In today’s market, building owners and architects know that common areas in commercial buildings are more than hallways and lobbies—they’re amenities that shape tenant satisfaction, brand image, and long-term value. From lounges to rooftop terraces, these shared spaces can attract tenants, boost building ROI, and set properties apart. While high-end finishes and furniture grab attention, amenities technology is the layer that transforms a space from functional to exceptional. Here’s a guide to the must-have systems, smart upgrades, and planning best practices for creating next-level tenant experiences.
The Must-Haves
Robust Wi-Fi: Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi is an expectation, not a luxury. Tenant networks rarely extend into amenity areas, leaving frustrating dead zones. Extending connectivity ensures mobile access credentials work, Wi-Fi calling is seamless, and tenants remain connected and productive.
Secure Access: Every smart building design needs access control at its core. Whether through card readers or elevator speed gates, this protects shared spaces while maintaining convenience. It’s the first layer of defense in creating secure, well-managed amenities.
Video Surveillance: Access control prevents unwanted entry, but cameras create accountability. Today’s smart surveillance systems go further, detecting people, faces, vehicles, and even license plates. This reduces false alarms, strengthens building security, and reassures tenants.
Digital Signage: Well-placed, high resolution displays can transform a lobby or lounge. Integrated signage provides information, directions, and branding while blending into the architecture. The key is proper installation with recessed mounts, hidden cabling, and design-forward integration.
Background Music (BGM): Sound sets the tone. A tailored background music system enhances ambiance and comfort. When designing, consider:
- Coverage zones
- Speaker style and placement
- Licensed music services (Mood Media, Soundtrack, etc.)
- User-friendly control
- Emergency tie-ins
Enterprise-grade music platforms protect you from unprofessional content or interruptions, something free consumer apps can’t always guarantee.
Smart Enhancements for Next-Level Amentiy Spaces
Mobile Access Credentials: Adding Apple or Google Wallet integration makes access frictionless, with one less card for tenants to carry.
On-Camera Analytics: Modern cameras now analyze video in real time, offering powerful building data insights. They detect the difference between people, vehicles, and objects, cutting down on false alarms and improving safety metrics.
Interactive Wayfinding: Digital maps guide visitors and drive traffic to onsite retail or dining. Whether touchscreens, rotating 3D displays, or QR codes linking to apps, wayfinding technology makes navigation seamless and adds measurable value.
LED Walls: Think beyond traditional screens. Curved or custom-shaped LED walls create immersive, high-impact visual experiences perfect for branding, art installations, or even live event streaming.
Directional Audio: For precise sound control, directional speakers focus audio in targeted zones, keeping amenity spaces comfortable and free of noise spillover.
The Do’s and Don’ts for Amenity Technology
✅ Plan infrastructure early. Even if tech spend is minimal on Day 1, allocate space, power, and cabling now—it saves costly retrofits later.
❌ Don’t ignore space planning. Overlooking cooling or closets for equipment leads to expensive rework.
✅ Work with a technology consultant. An independent expert will design user journeys, identify ROI-driven touchpoints, and recommend unbiased solutions.
❌ Don’t recycle outdated designs. Each project deserves fresh evaluation based on current smart building innovations.
✅ Choose enterprise-grade streaming and signage solutions. Bundled, scalable systems deliver consistency across properties.
❌ Don’t rely on free apps. Commercial spaces require curated, ad-free content to maintain professionalism.
The right tenant amenities technology can transform common areas into destinations that attract tenants, increase building value, and deliver a strong return on investment. By blending thoughtful design with robust infrastructure and engaging experts in smart building technology, you create spaces that impress today and remain future-ready tomorrow.
