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APR. MAG. 2020 XIII structural and furnishing point of view to create a more functional environment in line with post- emergency requirements. by Maria Elena Dipace Investing during the crisis. This is the most recurrent phrase we have heard recently. And one of the investments that seems absolutely essential is precisely that related to the layout of the premises. Let’s start with the most important request: social distancing. If, for a large room this represents, albeit with a loss of place settings, a possible solution, for small points of sale this represents a serious difficulty. Added to this is the problem of lockdown, which has not allowed anyone to move from their home for some time. This then explains the boom of requests to the design site Restylit.com, a platform managed by architects and interior design consultants that 24/7 are able to fulfil any request, both in Italy and abroad. We heard them to let us explain which solutions to adopt in order to comply with the new social distancing provisions required to Horeca points of sale. Rethinking premises. What solutions can be resorted to? First a brief reflection: it is becoming clearer and clearer to us that we will not be able to get out of this situation unless we pull in the same direction. Those policies, with aid and also bureaucratic advantages for the sector, those of restaurateurs who must invest even more in their activities. Finally, those of consumers who will have to help the system as much as possible to restart in order to give an injection of confidence and impetus to the economy. We are therefore also waiting for the government decisions to be taken to understand how operators in the sector will have to equip themselves. It is clear, however, that small premises will have to be even better than others at completely reorganising themselves to face future difficulties. On the practical side, the spectrum of possible interventions in this situation is so wide that it must be evaluated on a case-by- case basis in order to find tailor-made solutions by virtue of the business projects and budgets of the individual entrepreneur. The most architecturally “impacting” interventions, which then go on to change the look of a room (and so why not take advantage of this opportunity to renovate), are certainly the creation of mezzanines, the installation work to obtain an adequate exchange of air, the modification of the main windows and doors (entrance and bathrooms) with automated systems. At this moment, however, the requests coming from the market suggest to put the attention on the whole series of more immediate and accessible actions that can be easily carried out in a short time. Among these: the rethinking of the layout of the room and the seating, in accordance with future regulations, the use of plexiglass separation, and attention to the outdoor spaces to make them a real experience for its guests. Let’s remember, in fact, that only those who continue to invest in the premises, and therefore in the experience to be offered to customers, can survive. The risk is to make them become aseptic, soulless places. So, let’s start with the mezzanines. Can they be made at any point of sale? What are the aero-luminous relationships to be respected? The mezzanines can only be made in a room that meets the requirements. There are precise hygiene, health and building regulations to be respected. The most important ones concern the minimum heights “per floor” and the dimensions of the mezzanine floor, which cannot generally exceed 50% of the room surface (here you can find the link for basic information). How can they be made (the materials), how long and what are the minimum costs? The costs depend on various factors but generally these are not exaggeratedly high prices per sqm, it obviously depends on the size of the room! Installations are generally very quick, all the more so if prefabricated woodwork is used. Do you need specific authorisations? Yes. You always need specific authorisations from the municipality that the contractors can easily request. However, in line with the initial consideration, we must hope for government intervention able to simplify (and a lot) all the construction bureaucracy, to help the tens of thousands of entrepreneurs in the sector. W e have seen it done in China, there are partitions that could be useful for us. What solutions seem to you the most feasible? The plexiglass constructions could come to our rescue, but certainly not as in the images coming from China or the proposals of closed “boxes” on the beach. Let’s not forget that an establishment is always a place of leisure and serenity where people want to have a relaxed experience. I do not think you would go comfortably to the restaurant if forced to eat separated from your partner or friend by a plastic screen. Besides, will it be really useful for healthcare purposes? On what then can we make decisions? Looking further ahead, we started to find some functional and aesthetic solutions to use plexiglass separation. For example, at the counter of a bar/ restaurant, where coffee and aperitifs are usually served, and where the cashier is usually located, instead of an aseptic perforated plastic square, why not have the have the sheet of plexiglass, designed in line with the style of the premises, descend from the ceiling? But it is also fun to think of playing with real large plexiglass elements to separate the tables, creating geometric and light games, that become new paths inside the restaurant. This is a viable way for many shops except for those of a very small size. Any idea of cost? It starts from a few tens of euros up to a few hundred for the most standard creations. We are still studying the largest separations for the division of the tables, but the costs do not seem excessive. We have met companies that can deliver in 3 or 4 days. We think the waiting time is very reasonable, but it will depend on the number of requests received in the coming weeks! And then there is the dehor, the premises outside. What changes to make compared to those already in place in different points of sale, always considering the problem of social distancing... Costs? The outside space, for those who have it, will be an important resource to deal with the coming months, because outside social distancing becomes easier and more effective. The trick here is to create spaces that reflect the style of the interior, perhaps with a touch of innovation.