The approach to office design continues to change with the shift to creating ‘homely’ working spaces set to pick up pace in 2018, according to an office design expert and member of the British Council for Offices (BCO).
Peter Grant says the trend for open spaces will continue with more pace throughout next year, revolutionising stereotypical offices throughout the country into professional environments that boast open spaces and suit different working needs and personalities. Differential spaces between client meeting spaces and work spaces will also continue to diminish.
Peter, of Warwick-based Peter Grant Associates and member of the BCO Midlands and East Anglia Chapter and National Research team, said: “The trend for open spaces will continue into 2018. The overall feel and look of a typical office will be softer, almost residential in appearance, with many types of spaces created to suit different working groups, personalities and needs.
“The separation between client space and working space is slowly being broken down already, and depending on the industry sector, will almost be done away with entirely in the future.
“Agile working and collaboration are right at the forefront of office design, with their many benefits well documented. These ideologies are here to stay, which will see offices of the near future designed to incorporate them as best as possible. Evolution is a natural part of any business, and we are in the midst of the office design evolution right now.”
The physical needs of workers will be addressed by the vast majority of offices in the near future too, moving away from one size fits all lighting and acoustics.
Rob Groves, chairman of the BCO Midlands and East Anglia committee and regional director at property developer Argent, said: “The bland approach to one lighting systems for all will almost completely diminish in the near future, as will the acoustic set up of offices. These places are no longer designed in a strict way, with the workforce having to accept it. They are becoming far more personalised, and catering for many diverse needs.
“We will also see heating and cooling systems vastly improved to benefit the occupant’s welfare. The need for fresh air, and other wellbeing ideologies, will continue to transform the design of conventional office buildings. Traditionally conservative business groups are just starting to transform their offices too, particularly when it comes to interior design.
“Many strong accent colours are being replaced with natural pastel colours and materials, in a bid to lighten their workspaces in order to attract younger professionals. We look forward to seeing modern, thought-provoking designs submitted for next year’s BCO awards.”
The BCO is welcoming submissions for the 2018 BCO Awards. The deadline is Friday, November 24. For more information visit bco.org.uk/Awards