Collaboration Spaces for the Hybrid Era 

In the hybrid era, designers and employees alike are rethinking collaboration spaces, whether they are in a corporate setting or hospitality environment. Central spots give employees the comfort and flexibility they want, while accommodating a range of functions. They can move around the office but still come back to an area designed for connection. “These spaces are more relaxed now,” said Melissa Banko, founder and principal, Banko Design. “We’ve moved away from the designated zones that we saw during the pandemic to hubs that are more inviting.” 

These clusters allow people to collaborate and meet in person, without having to reserve a conference room or sit at assigned seats. With set boundaries or borders in an office, there is a perception of more control and productivity,  but restrictions hamper creativity. Groups tend to be smaller for brainstorming sessions now, and nooks are ideal for impromptu meetings. “If someone can easily pull up a chair or ottoman to talk to a colleague, they can share ideas freely and that’s when innovation happens,” Banko noted.  

Today’s collaboration spaces feature elements borrowed from hospitality design. Photos courtesy of Banko Design

Banko also explained that rearranging existing pieces, particularly seating, is an effective way to create a collaboration space without the expense of a major overhaul. And because people have been working from home for so long, they are used to lounge seating. “Furniture has been used for many years to provide structure in open plan offices. We are still going to have desks, they are not going away completely, but overall, there is less formality. Staff and visitors respond to that because it is familiar,” she said.   

Looking at how people work in each different setting, and learning about the company’s core values by engaging with staff, allows designers and product manufacturers to offer solutions that can be adjusted over time for maximum flexibility.I want to know about the culture of an organization, and how best to support that going forward in this hybrid world. I want to know how people are operating and working every day, but I also want to know how they are feeling, and what they are missing,” Banko added. 

Staff members can collaborate in nooks with comfortable seating.

Less staff may be in the office at any given time, but that doesn’t mean support or the products that they need should be reduced. For Banko, the key is finding the right balance. ”Companies have changed seating arrangements to better accommodate the volume of people. But we are finding that everyone wants more options, and they are more casual. We’ll have banquettes paired with wood chairs because users want to collaborate anywhere, from the lounge to kitchen. We are known for our multifamily projects, and we have included co-working spaces that really are a blend of hospitality and office environments.” 

While there continues to be an emphasis on collaboration areas that are reminiscent of hotel lobbies, Banko said as technology advances we can expect not just a Zoom room or two, but more immersive environments. “The changes we are experiencing are happening rapidly. I am sure there will be learning center-type spaces where people can get to take classes for personal development, not just job training. And that adds another layer, but it is all about places that have multiple functions.” 

Areas for collaboration are now less structured.

Residential touches are still important, paired with the performance of contract-grade fabrics. Yet crossover from all sectors creates an eclectic mix that make these areas unique. “We are no longer tied to only selecting one type of fabric or one type of sofa. And vintage pieces can sit right next to a custom design,” Banko said. “The goal is to bring in warmth, and we can add and subtract a little bit until we get there. It’s fun to play with color and texture.” 

Banko added that softness, from plush materials to curved forms, are essential in collaboration spaces, not just the main areas of the workplace.“People still want those respite spaces where you can decompress and take a quick break, but we are no longer in isolation and we are not designing for one person. I think that the office has to provide a certain level of comfort for these smaller work communities and teams, so that they feel good about gathering together again.”

Smaller groups can meet in lounge areas.
A mix of textures and plush materials bring softness to collaboration spaces.