Volume 4 No 2 ` 250
COMMERCIAL DESIGN SPECIAL
R.N.I. MAHENG/2013/50949
A Times of India publication
Guest Column
Architect Reza Kabul writes about the evolution of workspaces and the key considerations in the design of flexible offices Office spaces re-invent themselves periodically. Each company defines newer goals and objectives for its business and the space it operates from, depending on the changing times, requirements, budgets and technologies. The types of spaces being marketed today are driven by three key factors: creativity, flexibility and technology. Decision makers are investing and emphasising on the modification of their facilities to support and encourage the focus, team work and well-being of their employees. The increasing number of start-ups and the rising real estate costs fuelled the concept of co-working spaces. Their design focuses around flexible workspaces with a basic internet, telephone and power infrastructure, and common spaces such as a reception, conference room and kitchens. The concepts of SOHO (Small Offices/
Reza Kabul is the principal architect and director of ARK Reza Kabul Architects an architectural, interiors, landscape design and planning company headquartered in Mumbai. The design studio has offices in Pune and San Francisco and is considered a pioneer in high-rise design in India. The firm has won awards like the Asia Pacific International Property Awards, International Hotel Awards and also holds a place in the Limca Book of Records for Shreepati Arcade, which was then considered as India’s tallest building.
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Home Offices) are also quite popular with businesses that do not require large setups, or are ancillaries to the parent company. The size of these spaces can be anything from a wall in a room to several rooms in the house. The design is simplistic and efficient, with form following the function. Changing lifestyles, mobile technology and the dynamic youth are paving the way for this new work-life culture. KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS #1: Flexible Work Spaces The anti-thesis of rigid workstations, the flexible workspaces can be achieved simply by non-assigned seating, or with the use of reconfigurable furniture and furnishings. Furniture pieces such as height adjustable tables for standing meetings aid the design of these flexible spaces.
Kanakia Wall Street, Mumbai
Home & Design Trends Vol 4 No 2 2016
Kanakia Wall Street, Mumbai #2: Interactive Collaborations Community tables and common spaces encourage collaboration, be it within a team, an organisation or the local coffee shop. Private booths, discussion pods and other innovative concepts are increasingly popular for one-on-one collaboration. Such spaces help strengthen connections with colleagues as well as accomplish the task at hand. To make either of these spaces functional, they need to be ‘plug-and-play’ ready. These spaces can easily convert into break rooms. #3: Private Zones While several companies have denounced the use of drywalls and cabins in their workspace, there is a need for personal spaces. The use of these spaces varies from private closed-door senior executive meetings to video conference calls with business partners, or employees who require some relief from noise levels and easy interruptions. As designers, we need to cater to those latent requirements, either by incorporating traditional cabins and
Home & Design Trends Vol 4 No 2 2016
conference rooms, or by the use of materials and technology to form solidarity cocoons.
as anti-WiFi wallpapers help restrict the radius of the network to within the office spaces.
#4: One Design Fits All? While several workspaces have evolved into hives of engagement and productivity, there are those businesses that require disintegrated zones to function as a team. In such scenarios the traditional floor plan best suits the nature of their work. However, upgrading their infrastructure to keep at par with the technology and sustainability features is essential.
#6: The Outdoors The importance of natural lighting in any space is key. Incorporating open spaces into the layout of an office space is proven to be highly effective and productive. However, given the space constraint in several metropolitan cities it is also not feasible. Though not a solution, the use of planters, reclaimed wood, exposed bricks and living walls stimulates the environment. Adding outside elements via fabrics, artworks, and artefacts also acts as a visual relief. Minimalistic designs with exposed services also give a raw and earthy feel to the space.
#5: At Par with Technology Technology plays an integral role in today’s fast paced environment. From increasing productivity to shortening communication gaps and balancing the work-life ratio, it surrounds us whether we allow it to or not. While increased connectivity may have its benefits, it also leaves an organisation at the risk of security threats considering how so much crucial data is digital. Secure and updated server systems help minimise such risks, whereas the use of buffer materials such
#7: Branding via Design Branding and the market perception of the brand is crucial to today’s corporations. The design of the office space itself can be used to enforce and strengthen the company brand and what its values stand for. The use of logos, corporate colours and vision are few of the elements that help build a cohesive
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