TOP OFFICE DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2018
Due to the constantly evolving work styles,
technology-centered and the surge of Millennials into the workforce, changes in
the workplace are but a necessity and are mostly for the better.
Providing a well-designed office that functions and improves performance of those in the workplace is necessary to increase productivity. Architectural design plays an important role in achieving such goal.
Providing a well-designed office that functions and improves performance of those in the workplace is necessary to increase productivity. Architectural design plays an important role in achieving such goal.
From emulating the comforts of home to the virtual reality
advancements, here are some key trends that is about to set out in the modern
workplace of 2018.
1. UNCONVENTIONAL WORK AREA
Nowadays, functional office spaces according to your businesses needs and enhances the performance of those who work within its walls is more of a necessity than a luxury. It is for these reasons that the architectural design of your office is highly important and why design trends are constantly changing and adapting to the demands of businesses. It highly affects our ability to work and be at our best productive, focused, and creative every time that we set foot in our workplace.
Unconventional office spaces does not have a very rigid typical office stereotype setting where people seem to be just part of a machine, but rather focus on encouraging team collaboration by getting workers together in unintended encounters such as on strategically placed common areas.
2. BIOPHILIC & GREEN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
Biophilia refers to the idea that humans have an instinctive bond with nature. Biophilic Design's idea is to bring inside the workplace what is basically found in the natural environment. Biophilic design leads to an increase of productivity (6%); well being (15%) and creativity (15%).
This idea goes more than just adding a few plants into the office, Biophilic design at its best utilizes the natural environment as an architectural framework to incorporate the patterns and forms of nature into the built environment with the use of textures, patterns, natural lighting, and live plants.
This trend is increasingly gaining acceptance in areas where nature is not easily attainable such as offices in high density commercial areas, and in more creative and progressive office spaces in big technology centers, business process outsourcing, and throughout the construction and engineering industries in general.
3. TECHNOLOGY ENABLED
With the recent technological advancement, we certainly can't disagree on the relevance of technology in today's world, and yes, office included. Although getting a workplace techie is no longer new, we can assume that the use of gadgets and other electronics enabled productivity tools and wireless technology will be more common in 2018.
Biometrics door access integrated to payroll, closed circuit security surveillance system, building automation and smart systems, cloud computing among others continue to gain wider acceptance and further enhancements to boost team performance and efficiency.
1. UNCONVENTIONAL WORK AREA
Nowadays, functional office spaces according to your businesses needs and enhances the performance of those who work within its walls is more of a necessity than a luxury. It is for these reasons that the architectural design of your office is highly important and why design trends are constantly changing and adapting to the demands of businesses. It highly affects our ability to work and be at our best productive, focused, and creative every time that we set foot in our workplace.
 |
| Dropbox Office (San Francisco, CA) |
Unconventional office spaces does not have a very rigid typical office stereotype setting where people seem to be just part of a machine, but rather focus on encouraging team collaboration by getting workers together in unintended encounters such as on strategically placed common areas.
 |
| Skype Office (Palo Alto, CA) |
“Physical space is the biggest lever to encourage collaboration,” according to Ben Waber, Ph.D., author of “People Analytics.”
2. BIOPHILIC & GREEN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
Biophilia refers to the idea that humans have an instinctive bond with nature. Biophilic Design's idea is to bring inside the workplace what is basically found in the natural environment. Biophilic design leads to an increase of productivity (6%); well being (15%) and creativity (15%).
 |
| Source: A Brief Introduction to Biophilic Design |
This trend is increasingly gaining acceptance in areas where nature is not easily attainable such as offices in high density commercial areas, and in more creative and progressive office spaces in big technology centers, business process outsourcing, and throughout the construction and engineering industries in general.
3. TECHNOLOGY ENABLED
With the recent technological advancement, we certainly can't disagree on the relevance of technology in today's world, and yes, office included. Although getting a workplace techie is no longer new, we can assume that the use of gadgets and other electronics enabled productivity tools and wireless technology will be more common in 2018.
 |
| Photo credit: http://www.homeautomationhub.co.uk/smart-office/ |
Biometrics door access integrated to payroll, closed circuit security surveillance system, building automation and smart systems, cloud computing among others continue to gain wider acceptance and further enhancements to boost team performance and efficiency.
About ten years ago, inclusion of budget for technology in construction costs represented only 7% of a company's interior construction budget. Nowadays, companies spend an average of 25% or more of total build-out cost.
 |
| SMART Building Solutions by EnModus |
The possibility of enabling technology in the workplace are limitless but here are some essential items to consider:
- app-controlled facilities for easy management
- automated security access and control
- power distribution & wireless charging
- smart connectivity
- online-based solutions
4. MILLENNIAL MIND APPROACH
Across the globe, the millennial generation or those people between the ages 15-24 makes up one-quarter of the population. A study made by Harris Poll on behalf of EY, a global integrated professional services organization, shows that the millennials will account for three-quarters of the global workforce by 2025.
 |
| Photo credit: https://apac.aonhewitt.com/home/insights-at-work/millennial-workforce-increase-employee-engagement |
It may not come as a surprise that they are the heavy users of digital technologies and thus, the organization builds on this strength as an advantage in order to boost productivity and develop better dynamics in the organization.
"The millennials tend to always look for that sense of purpose and contributes to the greater good. It is in this light that workplace designers should be able to visually translate into space how the workplace can exemplify these goals."
 |
| Photo Credits: Lindsey Pollak |
With these in mind, it is imperative that greater attention in the design process is given to the following:
1. technology driven and online connectivity
2. mobility and flexibility
3. are for collaboration
4. diversity
Mobile technology enables employees to work remotely from home, coffee shops or just about anywhere the productive minds can function well. Nevertheless, the workplace remains the place to converge and collaborate, socialize and connect.
With the comfort gained from flexible working environment, the need for space flexibility in terms of the type of work setting available to employees is ever growing. Instead of providing a more typical office layout, including an open plan, conference rooms and pantries, Architects will work with organizations to design spaces that addresses the daily needs of employees so they can move freely between different areas and easily get a space that will be suitable to their work requirements of the day.
With insights from Ar. clarice T. Perez, uap
(c) BUILD360 Incorporated
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