No doubt the challenging times we have faced recently have brought about a ReView by companies of their existing office environments…what works and what doesn’t? And with this has created some exciting new innovations as all facets of the workspace are ReAssessed, the physical spaces ReCalibrated and the equipment and furniture requirements ReConsidered. So what are the emerging office trends? We highlight six of them below…
‘Flexibilty’ has been the catch-cry of 2020/2021 and nowhere has it been more necessary than the workspace. In particular, flexible office furniture options are perfect for daily/weekly/monthly fluctuations in staff numbers and therefore changing workplace requirements.
The wellbeing of employees is paramount at the moment and is increasingly a priority in office design. One of the latest office trends is to work standing up as office work is notorious for being predominantly desk based as employees sit and stare at a computer screen for hours on end. It is proven that sustained periods of sitting down is not good for health and can increase the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, chronic inflammation as well as resulting in a 20% drop in “good” cholesterol. Standing up while working can help to offset some of these health risks.
The Joinery Makers’ Bond Sit/Stand Workstation combines robust functionality and stylish modern design, whilst providing options to suit the individual. These Sit/Stand desks allow users to transition from the seated position to standing with the touch of a button, promoting a healthier work environment and improved productivity.
Specifically the Bond Sit/Stand Workstations feature:
Adjustable height to allow user to sit or stand while working
Operated by an LED touchscreen that extends and retracts with a gentle push
Programmable four height memory function
Two motors for even lift, longevity and quiet motion
Pedestal-style two leg design with discreet wiring
Anti-collision sensor
Three-stage column legs for smooth movement at a constant speed of 40mm/sec
Maximum load of 120kg
Available in single and double options, the desk width, tabletop size and finish can be customised to suit:
Single: 1200–1800W x 680D (base of legs) x 1270H (upper) – 620H (lower)
Double: 1200–1800W x 1355D (base of legs) x 1270H (upper) – 620H (lower)
“Acoustic performance in the workplace has long been a key focus when designing spaces, especially for agile or activity-based workplaces. What we’re seeing now is an even greater focus on acoustics as people return to the workplace.
Reviewing acoustic mapping during the briefing process helps businesses and designers understand the acoustic nuances that align with different work settings. People are more acoustically sensitive post-Covid and workplaces will need to be tailored to ensure there is acoustic layering. Failing to address this might discourage people from returning to the office altogether because it’s too distracting, loud or uncomfortable for people to be productive.”
Excerpt from an article by Richard Healy on www.indesignlive.com
Acoustic panelling was utilised to great effect in the main office space and in the collab booths at the recently completed TOPIC Interiors office fitout project at 477 Collins St, Melbourne.
With many employees working remotely and possibly fewer guests entering workplaces, we are finding our clients are opting for smaller meeting room spaces. This is not to say that the classic ‘boardroom’ has become obsolete, it certainly still has a purpose, it just may not be utilised as often as it once was. On the flip-side, larger meeting room spaces do allow for adequate social distancing which will be a relevant consideration for the unforeseeable future.
Pictured above is a selection of varying sized boardroom spaces specified by our clients and recently completed by TOPIC Interiors at 530 Collins St and 189 Flinders Lane both in the Melbourne CBD.
“The humble office plant isn’t new, but in 2021 expect to see greenery taken to the next level as the focus on employee wellbeing continues to grow. Biophilic design isn’t just about a pot on a desk – although that’s a good start. It is about introducing nature more profoundly into internal and external design, to reconnect with nature and bring the outdoors in. Think living green walls, plant partitions…indoor office gardens and even marine ‘gardens’, complete with fish, built into seating or breakout areas.
Nature is well known to boost mood, reduce anxiety and stress…promoting employee health and wellbeing outcomes.”
An excerpt from the article ‘Workspace design trends shaping the future of work in 2021’ by Donna Zampino.
Artificial greenery was was used to great effect at the recently completed TOPIC Interiors office fitout project at 477 Collins St, Melbourne.
The Joinery Makers range of Coventry artificial plants add the feel of a living element within the office environment without the hassle of maintaining a real plant.
The Ivy product can be draped, hung or woven throughout an office, with multiple pieces used to create a green wall effect. Our Interior Designers have utilised this artificial greenery with striking results, shown here at the recently completed office fitout project at 477 Collins St, Melbourne.
The Mother-in-law Toungue and Agave pot plants fit three across in the Trafalgar Planter Box as pictured below. Used in this way, the plants and planter box combination add a softer form of privacy within an officespace setting where workstations are featured.
Dimensions (mm):
250 Diameter x 210H (Pot)
900H (Mother-in-law Tongue)
400H (Agave)
Making employees feel safe in the work environment in these challenging times, will continue to be a feature of workplace design briefs going forward. The challenge is to come up with ways of co-dividing space that won’t impede infection control or compromise the appeal and functionality of the space. Ultimately, employees need to feel safe but they also want to feel connected to their workplace, so designers are now considering other design-led options that still enable physical distancing, but are more visually appealing and will be a more viable long-term solution.
Joinery Makers’ range of Oxford privacy screens are made of an attractive noise-absorbing fabric that attach to our workstations with a simple clasp, and provide a sense of privacy as well as an acoustic barrier in open plan workspaces. Aiding with social-distancing requirements in offices, privacy screens add a physical boundary between workmates and an element of personal protection. These screens fit with Joinery Makers’ Oxford and Bond workstations. Available in five different colours: grey fabric acoustic panel; charcoal fabric acoustic panel; grey acoustic panel; chocolate fabric acoustic panel & mint fabric acoustic panel.
With austerity threatening to sneak into our everyday, there is a design-led surge to embrace all that is interesting, creative and unique in the workplace! Here are some of the most outstanding furniture pieces we have come across recently that are providing great inspiration to the Joinery Makers Design Team…
From a simple office furniture RePlenishment, to a complete workspace ReDesign…and everything in between, our TOPIC Interiors ReShaping Team can help you to ReImagine your work environment at this time. In collaboration with our bespoke office furniture partner Joinery Makers, we will be sure to bring true innovation to your next interior fitout project.
If you would like to find out more about our company, or need help navigating the post-COVID-19 officespace minefield, please contact Andrew Hicks on: andrew@topicinteriors.com.au or phone 0407 220 952.
