Today’s offices will continue to incorporate residential-inspired elements that recreate the comforts of home, but to truly be successful they must offer employees something that they fundamentally cannot get from home. Architecture, design, and sustainability firm FitzGerald has synthesized ideas and research on the reimagined workplace, described as four pillars. “We wanted to look at how the pandemic would fundamentally affect all of the ways that people interact with interior spaces and the built environment in every sector, from multifamily to senior housing,” explained Kristen Larkin, principal and director of interior design at FitzGerald.
With some companies making a push for a return to the office full-time, are such concepts essential? Larkin noted that most businesses will still incorporate some flexibility into their schedules, and that as work continues to change, the pillars will be updated as well. “I think most firms will land on some mix of hybrid, rather than five days a week,” she said. “And the pillars will evolve. They are active, not passive or the definitive word.”
Here are the tenets central to FitzGerald’s approach:
Connected
Spaces are now designed to immerse people into the culture of an organization. Environments foster a sense of community, centering around formal and informal interaction. Larkin noted that connections between company leaders and new employees can’t be built effectively when working remotely. “Being connected was for us, at its core, interacting human-to-human again. It really is about fostering relationships with colleagues, which aren’t as strong when you are working remotely. And innovation often happens during an impromptu meeting.”
Mentorship is an important factor that will shape how spaces are designed. “Those individuals just out of school and new to the workforce have missed out on the collaborative experiences that are key to professional development. We do want to have more than cubicles or conference-type settings, and we’re finding these softer, more relaxed lounge spaces where people can gather when they are physically in the workplace,” Larkin noted.
Healthy
Workplace environments must now help nurture the health, happiness, and wellbeing of staff members. “We are seeing more investment in not only the appearance of spaces, but features that are wellness-focused,” Larkin said. She added that while we still have a seamless flow of indoor-outdoor areas, amenities like fitness centers are paired with wellness rooms that serve multiple functions. “Wellness rooms are being prioritized, and those particular spaces are utilized for different functions, from a mini yoga studio to a prayer or meditation room.”
Larkin also noted that developers have boosted their wellness offerings, and companies want to rent in those spaces with amenities that complement their own. “A building will have a dedicated concierge who will make doctor’s appointments and organize group classes. There’s been a shift from emphasizing one or two elements like air-filtration or sanitation-based activities, to a broader, in-depth health focus, in tenant spaces and buildings as a whole.”
Smart
Smart technology is ever-evolving to allow seamless participation for all employees, regardless of their location. “Ideally, we are creating an environment and a furniture solution that supports technology,” Larkin noted. “And the technology has advanced so much that it is simpler, more user-friendly, and smaller. The quality of the video and audio is better, but how the room is designed plays a factor. So as best we are able to, we have to make sure the infrastructure is adaptable.”
Larkin added that the buildings themselves are becoming smarter, opening up a realm of possibilities for designers and employees. “We are most excited about smart building technology, although not many business owners have taken the plunge because it is still quite expensive,” she said. “The possibilities of what can be done with a cell phone that sits in your pocket are endless. The building recognizes you, and understands where you are going. It knows which rooms you are going to need. Like a smart computer that learns as it is used, the building makes improvements so that it can run more efficiently.”
Versatile
The workplace becomes a collection of adaptable spaces for learning, collaboration, and innovation. Individuals will seek inviting spaces that support their work needs during the day; from energetic shared hubs to quiet areas for focus. Larkin explained that the office should have more than pieces on casters. “Oftentimes, when people talk about adaptability, they think that just means moveable walls or raised access floors, and both are expensive features that aren’t actually the best solutions to our clients’ problems,” she said.
When placed strategically, furniture is a functional component that can enhance an office space without adding clutter. “We’ve moved away from things that are built in. Furniture can easily be moved and it is much more modular, Larkin noted. “For us, it is really looking at how the space is programmed so that it can play multiple roles. That is how we approach versatility; planning and finding the overlap to maximize the available space.”
