Office design trends of 2018
The main focus for office design in 2018 is based around creating a space that’s functional yet comfortable. Modern workspaces are being designed in an attempt to draw in the best employees, whilst designers and business owners are taking steps to ensure that employees can connect with their working environment. A workspace which encourages optimal productivity, happiness and comfort is the priority for designers this year, since it’s suggested that a workplace that stimulates a worker’s natural senses helps to improve performance.
A workspace which incorporates elements of our ultimate place of comfort, our home, is the latest trend and is referred to as ‘resimerical design’. It’s well known that a large proportion of our time is spent at work, so it’s important that a cosy, functional yet social space is created. More emphasis is now being placed on kitchen and bathroom areas, with kitchens being converted into a space that allows for socialising as well as making nutritious food. More importance is also being placed on gaming rooms and lounges, where employees can unwind and take a break from their work. Creating a home-from-home environment is the ultimate aim of 2018 office trends, and is most certainly an investment since it helps to improve employee productivity.
Biophilic design is set to become a huge design trend this year. Bringing the outdoors in not only adds a splash of natural colouring, but also taps in to our instincts and encourages optimal productivity. Placing something as small as pot plants, or mimicking natural textures by incorporating a table made of wood makes a difference to an otherwise artificial working environment.
Open and collaborative areas not only encourage better teamwork and co-operation, but it also helps to make the most of the office space, since employees are not confined to a single area. It’s a good idea to disperse comfortable, soft seating, such as arm chairs or beanbags around the floor space. With the advances of technology, employees are now able to work anywhere where there’s internet connection and plug sockets, and so sitting down on a beanbag with a laptop is now an option. Open space also resembles the all-important natural surroundings, creating a refreshing atmosphere which drives motivation and inspiration.
Designing a flexible and dynamic space facilitates for the easy rearranging and removal of furniture. This allows for future design changes and regular re-shifting of seating. Communal areas for brainstorming and informal meetings are also made easier by using easily moveable furniture, since employees can gather around comfortably to collaborate. In light of this, wall partitions are also becoming less popular. More portable, nature-inspired alternatives are now being installed by designers; dividers made with natural materials like bamboo and shrubbery. Not only do these enhance the increasingly popular biophilic design, but also can easily be used to transform a private meeting zone to a collaborative, communal working area.
Technology is, inevitably, the future of the workplace and is therefore being introduced to many offices. By providing work spaces with screens for presentations, smartboards and the ability for data sharing, technology is helping employees to work smarter and faster and is therefore improving businesses.
Health, comfort and nature are the focal points for office design trends this year. It’s simpler than many people realise to create a motivational working environment – creating a space which enables employees to use their senses and be surrounded by nature is the foundation for creating a happy and healthy office.
