How to Strengthen Workplace Experiences Through Timeless Design Principles?
The evolving trends and the market have caused a revolution of 'change' in the workplace design industry. With discoveries in materials, design genres, and aesthetics, it is easy to be mesmerized by evolving trends.
While workplace experiences must improve with time and technology, does it mean organizations must keep on altering designs as the trends come and go? It is true that businesses must rethink workplace design and experiences to constantly elevate the user experience. But at the same time aspects like the value of the real estate portfolio, viability of design and the ability of the design to stay relevant over time must be considered.
A commercial real estate portfolio is one of the greatest assets of any organization. Hence, while designing workplace experiences, paying attention to optimum space planning and ROI of design is essential to add value to the client's investment. Thus, as workplace designers, we at Zyeta, focus on developing designs that are timeless, designs that cater to the evolving needs of the users, and at the same time add value to the real estate portfolio.
So, let us explore how to execute a timeless workplace design that considers user experience as well as real estate value.
While the right mix of design & strategy is one of the ingredients of a timeless workplace design, what are the other essentials? Minimalistic design? or Functionality? or Focus on Neuro-diversity?
Let us have a look
Space Planning & Usage
This has been the most important driving factor. The industry is moving from designing for processes to designing for people. The perspective of looking at workplaces as a 'space to get tasks done' is changing and the activity-based planning approach is helping make workspaces optimized and de-densified, making workplaces timeless in the true sense.
Materiality
Form follows function. Isn't that true? Functionality adds more depth to aesthetics. Thus, choosing the right material palette to utilize every material's bare functionality and character is important. The use of nature-inspired, environmentally-friendly, and neutral materials like wood, concrete, stone, and metal, thus help balance the spatial quality and define the neutral spaces better.
Therefore, the integration of materials and brand image through finishes, furniture, art installations, etc aid in imbibing a timeless character to the workspace.
Future Considerations
Being timeless does not mean being rigid to innovation and evolution.
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To achieve an ever-evolving workplace environment we need a design strategy to make justice to the time, enegery, and finance spent on building the space. Thus, the design program must consider and identify user patterns, feasibility, and the scope for future expansion and have provisions for technological advancements.
Apart from these, with the evolving trends, there have emerged 3 foremost design principles that make workplaces timeless:
Sustainability
The principle of sustainability is integral to achieving timeless design, and it remains an ever-important topic in the design industry. When incorporating fixtures, finishes, furniture, and other elements into your design, selecting sustainable, low-carbon alternatives can ensure the longevity of your workspace while also demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
Functionality
A productive workplace should serve as a source of inspiration for its occupants. A key factor in achieving this is ensuring that every aspect of the design is intentionally placed with a clear function, ultimately streamlining and simplifying daily tasks. An effective way to optimize the available workspace is by using functional zoning techniques. This involves creating designated zones that cater to different modes of work, such as private focus areas for concentrated tasks, agile spaces for collaboration, and communal zones for socializing.
Comfort & Well-being
Prioritizing the comfort and well-being of your employees can act as a catalyst in the process of achieving timeless designs. Timely updating office setups to incorporate the latest ergonomic models, integrating technology-driven solutions, adhering to WELL-prescribed standards for employee health and well-being, etc can contribute to a more productive and inspiring workspace. It is essential to stay ahead of the curve to ensure that your employees have the necessary tools and the right environment to thrive in their work environment.
In Conclusion
Achieving a timeless design needs a well thought and well-defined strategy involving optimum space planning, efficient use of materials, and consideration of technology and innovation.
Insightful Right?
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