Rapidly advancing technology, the hybrid working model and a greater focus on health and wellbeing – these are but a few of the driving forces behind the changing face of workplace design in recent years. While many are quick to cite a global pandemic as the root of change, the leading designer’s say change was already happening. “The pandemic simply accelerated a future that was already coming our way,” says Kristi Simpson, Principal and Global Workplace Leader for Woods Bagot. Gone are the days of segmented and hierarchal layouts with pin-board dividers among a sea of grey, as we usher in a new era of multipurpose hubs designed to foster collaborations, spark creativity and prioritise employee wellbeing.
“The value of the workspace has transformed dramatically in recent years,” says Chris Morley, Head of Design, Millerknoll. “Today it goes beyond layout to become a hub for human connections and collaborative innovation. More than ever, design must create spaces where all employees actively want to be - not just for tasks, but to build rapport that sparks creativity.”
“What the last couple of years has taught us is that rapid and radical change can be readily accepted. We’ve seen transformations across how we work, huge progression in digital practice, and a rise in the recognition of the power of workplace culture and important changes in our understanding of leadership,” says Kirsti Simpson, Woods Bagot Principal, Global Workplace Leader.Raising the bar
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Commercial Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Commercial Design.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN THE GLOBAL FURNITURE INDUSTRY
The 2024 edition of CIFF Guangzhou broke records and was a major boost to international furniture trade
MAINTENANCE THROUGH BIM
Understanding the benefits of BIM in building operations
BEYOND THE CONVENTIONAL
The design story of HDFC Life's new office by Beyond Architects
MONUMENTALITY AND INTIMACY IN DESIGN
Blending corporate efficiency with museum-inspired artistry: The RP Sanjiv Goenka Group corporate office designed by Kolkata-based Abin Design Studio
CREATING HEALING ENVIRONMENTS WITH EVOLVING DESIGN STRATEGIES
Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Vrushali Mhatre shares insight into the changing approaches to healthcare design
HEALTHCARE DESIGN FOR A BETTER WORLD
Are healthcare facilities leading the way for design that makes a real difference?
CRAFTING CULTURAL NARRATIVES
Delving into the architectural genius of SJK Architects
FROM MINIMALISM TO MAXIMALISM: UNDERSTANDING THE SHIFT IN ARCHITECTURAL TRENDS
Exploring the dynamic spectrum of design movements and cultural resonance in contemporary architecture.
DISRUPTING THE NORM: REIMAGINING ART CONSULTANCY FOR THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR
Rachael Brown, co-founder and creative director of Capsule Arts, on why the hospitality design sector needs a new approach to art consultancy
A PARADIGM SHIFT IN AEC THINKING
Computational design has firmly established its role within the AEC industry as a transformative approach across multiple disciplines, offering new possibilities in efficiency, innovation, and performance optimisation.