How Restaurant Design Is Changing As a Result of COVID-19

Original article posted at Architectural Digest by Laura Itzkowitz.

In cities emerging from lockdown, restaurants are rushing to adapt to new health and safety measures. Masked waiters, tables spaced six feet apart, plexiglass barriers, and even stuffed animals occupying seats—these are some of the changes you might encounter the next time you dine out. As many U.S. states and countries around the world come out of lockdown, a whole new set of restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 are coming into play. Though there is still a lot we don’t know about the coronavirus, its rapid person-to-person spread is a threat to the way restaurants operate. And while many restaurants are suffering financially, some are coming up with creative ways to reopen while adhering to social distancing guidelines.