Workspace design and fit-out for collaborative working
Today’s dispersed workplace teams – often including specialists located inside and outside the business – require dramatically different approaches to design and connectivity, including workspaces that are far more flexible and adaptable to changing needs.
Traditional workstations
Traditional workstations will continue to have a role within many organisations’ business activities. However, through the use of personal lockers, pedestal storage can be made smaller or eliminated, and the workstations can be used more flexibly between job-sharers or part-time workers.
Team collaboration
Spaces with one open side and writable walls – which bring together individuals or teams for problem solving, brainstorming or training – can be made attractive and vibrant, encouraging creative thoughts and processes. The use of sound absorbing materials for walls and ceilings can also limit noise transfer.
Total focus
Workspaces can be created for use by individuals requiring space for periods of total concentration and focus.
Informal meetings
Seating or sofa areas are ideal for quick informal team meetings. Usually with high-backed acoustic sofas, with connectivity for presentations, they can also double-up as ‘focus’ or ‘concentration’ areas.
Formal meetings
Private, enclosed areas are required for strategic and formal presentations, with sound containment and video conferencing.
Activity-based space
For use by teams, contractors or transient workers, usually based elsewhere, who need space periodically, these areas are often centrally-placed, and include connectivity and a table space for set-down while the worker is in the building.
Phone booths
Where an office is predominantly open plan, these provide an area for individuals to make calls with a degree of privacy.
Breakout areas
Typically a larger area where employees can take a break from their work for refreshment or lunch, the best will be creatively themed, comfortable, and encourage social interaction with colleagues. These spaces can also double-up for informal and collective company meetings.