We all are familiar with how technology has changed how we all conduct business, but did you know that the design tastes of office users have also change dramatically over the past few years? A trained eye can usually pick out the decade which a modern building was erected. The all glass look of the 70’s and 80’s, the Mediterranean inspired architectural of the 80’s and 90’s to the more modernistic influences today. What’s happening on the inside these buildings is going through a transition as well.
The staid look of the past of dark wood, segregated offices and winding corridors have all gone to the wayside. Taking its place is a more open work environment. The high-tech look once just the domain of the software companies has become the new ‘go-to’ look. Private offices now employ generous usage of glass partitions to throw more light into their less fortunate co-workers. Even the work cubes themselves seem to have changed, where the high walls have become lower. All of these changes are designed to encourage a more collaborative work environment and a more social setting.
The old segregated interior offices spaces of dark woods and limited natural light are falling by the wayside.
The rapidly changing field of technology has also encouraged more flexibility as more folks are untethered to their desks and have gone wireless. Some companies have even enabled their employees to work in a virtual setting (i.e. work at home), although I think that trend may be reversing itself somewhat. Some of that trend was a result of companies looking to reduce overhead costs. Another trend that has had a more limited amount of success has been the ‘virtual office’. In the virtual office the worker has no personal desk, just plug and play.
Bright and open offices spaces with windows and glass walls are the beacon of light for the new corporate offices. Low cubicle walls, exposed ceilings and bright walls are bringing the office game into the next era of workplace design.
The industrial loft ceilings of exposed girders and air-conditioning ductwork is a much favored look today. The walls are usually stark white with rich accents punctuating the space at focal points. The ‘clean’ look is definitely in vogue. In our own leasing practice, the fastest growing segment of our tenant clients want this new look. Forward thinking landlords are converting the look of their office interiors on a case by case basis as they realize it translates into faster leasing success.