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.
Ar. Ravideep Singh: Creative Designer Architects
In India’s private healthcare landscape, the architecture of hospitals is now on a transformative path to create quality healing spaces that provide more than just medical care. Gone are the days when only top-notch medical care
Ar. Sneha Gurjar: CEM Engineers
Today’s evolving needs of India’s AEC industry have made designers rethink their approach by embracing sustainability, digitalisation, and cultural integration. Architects are incorporating green design principles to combat environmental
Architect Lalita Tharani & Architect Mujib Ahmed: Collaborative Architecture
There is no straight forward and definitive answer to this complex question on whether Indian architecture today is in a transformative phase. Architecture derived in the sub-continent as a response to the climate, social and economic
Ar. Purnima Sharma: CAPT Consultants
Indian architecture is a rich fabric of traditions, innovations, and influences, from the imposing temples of antiquity to the contemporary skyscrapers that dominate urban skylines. In the modern era, globalization and environmental
Architect Sanjay Goel: Designex
I started my practice thirty years back after passing out from Chandigarh College of Architecture and I’ve seen a lot of transformation in architecture during these years. I very well remember not only the design of Chandigarh city
Ar. Karan Daisaria & Ar. Devansh Daisaria: Daisaria Associates
The Indian subcontinent, renowned as the birthplace of ancient civilisations, is currently experiencing a remarkable period of transformation within its architectural sphere. This expansive region, renowned for its rich cultural heritage
Architect Vivek PP & Architect Nishan M: De Earth
Rather than discussing the global trends, we think we need to be more concerned about global challenges and how architecture in India is equipping itself to fight these challenges and stay relevant. Be it climatic, economical, social
Ar. Manoj Choubey: Design Avenues
In response to global trends and technological advancements, the architecture profession in India is undergoing a significant evolution. Architects are increasingly embracing sustainable design practices, incorporating green
Ar. Naveen G.J: De Square Architects
Architecture is a field that is constantly adapting to new technologies, trends, and societal needs. AI is going to drive the architectural world in the near future. With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, architects can now create
Ar. Khozema Chitalwala: Designers Group
Indian architecture fraternity is developing fast and is trying to create a benchmark in design and quality and its own strong identity. We are already talking about the future of India, not only purely in context of the western world