MOP: A New Approach to Public Spaces in Residential Buildings
Until recently, few people paid attention to the appearance of common areas in apartment buildings. Typical entrances and elevator lobbies often appeared as unwelcoming spaces, either too brightly lit or poorly illuminated. Enhancements to these areas were usually left to the residents, but most people preferred to pass through them quickly without lingering.
However, the era of such bland common spaces is fading into the past. Growing competition in the real estate market and increasing buyer demands are pushing developers to focus more on the design of MOPs—common areas in residential buildings. Today, it’s not just the size and layout of the apartment that matter, but every detail. To ensure a project’s success, developers need to stand out from the competition, and a unique MOP design offers one way to make a lasting impression.

MOP as a Measure of Housing Quality
In modern residential developments, entrance areas and lobbies on the ground floor are becoming more spacious and functional across all market segments. These spaces are the first thing people encounter when entering a building, and they set the tone for the comfort and prestige of the residence. Features like a concierge desk, storage areas for strollers and bicycles have become standard in economy and mid-range housing. In premium-class buildings, the ground floor space resembles the reception of a five-star hotel. It’s no longer just an “entrance area,” but a lobby with high ceilings, waiting and relaxation areas, a café, and concierge services. A design project for MOPs at this level may include natural marble, live plants, fountains, or even art installations.

The rise of remote work and the expansion of delivery services have also influenced MOP designs in new developments. They now often include small coworking spaces—areas for work or meetings—and mail rooms for receiving packages or deliveries. Developers are keen to incorporate these new trends into residential projects and consider the design of common spaces from the planning stage, entrusting the MOP design to experienced architectural firms. In these cases, a custom design is developed for each building or complex, with its own color palette, selection of materials, and decorative elements.
Aesthetics of Public Spaces
Another important trend is the use of high-quality materials and more luxurious finishes. Basic, low-cost solutions like plain monochromatic paint are no longer acceptable, even for stairwells and elevator lobbies. Today, MOP design not only emphasizes practicality and durability but also aesthetics. When people buy an apartment, they are also purchasing a certain lifestyle, which should extend to the spaces outside their homes.
Trends in MOP finishes closely follow those in interior design. Light, bright colors, panoramic glazing, tasteful greenery, and one or two accent features—such as a decorative panel or a mirror with ambient lighting—are highly valued.
Of course, more expensive finishes impact the overall cost of the MOP design, but involving renowned designers, incorporating thoughtful functionality, and using natural materials significantly enhance the comfort of residents. These factors also serve as an excellent tool for attracting buyers and building a strong marketing strategy. Beautiful, distinctive common areas become the home’s calling card and a source of pride, while properties with poorly finished MOPs are becoming harder to sell. This trend is only expected to intensify in the future.