Offices are progressing rapidly, moving towards an ecosystem of flexible spaces designed for multiple activities, where human interaction will take on a vital role. Hotel spaces are having a profound impact on the design of offices, and the lines between the two are becoming increasingly blurred. By competing with hotels, the idea is to turn the office into a service. Instead of just being another of a company’s assets, it will take shape and foster the appearance of hybrid office spaces which also contain other models, such as commercial, cultural spaces, temporary rental for events, among others.
The teleworking boom has resulted in companies all over the world debating over the need for fixed facilities, instead exploring the possibility of lighter structures which allow them to be more reactive in the event of similar crises. As mixed remote work models start gain steam, companies will reduce the size of their office spaces – 73% of British business leaders plan to scale down their offices in the coming year (Source: Accumulate Capital) – and they will begin to change them in order to take advantage of the property asset outside of office hours. In the U.S., 87% of company directors aim to adjust their property strategy during the next year and invest in decentralised locations (Source: PWC).
In addition to questions regarding companies’ running costs, adopting a more interdisciplinary approach to work will result in the creation of new and unexpected inter-relations between business and projects of a different nature.
The office as a business asset will aim to be self-sufficient, independent and more efficient in profiting on the hours that it is not occupied. This way, offices will be able to be reconverted into commercial spaces or cultural centres simply by reconfiguring the space. Solutions for working spaces will continue to make progress at the expense of an aesthetic that takes inspiration from residential and hotel spaces. The link-up between office spaces and commercial spaces will be a trend worth monitoring in the coming years.
For offices to take on new functions, they must have the ability to reconfigure the space simply and quickly.
Offices are leaving behind their technical appearance, instead donning a more homely style which draws them nearer to the language adopted by hospitality spaces.
Offices as an asset are joining forces with other local entities to change and be able to offer new functions, such as training centres, cultural foundations, associations and commercial premises.
Technical equipment and office furniture are taking on a new appearance and are aiming for a design code which enables them.
