New tasks require new modes of working. Today, work happens more quickly and in more places as developing technologies offer variety and mobility to a growing community of creatives and knowledge workers. As the dividing lines between departments and tasks are blurred, the desire for flexibility and comfort in the office is driving a shift toward ancillary (or more informal) spaces that offer more than the traditional desk-and-task-chair combination. So much so that industry trade association BIFMA is updating their categories to reflect the new office solutions being used.
Both workspace destinations that promote collaboration and environments that facilitate privacy and focus are necessary to create an office that supports a workforce with today’s diverse tasks and personalities. In this month’s news aggregate, we see how ancillary spaces like lounges, cafés and breakout spaces are moving from the edges to the center of workplace design.
Versatility and domesticity were among the top trends spotted at NeoCon 2016, reflecting an increased demand for solutions for ancillary spaces. Office Snapshots rounded up their favorite designs that think outside of the traditional conference room, including the welcoming and refined Potrero415 Table Collection from Coalesse.
See how even in-between spaces can be designed for creative collaboration with the newest Coalesse planning ideas.
Residential influences like comfort and craftsmanship are some of the greatest strengths of ancillary spaces, as the best qualities of the home and “third places” for work like coffee shops are translated to a more productive office setting. Metropolis Magazine recently hosted a roundtable discussion, Q&A: Designing for Privacy and Collaboration in the Workplace with architecture firm Olson Kundig to explore how these influences can create more human-centered workplaces.
Learn how residential-inspired designs like the new Massaud Conference Seating are creating attractive solutions for an inspirational workplace.
The popularity of remote working and informal interiors has raised questions about the role of the office for the modern workforce. Forbes shows that the office is still the most productive place to work, but companies must adapt and incorporate multiple floorplans to support the needs of individuals and groups alike. Bizjournals shows how workers can find better wellness and productivity at the office when provided with customized ancillary spaces like a lounge or work café.
Organizations must offer not just a variety of environments at the office, but provide the right spaces for their unique teams to make the company campus the ideal location for doing the best work. The Guardian took a look this month at how work culture and brand identity can be strengthened through authentic ancillary design that serves specific personal needs rather than catering to trends.
