DESIGN FOR THE WORK-LIFE SPECTRUM
THE HOME IN THE OFFICE
MORE RESIDENTIAL FEATURES IN WORKPLACE DESIGN, AND MORE WORKPLACE FEATURES IN RESIDENTIAL DESIGN.
As we become more connected, the edges of “work” and “life” will tend to get fuzzier. Work will gradually increase throughout the morning and tail off in the evening (with more flexibility built in work hours and work location). There is a “spectrum” of intensities, as opposed to a black and white distinction.
To get a handle on this, we can use a concept called “time blocking” (some people would call it a calendar) – setting aside blocks of time during the week for specific tasks. Homes and offices need spaces to accommodate these blocks.
COMMUTING
EXPECT CONTINUED GROWTH IN WORKFROM-HOME
One block of time that is experienced by the great majority of workers is commuting. Everyone has had miserable experiences during the commute, be it in a car or on public transportation. It can mentally and physically taxing, plus less commuting saves time and energy.
• The average person spends one hour per day commuting
• Transportation accounts for approximately one third of greenhouse gases produced in the United States
• Commuting is the primary reason that workers do not want to return to the office
VIRTUAL MEETINGS
NEW CONFERENCE ROOM DESIGN.
VIRTUAL OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS.
TRULY DEDICATED HOME OFFICES.
SUBSIDIZED WORKPLACE NEEDS FOR THE HOME.
One way to avoid the commute is through virtual meetings. As we’ve learned during the pandemic, these are a fantastic and faulty tool. We need to remember that virtual communication is in its infancy.
• Focus on space, technology and protocol
• Virtual meeting technology is improving, with unlimited potential
• Expect a virtual component to every meeting
• Organize spaces to reflect this – size and shape, furniture, technology, protocol
• The goal is equality between virtual and in-person participants
IAQ AND THE ENVIRONMENT
INCREASING DEMAND FOR HIGH INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE FEATURES.
INCREASING DEMAND FOR NATURAL LIGHT, VIEWS AND NATURAL VENTILATION.
THE OFFICE AS A DESTINATION.
THE OFFICE AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR.
If you DO have to commute, you want to go somewhere that you like to be.
75% of workforce will be millennials by 2025. They value sustainable principles and a healthy environment. A high-quality office combined with a flexible policy will attract and retain talent.
The main office can serve as the cultural foundation of a company, a place for orientation for new employees, a place to interface with clients and a technological hub that integrates local offices and home offices into a broad workplace model.
FUTURE DEMAND OF OFFICE SPACE
• Work from home and hybrid work models reduce demand
• Higher employment, more office jobs, lower density office spaces drive demand
• Over time, multi-family will continue to outpace office construction but office will continue to grow
