Proof Your Space

Pioneering computer scientist Alan Kay once said, “The only way you can predict the future is to build it.”

Pragmatically, we know we can’t predict the future, but we’re eager to help our customers build for theirs. With rapid change in office and school spaces since 2020, we understand the importance of not only flexibility but also simple adaptability to prepare for future change. 

Architectural walls provide a particular value to this endeavor. Easy to install and reconfigure, architectural walls can help “future-proof” your space with agile functionality and superior aesthetics. And at KI, we're passionate about leading the industry in forward-thinking architectural wall solutions. 

As you seek to design spaces that meet your current and future needs, think architectural walls. Here are three ways architectural walls can help future-proof your space.

1. Future-Proof by Adapting to Hybrid Work

According to new research from Gallup, nearly 70% of workers prefer to be in the office one to three days per week. As more and more companies adopt hybrid work models, executives are considering how to repurpose their existing real estate.

Some employers are realizing they don’t need to devote as much space to individual workstations, since employees with different in-office schedules might alternately use the same desk. That opens up the opportunity to turn previous desk space into multipurpose gathering spaces.

Architectural walls give employers the flexibility to set up spaces that will not only support their team now but also seamlessly transition as their needs evolve. Our architectural wall portfolio offers above-average soundproofing with high ratings for sound transmission class (STC) as well as a variety of visual privacy options. And unlike drywall, architectural walls can be installed and reconfigured without demolition while offering tax benefits for business owners.

KI solid walls with steel skins achieve industry-leading acoustical privacy with STC ratings ranging from 44 to 50. Double-glazed glass walls are 41 STC, while half-inch single-glazed laminate glass walls are 39 STC.

2. Future-Proof by Supporting a Variety of Tenants

Just like employers, property owners can benefit from flexible solutions that help them meet the variable preferences of future tenants without tearing the space down to the studs.

For instance, one tenant might use the floor of a building as its corporate headquarters, characterized by an open floorplan with private offices lining the perimeter. When that tenant relocates, an art studio or makerspace may fill the space, opting for several medium-sized rooms to host different classes rather than one open workspace. With architectural walls, the property owner could reconfigure the walled-off rooms around the perimeter to create classrooms -- transforming the rental space for their new tenant.

Since KI architectural walls install four times faster than stick-built solutions, property owners can customize spaces on short notice and overcome supply chain challenges. By integrating architectural walls, property owners can minimize overhead costs, time and labor and add unique appeal for tenants.

3. Future-Proof by Enabling Transition Spaces

When a space does need to be completely renovated, those within the space may need to move to an interim “swing space.” Architectural walls help you adjust to these transition periods with elegance and ease.

Take Guilford Technical Community College, for example. When the school renovated its campus center, leadership relocated its administrative offices to a temporary space outfitted with Genius architectural walls. Staff members were so impressed with the sleek, bright and airy new space that they even asked if they could stay there permanently. That was, until they saw their new light-filled space with ample application of Lightline architectural walls!

Transition spaces can also be used by general contractors who may prefer to pre-assemble modules off-site as much as possible to guarantee quick, safe and quality construction. Within the architecture industry, many contractors embrace lean construction initiatives to build spaces more efficiently with less waste. In some cases, entire rooms could be built off-site and then quickly assembled on the final construction site. 

KI architectural walls support this methodology with our unitized design approach. Our walls are fully assembled and ready to be stood in place when they arrive on-site, allowing contractors and property owners to realize a faster and more efficient means to divide and define space.

The Future Is Flexible

The prospect of moving walls may seem daunting. It conjures thoughts of labored logistics, long timelines and prohibitive costs.

But with KI architectural wall solutions, we offer you a dream-like scenario: simple processes, crazy-fast turnarounds and surprisingly minimal costs. All that, with virtually zero byproduct waste, thus preserving valuable environmental resources.

Whether you’re an employer, an education administrator, a property owner or a general contractor, planning for the future is critical. By “future-proofing” with architectural walls, you can prepare your space for change and adaptability.

Explore our wall portfolio to learn more about our unique solutions. Discover how architectural walls can meet the needs of your specific space by contacting your dedicated KI specialist.