The pandemic has driven an increase in demand for outdoor water features. Water features were growing in popularity prior to the pandemic as a central gathering place for tenants and consumers. Now, owners are looking at water features as a way to promote health and wellness.

"Water features became increasingly popular long before the pandemic due to the fact that humans are naturally drawn to water and its soothing abilities," J. Wickham Zimmerman, CEO of OTL, a water feature designer and builder, tells GlobeSt.com. "Being near water can promote calmness, focus, and creativity, and it even acts as a healing agent. Since COVID-19 hit the commercial real estate market, we are witnessing the demands of owners and stakeholders shift towards the safety and well-being of visitors at their properties."

The safety of outdoor spaces has also created new demand for water features. "Once we are in the recovery, we expect the demand of outdoor amenities, such as water features, to increase so that people can gather safely without fear of viral transmission," says Zimmerman.