Transforming office spaces
Office spaces through the years have evolved into highly modern, whimsical and thematic environments.
Care should still be given, however, to designing these spaces with the proper color psychology for work, the function of each area, the distance between workspaces and the level of comfort we always strive for.
Design is mostly based on the work to be done, the positions of the people using the space, as well as the traffic and mobility of everyone within the office.
There is also a time-and-motion study involving the work itself. The designer usually spends a few days in the current office space to study the workflow of the staff and understand how people move and work throughout the day.
This article looks at new finishes, furniture and design features that can be applied to today’s offices.
Acoustic lighting
This all-in-one feature is so handy, and it’s pretty too. I haven’t seen an acoustic light I didn’t like! It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, lights up the space well and helps manage sound within the office.
Pods
Nothing really new in the ballgame, but pods remain well loved by office workers for the instant privacy and quiet they provide. They offer a place where people can meditate, do their work in silence, hold private conversations, get hired or fired, or even get reprimanded!
Lounge pods
These are among the best when it comes to comfort. Nowadays, office people work from almost anywhere, from their desks and sofas to coffee tables, bar counters, the pantry or even the reception area.
Lounge pods spread throughout the office can provide a welcome break from the usual workstation or simply offer another comfortable area where people can get work done.
Acoustic screens
I love this feature because it lessens the need for walls while still helping define spaces and control sound. They look great too.
Transformable furniture
Desks that can be concealed, furniture with built-in planters, movable desk panels, demountable wall panels and multifunctional island work counters provide flexible settings for staff and give new meaning to working anywhere in the office.
These features allow spaces to change depending on what is needed throughout the day.
Bleacher seating
This is quite popular with younger office staff because its different stepped elevations allow people to find their own little spot, bury themselves in an iced latte or hot matcha and get some work done on the laptop.
It is casual, flexible and a refreshing alternative to the usual desk-and-chair setup.
Alcoves
Walls can be converted into alcoves for seating. These spaces give a feeling of being in a cocoon, making one feel warm, comfortable and slightly removed from the activity around them.
They offer a place where people can relax, focus or simply settle in to complete their tasks for the day.
Pop-up outlets
It’s needed everywhere. Need I say more?
With people working throughout the office rather than just at their desks, easy access to power has become increasingly important.
Canopy seating
People like sitting together comfortably while still having a sense of their own space. This type of furniture helps solve that problem. These accent pieces can come with lights, canopies and even speakers, and they can be reconfigured in many ways depending on how the office needs to use the space.
Print and color
Layering print and color in an office can make the workplace livelier and more exciting to see every day. Used properly, they can also help define different spaces and give an office more personality without affecting its function.
Interesting furniture and accessories
The JJ lamp from Anglepoise is an XXL version of the classic study lamp and makes a very cute statement piece for lounges and open areas.
Funky sofas and modular seating by Paola Lenti and the Campana Brothers are equally stunning. Inspired by nature and designed with sustainability in mind, some pieces make use of discarded materials, including fast-fashion waste, which are recycled and transformed into furniture.
Modern office design is no longer limited to desks, cubicles and meeting rooms. With people working in different ways throughout the day, today’s workplace can offer a variety of settings while still keeping comfort, function and productivity at the center of the design.
Photo sources: Interior Design Magazine, author’s own projects
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
