T REND S
INTERIOR DESIGN FOR A BRAVE NEW WORLD
What key interior design concepts and trends should be implemented to accommodate our new realities? BETH AMATO finds out
Joanina Pastoll
IMAGES: SUPPLIED, ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
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he business world has been toying with the idea of working from home long before the COVID-19 wave hit global shores and accelerated a change in the way we work. It is now undeniable that the “To Let” and “For Sale” signs adorning South Africa’s once vibrant economic hubs are clear indicators that workspaces are changing and working away from the office is now a reality. So, do we scrap offices altogether and let those workspaces become like shipwrecks and museum relics? Not so fast, says futurist and economist Bronwyn Williams, partner at Flux Trends. She says that while the pandemic has changed the way we use and design buildings, offices are critical spaces for innovation and connection. “We used to think that the office led to distractions and lost productivity. But the conversations sparked at the coffee station, or in an impromptu chat with a colleague, often result in innovation,” she says. Williams refers to research conducted by Yale University’s Department of Economics about the effects of alcohol prohibition on human invention. “It’s a fascinating insight into how in-person communication is important for the creation of new ideas,” she says. Other research published by The Economist suggests that people work longer hours when they work from home and that email communication is often not as effective or productive as people hoped.
Joanina Pastoll, creative director and owner at Studio Stirling, says that COVID-19 has changed the way we think about office interior design. In particular, office furniture will have to be multifunctional and mobile to save money and promote hygiene. “As office interior designers, we have to ask ourselves whether a piece of furniture can be used as a meeting table, a conference table, or a socially-distanced lunch table. The height of a table, for example, could also change Will innovative office pods become the for a standing meeting, and then revert to a new norm in interior office design? seated work station,” says Pastoll. Standing desks are popular for quick, efficient meetings, and promote health and safety, especially as exposure to people for longer periods increases the risk of viral droplet spread. For aesthetic purposes, Pastoll suggests BRONWYN WILLIAMS, PARTNER, FLUX TRENDS customised multifunctional furniture that, when adapted, fits harmoniously into a space. “We also need to start thinking about Nevertheless, we can’t go back to ventilation and light,” she says. “How do we open-plan, close-contact, air-conditioned get air to move in an office? Do we need to office spaces. We have to nurture innovation think about having more outdoor spaces, by encouraging connection and meaningful especially in a country like South Africa? Does in-person engagement without spreading an office worker take a new collapsible ‘desk’ disease. Even with the arrival of the COVID-19 with shade and anti-glare solution and set vaccine, employers will still have to ensure up anywhere they deem safe and hygienic? extra health and safety measures. There are many questions around this. We have to WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? think outside the box to “We’ll begin to see office redesign office space and spaces that are more modular, human interaction.” with smaller ‘pods’ in which She suggests designing to work,” says Williams. These “nesting” spaces in offices. modular spaces are not the “The pandemic has shown private room offices seen in us how important it is to find traditional offices; they allow quiet time to destress. There for more containment without is plenty of research pointing being completely closed off and Bronwyn Williams to the benefits of meditation, can be used for small meeting mindfulness and rest for groups. They can also be productivity.” Pastoll adds that these nesting portable and remodelled to fit requirements. spaces with appropriate furniture could also be Williams says that the hot desking system, placed outdoors. whereby desk space is allocated to workers on “Office interior designers have to embrace a rotational basis, is probably the most viable multifunctionality and be open to radical system for these times. Workers can spend changes and shifting needs. It’s daunting yet a portion of their working time in the office, exciting,” she says. ensuring easier adherence to safety measures.
“WE’LL BEGIN TO SEE OFFICE SPACES THAT ARE MORE MODULAR, WITH SMALLER ‘PODS’ IN WHICH TO WORK.” –
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