Ar. Aahana Miller - ABM Architects
There needs to be a change in the mindset of designers who must do away with fussy detailing and specify materials that would show dirt and be easy to clean.
Homeowners are looking for alternate homes and homes away from the cities. They also want fabrics and materials with anti-bacterial treatment. In their offices, they are taking precautions sanitizing, and are focusing on indoor air quality using air handling units with filters, and treated fresh air (TFAs), and appliances controlled from personal mobile devices. They want easy to maintain and easy to clean homes so that they can work more easily from their home, even without any help.

Building infrastructure will undergo a substantial change.
There is a need to automate doors, eliminate doorknobs, use touch and blue motion tech for shutters and drawers, even foot operated doors and shutters. Washroom design will undergo a major change with self-cleaning and disinfecting toilets, sensor-based appliances and sanitizers, and home automation devices wherever possible.

I think home automation is something we will see for a long time to come especially with the younger home buyers, as it enables one to save electricity, integrate safety measures, optimize convenience and comfort, and most of all, have peace of mind.

People want more spaces; they want to convert their third bedroom or guest room, into a study or work room. Kitchens are being designed to be germ-free. Materials like stainless steel, soft furnishings, and sound-absorbing wall claddings are trending.

ABM Architects

There is tremendous scope for adaptive reuse; existing spaces will need to be reimagined and reformed.
Architecture has already adapted to the new norm and architects are rethinking every design strategy, learning from each other, and sharing ideas. Social distancing is a given under these circumstances; but architects should be concerned about future viruses that might expect them to rethink design entirely.