The Future Workplace
Project Details
Sector: Office & Workplace
Size: - 3,147 sqft
Services: Space Planning, 3D Design Concept, Furniture & Finish selections, Visualisation
The Challenge
Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our working practices to date and will continue to reshape how companies will use their office spaces in the future.
The return to office strategy will likely be based on hybrid working - a solution that will allow millions of people to enjoy the solitude of working from home as well as the essential interaction of the office environment. This movement has compelled the workplace design industry to re-think the office space and consider the shifting values of office culture for the future.
In light of this, DesignDoor have created a concept 'post pandemic' office design, demonstrating the prospective workplace experience.
" The future office needs to be adaptable, enticing & collaborative"
The Result
There were several key elements to focus on in the development of this design. Firstly, the space needed to be adaptable; to accommodate the worker's movement between home & office. Secondly, it needed to be collaborative; to offer the user different working solutions and in particular, video technology facilities. Finally, we needed to design an office that would entice the co worker back to the workplace; to create an environment that would encourage productivity with a relaxed 'home like' feel.
With this in mind, we opted for a design that featured a central communal 'hub'; a lounge area where people can gather from anywhere in the office to take a break or interact. Neighbouring the hub are multiple work solutions; To the left, informal working areas have been created, providing the user with a choice of permanent desking, private work booths or collaboration areas. To the right, we have more formal work solutions with meeting booths, meeting pods & a boardroom. Offering the user different places in which to work keeps the space flexible and allows the worker to choose between private working and collaboration, keeping them stimulated & engaged. Video conferencing facilities are featured across the office space, allowing easy interaction with those working from home.
To achieve the desired residential feel, we used a warm & rich colour palette of earthy tones. The space is naturally flooded with light and so selecting this palette allows the space to feel a little cosier without making it dark. Warm oak is a feature throughout; timber flooring define the walkways around the space and oak tongue and groove panelling factor on the walls. Soft furnishings like lounge chairs & sofas are featured in our informal areas, whilst sleek, minimal pieces have been used in the meeting zone.