Demand for Outdoor Water Features Grows During the Pandemic

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.

According to Zimmerman, there is a lot of research to support the connection between water features and health and wellness. “In fact, many studies have proven that exposure to water brings several health benefits, both mental and physical. While water features are being incorporated into public spaces for a variety of reasons, the most popular reason is that, mentally, they help put people at ease,” says Zimmerman.

This trend is likely continue well into 2021, especially as the pandemic appears to be a long-term part of our lives. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into 2021, this trend of constructing water features in outdoor spaces such as parks is on the rise,” says Zimmerman. “According to health officials, in the open air, coronavirus particles dissipate more quickly than they do inside. In addition, many individuals have begun to spend more time outdoors to improve both their mental and physical health, making water features an ideal exterior amenity.”

Even after the pandemic subsides, Zimmerman expects to continue to see strong demand for these amenities. “We see this trend continuing to be popular in a post-COVID world because of the healing effects these water features deliver, as well as their tendency to be focal points for different product types,” he says.