The first Workplace Design Show took place at the Business Design Centre in Islington from 4th to 5th November 2021. Featuring suppliers and speakers specialising in the world of workplace interiors, the show succeeded in attracting a mix of architects, designers and end users seeking inspiration to shape future workspaces.
Cross sector idea sharing
We attended other events in the 18 months from 2020, both virtual and in person, and the resounding impression was that there isn’t any fixed workspace design model. It’s important that organisations design to fit their own industry and culture, and there is a lot a borrowing of ideas between sectors.
Soon it may be difficult to tell whether you’re in a hotel lobby, airport lounge or high-class corporate pied-à-terre for out of town employees. Is that a bad thing though?
What do people want from the office?
Many people need the office because they lack any other space to be able to work. Some people want to meet with others face to face, for formal meetings or just convivial co-working. Others crave a quieter space, or the familiarity of a routine that includes a commute as headspace between home and work. The Workspace Design show presented solutions to fit all of these needs.
Sound insulation
We saw a number of sound-insulated booths for those who need complete isolation from noise, enough evidence in itself that not everyone wants wall to wall teamworking in the office. We also saw numerous acoustic panel solutions, which will hopefully lead to more creative ways to separate different teams or individuals working on different tasks. Nooks and booths for an intimate meeting for two were popular also.
Moveable furniture
For the most part all of these options were fixed, which seemed to miss an important opportunity. Even before the pandemic, our ThinkingWall range of mobile whiteboard-based furniture fit the brief for many who wanted flexible, adaptable work zones. When walls are on wheels, nothing needs to stay permanently in position.
Flex to fit
Hybrid working has become the norm for many in a relatively short space of time. For those for whom this model works, it means requirements for meeting spaces and workstations could change day to day.
Perhaps the ultimate solution is not to have one layout, but the option to change your mind?
Give us a call or fill out the form below, we’d love to chat about how we can make this happen.
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