Workplace Trends





The evolving workplaces of today are influenced by the architecture, business environment, Science and technological developments and the cultural trends in society. I coin these the ABC'S of Workplace trends.
A - Architecture
B - Business
C - Culture
S - Science
The changes have evolved by inventions such as the Elevator to the oil crisis during the gulf wars to the changes in Internet and PC technology. The corner surface which housed the huge computer monitors of the 90's and early 2000's have been replaced with the sleek and light flat screens of today. Multiple monitors required a lot of thought and space for traders, engineers or research scientists. Today we can mount multiple monitors on a single monitor arm which could mount to your desk or panel. Wireless technology and lap-tops with eight hour battery lives are making corporations rethink their workstation designs.
Perhaps environmental consciousness is driving more and more businesses towards responsible use of power and space. There are newer ways to achieve mobility whether it be a raised floor or a wireless environment or by using mobile furniture. Lounge furniture with data and power access through the floor is popular with the new generation of PlayStation and Game cube trained workers who detest the formality of a traditional workspace.
The changing trends are summarized as:
Architecture
•Leed certified buildings
•Access to day-light
•Linear and bold forms
•Minimalist Interior spaces
•Raised Floors with HVAC
Business
•Rising real estate prices
•Return to urban downtown's
•Alignment to responsible partners
• e-commerce
• Projects and business direction in flux
Culture
•Fusion of cultural preferences
•Knowledge workers
•Green Consumerism
•Break down of corporate hierarchies
•Aging baby boomers
Science
•Wireless
•Flat screen Monitors
•Video conferencing
•Hybrid and green power
•Age of i-pods and web blogs
At a time when the world is getting smaller and smaller due to higher connectivity and access to air travel we notice trends from other cultures percolating our work spaces. European work spaces have typically maintained light, airy and open working concepts where workers share information freely and enjoy the capability to access power and information through raised floors. The trend of smaller spaces with the rapid development of technology and high real estate prices in India and China are catching up with the workstation design in global corporations in North America. The fashion statements and colors show up in the fabric used in panels (offering space division or privacy) and seating. Colors follow concepts seen at fashion shows or released from color guru's. This years colors include Chili Red, Black and environmental green. The revival of ethnic designs is seen every few years depending on the social and business environment. When business is down the colors and fashion trends range between very traditional to very out of the box to address mixed feelings of a business revival. When war is on the horizon and tearing the lives of society or if rapid technological changes are expected, businesses buy flexible furniture to accommodate the uncertain future.
And the list goes on....

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