There is no denying that the office environment is changing. It’s shifting from a focus on “trappings” and the integration of technology to the exchange of ideas with a focus on employee engagement, incubation, cross-pollination and co-working. As the workspace culture changes, more walls are coming down and hierarchies are flattening, creating open and flexible floor plan concepts. For the emerging millenial and ensuing changing corporate culture, the corner office is no longer seen as a prize.
In today’s workplace the idea of office isolation has been turned on its head. Today’s workers want to know what the office is going to do for them instead of what they can do for the office. Of little surprise, Tech companies and co-working spaces are popping up across the globe, setting the mold and leading the way. What is working is a space that fosters transparency, flexibility and offers multiple choices as to how and where one can work and an environment that imitates life outside the office.
Tech Wildcatter’s Headquarters interweaves lifestyle amenities such as ping-pong tables, entertainment, social bar areas, rest areas as well as whimsical work areas that reflect the company’s dual needs for interaction and privacy. New furnishings include stand-up desks and colorful lounge chairs by Koleksiyon which add to the playfulness of the space’s design. The reception area is designed to be a social gathering place to facilitate interaction and mobility and to be enjoyed by all. Mentorship is also a big idea behind Tech Wildcatters which aims to combine co-working space for start-up companies. The clever space design includes floating meeting rooms and presentation stage which fosters opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. Nil Tuzun, architect and a designer, understands the effect that a home and an office has on one’s entire life. Offices and homes are about creating a story around the people who live and work there. It is also about creating a community and an eco-system. Normally, companies would go on a retreat to see themselves as a whole, but with this new work space and a new work culture, there’s a greater level of awareness of belonging to something like the a college or social club. The architect believes that the perfect office starts with understanding the kind of culture an office is trying to create. After that it’s about the right combination of flexible space; individual work space, communal space, social space, private/quiet space, pet-friendly space and the addition of art. It is the energy and the vibe that promotes productivity. Part of working productively is being able to take a break. Creating a comfort level, for someone who needs to play with their dog, to have a snack, to play a game of foosball makes the office a significant part of everyday life. Good design equals value and by designing work spaces that promote creativity and satisfaction, the employees are happier and more productive when they come to work. What works in a new office design is a space that fosters transparency and flexibility, offers multiple choices as to how and where to work and an environment that imitates life outside the office. When employees are happy, clients are happy. The work space is changing and design plays a major role in the way people live, work and play.
