As our CBD’s gradually come back to life, with workers slowly ReTurning to their offices and ReAdjusting to a post-COVID Australian working environment, we ReAssess whether it is prudent to ReFurbish or ReBuild office buildings, and ReFlect on what it is to have a good workplace culture…particularly in these trying times.
As the dust settles from Covid-19, building owners are looking to reposition their assets in a market that has been turned on its head. How do they answer the tough questions and make a fast decision?
Whether to rebuild or refurbish is a vexing question for most building owners at one time or another. Many factors come into play – the age and condition of the asset, budget, costs, time, financing, as well as the loss of income during rebuilding or the opportunity cost from refurbishment.
Five trends are reshaping real estate and each brings new questions for owners looking to reposition their assets.
Health and wellbeing
The proliferation of personal healthtech has “upped the ante” for building owners. As people look for reassurance that their spaces are healthy, the question for building owners is: ‘Can I create a smart spine in my existing asset?’.
Smart systems
Smart buildings are the backbone of smart cities and smart building technology can deliver immediate cost savings, drive down energy bills and reduce maintenance costs. The smartest buildings are also equipped with the right tools to understand and respond to customer preferences and to deliver a better experience. So, ask yourself: ‘Is my building smart for people?’.
Flexibility first
Workplace flexibility may be here to say, but flexible space shouldn’t be confused with coworking. It will also be flexible and adaptable to climate change, pandemics, shifts in customer demand. The big question for asset owners is ‘Will my building be able to flex and adapt to these big changes ahead?’.
Experience economy
Real estate companies are in a rapid race to give building occupants more than just what they want. They must also anticipate their needs. The question for any building owner looking to refurbish or rebuild? ‘Can I create a great experience?’.
Climate actionGreen, low-energy buildings are higher-value, lower-risk assets that routinely achieve higher sale premiums and attract and retain more tenants. As investors and owners manage the risks associated with the transition to a lower carbon economy, the question is clear: ‘Is my asset climate ready?’.
(Extract taken from Karen Jamal’s article featured on www.propertycouncil.com.au on April 19, 2021)
Pictured above: Premium refurbishment of Level 7 (2000 sqm+) at the iconic 530 Collins St, Melbourne for long-standing client the GPT Group. This project included the design and construct of 4 separate tenancies, a central business hub and new amenities.
Inspired initially by the groundbreaking Google HQ, workplace culture has risen steadily as a priority on the agenda of businesses since the beginning of the internet age
Today, the progressive workplace has become a whole design genre of its own — and Silicon Valley is no longer home to the ‘best in class’. Businesses, small and large, of all industries have copped on to the fact that a workplace designed well can act as a tool to enable greater opportunities for collaboration and activity based work, as well as valuable bait for attracting the right kind of talent. And as we enter the ‘post-covid’ world, with widespread newfound flexibility on where and how we work, the ‘office’ seems to be rapidly becoming the linchpin of workplace culture.
Now, more than ever, place plays a vital role in the cultivation of office culture, and businesses are increasingly looking to designers to create unique, engaging and desirable places to work.
(Extract taken from Vicki Wilson’s article featured on www.indesignlive.com.au on April 16, 2021)
The TOPIC Interiors Design Team takes great pride in assisting companies to establish a vibrant, positive and productive workplace culture through creative and thoughtful design of the intended spaces. Reflecting on the ‘Soho Loft’ project at 189 Flinders Lane, Melbourne completed for TOPIC Interior’s client DEXUS, Lead Interior Designer Lina Hosni explains…
“The primary focus of this project was to design an exciting, lively and very unique office space, that not only addressed several design challenges with regards to the minimal supply of natural lighting and lack of city views, but that would simply be a great place to work! From an interior design perspective this was achieved by drawing upon the existing industrial like ceilings alongside materiality, bold finishes, eclectic joinery and lots of greenery. Offering flexibility, large kitchen/breakout spaces, private and collaborative zones, ample storage options and inviting entrances, these office spaces provide a playful, themed use of space and therefore an aesthetically pleasing work environment, no doubt elevating the occupant’s workplace culture to new levels!”.
Located in the central business district of Melbourne, Flinders Lane, once home to the cities rag trade and boutique designers is now full of loft apartments, cafés and high end bars/restaurants. Known for its Soho atmosphere and chic buildings, the laneway forms the inspiration behind the design concepts for the boutique whole floor office interiors at 189 Flinders Lane.
Drawing inspiration from the playful interior of the iconic CHIN CHIN restaurant in Melbourne, this tenancy plays on rich textures and bold finishes contrasted against pops of soft pastel colours used throughout upholstery, tiles and paint finishes. The large neon image against the clear mirror in the kitchen is definitely the hero of the kitchen/breakout area space. What a fun and uplifting environment to work in!
The Property Council of Australia has secured a first of its kind industry partnership with the City of Melbourne to deliver their Fab Friday’s initiative, which will be rebadged as FOMO Fridays, as a key plank of the FOMO Campaign.
Together with the City of Melbourne and the Australian Retailers Association, FOMO Fridays will be delivered every Friday from 14 May to 4 June and will involve a range of incentives, activations, and exciting activities to bring the Melbourne CBD to life on Fridays.
FOMO Fridays will entice city workers to make Friday an office day, and give people a good reason to stay, play and spend in our city after work. This high-profile campaign will include digital, print, outdoor advertising, and social media.
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.
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.
