Multifunctional Building: Definition, Advantages & Benefits

The boundaries between residential buildings and commercial properties are becoming increasingly blurred. Nowadays, mixed forms are popular that offer a number of advantages. In this article, we will show you what multifunctional buildings are all about, what possible uses there are and how they can be used safely.

What is a multifunctional building?

Many buildings have only a fixed use: the residential building is inhabited, you can shop in the department store, and  you can have a medical examination in the doctor's office. While this was common practice for a long time, there are now more and more buildings that fulfill not just one function, but several.

Especially in large buildings, it is now common for several functions to be fulfilled. This is also referred to as multifunctional buildings or mixed-use properties. For example, some residential buildings have commercial units that house offices. In department stores, it is common for restaurants to also offer their food. And sometimes several companies join forces to share a building, even though they have little to do with each other thematically.

What are the advantages of a multifunctional building?

Multifunctional buildings are usually located centrally in a city. However, it is often only through the joint offer of different services and goods that a real centre is created. More people become aware of the companies so that they  can benefit from each other. For example, if you visit the doctor, you will become aware of the mobile phone repair service. And if you visit the café regularly, you will come across various clothing stores.

Multifunctional buildings are particularly interesting for investors. At least the risk is reduced  by shared use: If business is not going so well, there are still residential units. Or if the start-up does not work as expected, there is still the long-established medical practice. In addition, such properties often become highly frequented places and are steadily becoming more attractive to consumers.

Mixed-use properties also have a lot to offer in terms of sustainability: the available resources are bundled in one house, and emissions are reduced due to the short distances. In addition, maintenance costs can be better managed, as several parties participate. Multifunctional buildings are therefore usually always in good shape. This means that these properties are particularly well-maintained and increase in value.

Possible uses of multifunctional buildings

Since there is no single multifunctional building, there are countless possibilities. If you are interested in a mixed-use property, there are numerous doors open to you. The following combinations have already proven themselves in the past:

Arenas

Many arenas see themselves as multifunctional buildings. Large sports arenas in particular have boxes in the VIP area, which not only offer the optimal view of events, but can also  be used for meetings and other business appointments.

In addition, many arenas embed small, additional sports halls. In this way, two uses can take place in parallel, which also fit together thematically perfectly.

Residential and commercial

In almost every city there are houses with commercial and residential units in equal measure. This is practical for both sides: companies may have their customers directly in their homes, and consumers do not have to travel long distances to go shopping.  

The same principle also works with workshops. Residents do not have to find a means of transport in the event of a defective bicycle or car, but can have their vehicle checked directly at the front door.

Multi-generational house and gastronomy

How often do you see it: multi-generational houses in which several parties live together under one roof – older and younger people – and underneath a cozy restaurant or café. This underlines the supportive and social character that a multi-generational house already has. Here you can come together in a pleasant atmosphere. Of course, the gastronomic business is also available to all people from outside. Older people in particular, who may no longer be so good on their feet, can meet up with family and friends in a café without having to walk far.

Coworking-Spaces

The ever-popular coworking spaces are also considered multifunctional buildings. This is where people from different industries and areas come together and work side by side. For many, this is an excellent opportunity to grow – be it through new perspectives, valuable business contacts or fresh impulses.

Such coworking spaces are often combined with a gastronomic business. This allows employees to take breaks together over a meal or snack. And even at the end of the day, you can still get together for a drink.

These concepts of the multifunctional building are very popular, especially in large cities. Since many of the people working there do not live directly in the city, small accommodations are also  increasingly in demand. Thanks to small hotel-like sleeping facilities, coworking spaces are increasingly uniting all areas of life.

Safety in multifunctional buildings – which solutions are suitable?

Multifunctional buildings offer many advantages and opportunities. They are becoming more and more popular, so that the number of users is steadily increasing. But this means that one topic is becoming more and more urgent: What about security in multifunctional buildings?

The more different people come and go in a building and the more frequent they use, the more difficult it is to find the right solution. In fact, there are different approaches. Electronic access systems have proven particularly successful. Here, access media are assigned to the users, whose authorizations are set centrally via software. Everyone only gets access to the areas they need or are allowed to use with their digital key.

These impress with various advantages:

• Safety
• Flexibility
• Comfort

It is particularly practical with electronic locking systems that do not work with physical keys but with alternative access media such as key cards or PIN codes that the loss of keys is no longer a major risk.

If a user of a multifunctional building loses his key, it is quite possible that the entire system will have to be replaced. This is not only very costly, but also comes with a high security risk.

In the case of digital locking systems, the access authorization can simply be changed in the software. The lost key will be locked in the system, which is a quick and secure solution.

Especially with frequently changing users, such systems can prove to be practical. This means that the rights can be assigned flexibly at any time.

In order for an electronic locking system  to offer a high level of security, it is essential to choose a high-quality provider. Solutions from providers such as BlueID work with secure encryption and thus protect the entire building. In addition, we provide you with locking systems that  are individually tailored to your multifunctional building. All parties benefit from this.

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Conclusion

Multifunctional buildings offer a lot of advantages. They are very popular in many industries and are used in a variety of ways. For maximum security, convenience and flexibility, a digital locking system is recommended. With electronic systems such as BlueID, your building is always well protected.