Cohesive environment & employee well-being
While designing an office, designers always consider the functional needs in the setting of socio-economic influences running parallel with the changing times. This could be either due to the GenZ generation entering the workforce, increased adoption of technology, global collaborations, or the need to have increased employee engagement.
The hybrid work model has opened a new dimension to the role of office design. Now, a workplace is designed to promote both privacy and collaboration where remote and in-office employees can work cohesively as a team.
Employee well-being and focus on physical and mental wellness is now a key priority. Designers are looking to build spaces that support the need for health and wellbeing of the employee with amenities like fitness centres, wellness rooms, creche, sleeping pods, mothers’ room, and access to mental health experts.
Social spaces
In the past, privacy was one of the most valuable attributes of a workspace, but all indications are that this is changing, and fast. Multiple industry studies have shown that social spaces are a fundamental workplace amenity, with an increasingly millennial workforce indicating that open plan spaces and designated social infrastructure are essential conduits for better working relationships, easier collaboration, and higher-quality communication.
In the future, it will be imperative that organizations offer workspaces that include social spaces and activity or recreation zones depending on the demographic of the workforce. From foosball tables to lounge areas, baristas to relaxation zones, these spaces allow the workforce to unwind and socialise in between the ever-elongating workday.
Diversity is the need of the hour, building spaces that are inclusive is no more considered to be a courtesy, but a basic rule set in stone. Office spaces today are built keeping in mind the demographic of the workforce, access for the disabled or differently abled, and sensitivity to the growing number of women in the workforce. There is a minimized focus on closed door policy and amplification of collaborative spaces which makes the new workforce feel welcome, motivated, and supported.
Role of technology
A well-integrated workspace design is one that is built to serve the larger organisation goals while addressing the day-to-day functionalities of the workforce. Making decisions based on analytics while planning and designing the space is the first step in ensuring productivity. In the last few years, the most important role of technology has been in the service of employee health and well-being. Using technology to ensure indoor air quality, upkeep of sanitation, and securing the physical office in case of contagion have been particularly useful. With employees logging in from multiple locations, technology becomes the common thread that connects talent to organisational goals, culture, and infrastructure.
The technology used in business operations has become more space efficient over the last 10 years, which makes the workforce more mobile, and agile and allows more space for collaboration. Most importantly, across industries, the one characteristic of all workspace strategies is agility and adaptability to changing business operation strategies.
A design that fosters creativity & innovation
With big tech replacing human effort at a rapid pace, the only qualities that are irreplaceable are creativity and innovation, today’s workspaces are built to nurture and support these functionalities. Reengineering the office structure to serve as a catalyst for better communication, ideation, and execution is something the designers emphasize on.
Architect Mr. Reza Kabul: ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Architecture, as a subject, is always in an ever-evolving cusp of transformation. All factors affecting the built form, such as climate, global trends and technology are in a constant push to adaptation and change, thus influencing the
Ar. Himanshu Patel: 6thdesign studio
As an architect deeply rooted in the ethos of sustainable architecture, I believe that Indian architecture is indeed in a transformative phase, and this transformation is deeply intertwined with our commitment to environmental
Ar. Shruti Dimri, Ar. Madhav Raman, Ar. Vaibhav Dimri: Anagram Architects
In today’s context, the idea of modernity in architecture has shifted towards addressing the pressing needs of society. This includes a strong focus on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, and the well-being of
Ar. Akshara Verma & Ar. Dinesh Verma: Ace Group Architects
India’s unique advantage lies in its ability to blend modern methodologies with traditional craftsmanship, thus fostering a distinct architectural identity. The convergence of these elements serves as a catalyst for innovation within
Ar. Akshay Selukar: Akshay Selukar
The future of architecture will be driven by innovation and a commitment to creating built environments that are environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and responsive to the needs of society
Architect Lalichan Zacharias: Lalichan Zacharias atelier
Yes, Indian architecture is in a transformation phase. Modernisation, Globalization and exposure to International Designs have influenced the Indian architecture to a great extent. Architecture is becoming more and more technology
Ar. (Dr). Harish Tripathi & Jyoti Tripathi: ARHATA
The architecture of any country is deeply rooted in the culture, psyche, economy, and politics, and India’s situation is no different. In addition to this, the advent of new technologies has a profound effect on the thought
Ar. Amey Dahanukar: ARA Designs
In modern India, architects have extensive travel experience, while earlier, travel exposure to different parts of the world used to be somewhat difficult. However, everything is now accessible due to many travel options, and each
Ar. Archana Van Gils: AVG Architects
Being a part of this endlessly mutable field for almost more than a decade, I can attest to the remarkable evolution of the profession in response to global trends and technological advancements, while also adapting to the needs of
Architect Mr. Arpan Johari: AW Design
India has a rich history of building design trends that have cross influenced across borders and have slowly transformed over the centuries. In fact, the transformative phase in Indian Architecture has always been ongoing. Sometimes it