Architect Juan Romero of api(+) in Tampa discusses how pandemic conditions have reshaped retail design priorities. He highlights four major themes: “Experience is more important than ever” as brick-and-mortar competes with e-commerce; implementing touch-free design elements; accommodating online order fulfillment with dedicated parking; and expanding outdoor dining spaces and ventilation for restaurants.
The Westshore Marina District serves as an example of these adaptive design principles, with retail spaces configured to meet evolving tenant and consumer expectations in the post-pandemic landscape.
