remapping the workplace
The future requires thoughtful, intentional planning, along with highly adaptable products to create a "future fit office". These 7 design principles guide decisions to remap the workplace for a future fit office that stands up to change, remaining agile and viable for all plausible futures.
remapping the workplace
As troubled as the year past has been, this global disruption may also spur positive change and renew a common sense of purpose. At Teknion, we’re reminded that the future is always a place of uncertainty and the single constant is change — as transformative as wireless connectivity or as harrowing as the pandemic. We’re more aware than ever of the need to partner with our clients in order to adapt to a future we cannot predict, but for which we can prepare.
Change is inevitable, whether slow and steady or as sudden as a cloudburst. All of human society has just experienced enormous structural change in a very short time. We now need to dedicate ourselves to gathering intelligence and becoming informed about new corporate directions, new technologies and social and economic shifts. As we consider what the new post-pandemic workplace will look and feel like, we need to be “Future Smart.”
At Teknion, we aim to be Future Smart, providing products for a “future fit” office that remains proof against change. We believe that once again people will come together in the office to collaborate and forge bonds, working side by side to achieve individual and collective goals. While many will elect to work remotely when deep focus is required, people will also seek the comfort of presence in a place dedicated to making the most of our human qualities of creativity, cooperation and aspiration.
the "future fit office"
The future requires thoughtful, intentional planning, along with highly adaptable products in order to create a “future fit” office that remains viable for all plausible futures. Integrated with interior architecture, Teknion products are designed to create an agile work environment that serves all those who occupy the office and the many ways that people work.
As we all chart a course to the future, Teknion offers the below design principles as guidelines that we and our clients can use in the present—not only as a means to meet immediate requirements, but as a way to make ready for a range of future scenarios that may lie ahead.
Given the technology at our fingertips today, productive remote work is clearly possible.
We go to the office to be together.
The office remains relevant, even essential, as a place that works very well for training, mentoring, team-building and face-to-face collaboration—often key to developing the trust and rapport that ease the process of hammering out problems and setting common goals.
As the nerve center of the office, the Collaboration Hub is a place to gather, engage and workshop as a team, or to work alone together.
versatile, hackable space:
- Accommodates multiple workstyles and teams
- Offers the freedom to move furniture and adapt the space to needs
- Groups tables and seating to define team workspaces
- Incorporates within close proximity POD (Privacy on Demand) with Tek Booth and Tek Room to address visual/acoustic privacy and individual participation in video/web meetings
- Permits open-ended time commitment, which allows users to be relaxed and grounded, as well as active and engaged
Given the technology at our fingertips today, productive remote work is clearly possible.
We go to the office to be together.
The office remains relevant, even essential, as a place that works very well for training, mentoring, team-building and face-to-face collaboration—often key to developing the trust and rapport that ease the process of hammering out problems and setting common goals.
As the nerve center of the office, the Collaboration Hub is a place to gather, engage and workshop as a team, or to work alone together.
versatile, hackable space:
- Accommodates multiple workstyles and teams
- Offers the freedom to move furniture and adapt the space to needs
- Groups tables and seating to define team workspaces
- Incorporates within close proximity POD (Privacy on Demand) with Tek Booth and Tek Room to address visual/acoustic privacy and individual participation in video/web meetings
- Permits open-ended time commitment, which allows users to be relaxed and grounded, as well as active and engaged
explore the settings
click to make larger
While future scenarios are still ambiguous, WFH has arguably uncoupled work from the office. Over the course of 2020, people became accustomed to flexible work hours, an occasional or non-existent commute and the ability to self-manage in the home environment. Yet, data supports the premise that a majority of workers want to return to the office—a safe, secure office— for perhaps 3 or 4 days a week.
It would appear that something is missing when life and work are defined by digital experiences alone. Socializing, collaborating or simply occupying the same space seems to have a value that can’t be quantified. In this context, the new office is likely to push a pre-pandemic trend further, allocating more square footage to collaborative space, borrowing from spaces that were once dedicated to desks and cubicles.
Formerly, meetings most often took place in designated meeting rooms. When necessary, an off-site individual could participate by speaker phone or a teleconferencing device— but office set-ups were not ideal for remote participation. Now, most of us are comfortable with meetings via Zoom or Google, and the likelihood of staggered schedules and multi-modal on-site/off-site work will require design strategies that effectively combine physical/digital experiences.
Assuming office occupancy will stabilize post-vaccine at about 60-70 percent, a well-designed workplace will deploy furniture, space and high- and low-tech tools to support 100% participation however employees are distributed across space and time.
A Free-Form Collaboration supports both physical and virtual engagement, integrating people, furniture and technology.
an open, approachable design in which technology is present, but not dominant:
- Invites all aspects of collaboration
- Offers a choice to meet, mentor or consult on a face-to-face basis—or to engage via video/web conferencing tools
- Fits a range of timelines by providing seating options—a quick touch-down or lengthy conversation
- Inspires a flexible, democratic approach to collaboration; erases any stigma attached to remote work
- Material and character of products invite hands-on control of the space
While future scenarios are still ambiguous, WFH has arguably uncoupled work from the office. Over the course of 2020, people became accustomed to flexible work hours, an occasional or non-existent commute and the ability to self-manage in the home environment. Yet, data supports the premise that a majority of workers want to return to the office—a safe, secure office— for perhaps 3 or 4 days a week.
It would appear that something is missing when life and work are defined by digital experiences alone. Socializing, collaborating or simply occupying the same space seems to have a value that can’t be quantified. In this context, the new office is likely to push a pre-pandemic trend further, allocating more square footage to collaborative space, borrowing from spaces that were once dedicated to desks and cubicles.
Formerly, meetings most often took place in designated meeting rooms. When necessary, an off-site individual could participate by speaker phone or a teleconferencing device— but office set-ups were not ideal for remote participation. Now, most of us are comfortable with meetings via Zoom or Google, and the likelihood of staggered schedules and multi-modal on-site/off-site work will require design strategies that effectively combine physical/digital experiences.
Assuming office occupancy will stabilize post-vaccine at about 60-70 percent, a well-designed workplace will deploy furniture, space and high- and low-tech tools to support 100% participation however employees are distributed across space and time.
A Free-Form Collaboration supports both physical and virtual engagement, integrating people, furniture and technology.
an open, approachable design in which technology is present, but not dominant:
- Invites all aspects of collaboration
- Offers a choice to meet, mentor or consult on a face-to-face basis—or to engage via video/web conferencing tools
- Fits a range of timelines by providing seating options—a quick touch-down or lengthy conversation
- Inspires a flexible, democratic approach to collaboration; erases any stigma attached to remote work
- Material and character of products invite hands-on control of the space
explore the settings
click to make larger
Each company has its own rhythm and pace of change. An agile, entrepreneurial company may frequently experiment or reinvent. A more traditional firm is less likely to improvise, but rather evolves by applying known processes and procedures. Design must be attuned to these variables of work culture.
A start-up culture is all about innovation and flexibility, requiring a space that is very energetic, casual and flexible where ideas are fast flowing, workers wear many hats and transition to different tasks and activities throughout the day.
Change occurs daily and flexibility is key. The space is owned by the individuals. The environment is likely to be open concept with furnishings that are light, agile and mobile, allowing the space to be changed by the workers as needed.
highly flexible and ready for change, the space:
- Supports user control over their workspace through a highly flexible, adaptable and fluid design
- Empowers users to reposition themselves, or their team as needed, using mobile and height- adjustable components
- Supports access to utilities through a centralized yet unrestrictive spine structure
- Anticipates transient occupancy and frequent reorganization of users and teams
A work culture more focused on project work and creative activity, highly team-driven and interactive. The workspace is designed to foster connection and dialogue, to build a culture of trust and transparency.
The space requires a work setting that helps people feel comfortable and empowered as each pursues individual and collective goals. Equally, the design of the office, its format and furnishings, should allow the company to evolve and transform over time.
well-defined, yet adaptable spaces:
- Allow for individual ownership with loose fit furniture that permits frequent changes of position, orientation and purpose
- Support teamwork by adapting to large or small groups and the preferred proximity and orientation of team members
- Support corporate evolution prompted by economic swings, internal reconfiguration, new deliverables and shift in the team members
A work culture that is more formal and traditional – likely furnished with offices, workstations and boardrooms – with the risk factor being a subtle infusion of an open lounge.
To develop a more purposeful workplace, provide diverse spaces with the flexibility to respond to advances in technology, economic cycles or the need to expand or consolidate. Change is rarely ever required by chance but by plan.
a steadfast solution for the established office culture, the space:
- Provides user privacy and a sense of control, while keeping employees' work area open to support collaboration
- Supports ease of adjustments, through architectural elements such as glass add-on panels, and user’s adjustability with height-adjustable tables and screens
- Capitalizes on efficiency and flexibility while using well-rooted planning conventions
Each company has its own rhythm and pace of change. An agile, entrepreneurial company may frequently experiment or reinvent. A more traditional firm is less likely to improvise, but rather evolves by applying known processes and procedures. Design must be attuned to these variables of work culture.
A start-up culture is all about innovation and flexibility, requiring a space that is very energetic, casual and flexible where ideas are fast flowing, workers wear many hats and transition to different tasks and activities throughout the day.
Change occurs daily and flexibility is key. The space is owned by the individuals. The environment is likely to be open concept with furnishings that are light, agile and mobile, allowing the space to be changed by the workers as needed.
highly flexible and ready for change, the space:
- Supports user control over their workspace through a highly flexible, adaptable and fluid design
- Empowers users to reposition themselves, or their team as needed, using mobile and height- adjustable components
- Supports access to utilities through a centralized yet unrestrictive spine structure
- Anticipates transient occupancy and frequent reorganization of users and teams
A work culture more focused on project work and creative activity, highly team-driven and interactive. The workspace is designed to foster connection and dialogue, to build a culture of trust and transparency.
The space requires a work setting that helps people feel comfortable and empowered as each pursues individual and collective goals. Equally, the design of the office, its format and furnishings, should allow the company to evolve and transform over time.
well-defined, yet adaptable spaces:
- Allow for individual ownership with loose fit furniture that permits frequent changes of position, orientation and purpose
- Support teamwork by adapting to large or small groups and the preferred proximity and orientation of team members
- Support corporate evolution prompted by economic swings, internal reconfiguration, new deliverables and shift in the team members
A work culture that is more formal and traditional – likely furnished with offices, workstations and boardrooms – with the risk factor being a subtle infusion of an open lounge.
To develop a more purposeful workplace, provide diverse spaces with the flexibility to respond to advances in technology, economic cycles or the need to expand or consolidate. Change is rarely ever required by chance but by plan.
a steadfast solution for the established office culture, the space:
- Provides user privacy and a sense of control, while keeping employees' work area open to support collaboration
- Supports ease of adjustments, through architectural elements such as glass add-on panels, and user’s adjustability with height-adjustable tables and screens
- Capitalizes on efficiency and flexibility while using well-rooted planning conventions
explore the settings
click to make larger
While acknowledging uncertainty, one need not resist the temptation to over-complicate a space by mixing multiple levels of formality or types of furniture to accommodate every conceivable scenario along with a “full bar” of technology. Rather, one can pare away excess and map out a choice of spaces across the floorplate—as well as programmable exterior spaces.
Ideally, workers can explore and choose what kind of worksurface and seat, how much privacy or interaction, they require for any task at any given time. An individual can also choose among spaces with a different mood–the lively ambience of a coffee bar, a quiet lamp-lit library, or a shaded terrace.
A variety of large and small, shared and private, spaces across the office landscape allows people to choose the work experience.
different types of spaces equipped with simple, light furnishings:
- Respond to a wide range of workstyles
- Allow people to meet, think, plan, focus, and create over the course of a day
- Create a choice of surroundings with different levels of noise, activity and light suited to diverse modes of work
- Provide supportive technologies and furniture within the space—the relaxed aspect of soft seating or the formal feel of a conference table
While acknowledging uncertainty, one need not resist the temptation to over-complicate a space by mixing multiple levels of formality or types of furniture to accommodate every conceivable scenario along with a “full bar” of technology. Rather, one can pare away excess and map out a choice of spaces across the floorplate—as well as programmable exterior spaces.
Ideally, workers can explore and choose what kind of worksurface and seat, how much privacy or interaction, they require for any task at any given time. An individual can also choose among spaces with a different mood–the lively ambience of a coffee bar, a quiet lamp-lit library, or a shaded terrace.
A variety of large and small, shared and private, spaces across the office landscape allows people to choose the work experience.
different types of spaces equipped with simple, light furnishings:
- Respond to a wide range of workstyles
- Allow people to meet, think, plan, focus, and create over the course of a day
- Create a choice of surroundings with different levels of noise, activity and light suited to diverse modes of work
- Provide supportive technologies and furniture within the space—the relaxed aspect of soft seating or the formal feel of a conference table
explore the settings
click to make larger
Meeting an immediate need for a spectrum of spaces—while also planning for an array of future scenarios— requires a careful assessment of how furniture and interior architecture interact to define space and place. Architecture and furniture must reflect an understanding that the office is more than a container for housing technology and other tools, but has meaning only in terms of the people who occupy the office.
Thus, the choice of furniture and its organization, how it interacts with power spines, micro architecture, and other structural elements, must address the essential, irreducible need for an environment that supports human safety and health no matter what the future holds.
Adaptable interior architecture allows companies to manage the allocation of space, modulate natural light and vary degrees of visual and acoustic privacy—creating a fluid bridge between architecture, furniture and people.
acting as a familiar frame of reference, the space:
- Employs micro-architecture and other architectural systems to provide space division and facilitate reconfiguration or relocation
- Applies freestanding, mobile or reconfigurable furniture to create flexible workspaces
- Gives people at work control of their environment
- Allows workers to choose the scale and configuration of their workspace, as well as the work tools required to enhance performance
Meeting an immediate need for a spectrum of spaces—while also planning for an array of future scenarios— requires a careful assessment of how furniture and interior architecture interact to define space and place. Architecture and furniture must reflect an understanding that the office is more than a container for housing technology and other tools, but has meaning only in terms of the people who occupy the office.
Thus, the choice of furniture and its organization, how it interacts with power spines, micro architecture, and other structural elements, must address the essential, irreducible need for an environment that supports human safety and health no matter what the future holds.
Adaptable interior architecture allows companies to manage the allocation of space, modulate natural light and vary degrees of visual and acoustic privacy—creating a fluid bridge between architecture, furniture and people.
acting as a familiar frame of reference, the space:
- Employs micro-architecture and other architectural systems to provide space division and facilitate reconfiguration or relocation
- Applies freestanding, mobile or reconfigurable furniture to create flexible workspaces
- Gives people at work control of their environment
- Allows workers to choose the scale and configuration of their workspace, as well as the work tools required to enhance performance
explore the settings
click to make larger
Beyond the function and application of furniture, the element of fashion in design creates an expressive and engaging narrative of ideas and identity, emotion and aspiration. The “future fit” office need not eschew fashion. Balancing the humanizing effects of style with longevity, furniture can remain useful and appropriate over time.
Elements like color and texture make the office a friendlier place, one which welcomes, reassures, stimulates and calms. But rather than accommodate style with large brush strokes, one can focus on accessories or lightly scaled soft furniture upholstered in the color of the moment.
The choice of materials and finishes sets the stage for any space. Fashion changes frequently and the selection of key accents allows a work environment to quickly and affordably follow suit.
adding fashion to function, the space:
- Invites people to feel comfortable and calm, stimulated and inspired
- Infuses creative use of color, pattern and texture to set a tone and express the spirit of a culture, and the identity of a brand
- Applies finishes and fabrics to reflect current trends or a more timeless look and feel
- Expresses a distinct design concept through accessories and accents
- Accommodates change with affordable furnishings and accessories that add color and character
- Incorporates fashion trends that bring a warm residential look and feel to workspaces
Beyond the function and application of furniture, the element of fashion in design creates an expressive and engaging narrative of ideas and identity, emotion and aspiration. The “future fit” office need not eschew fashion. Balancing the humanizing effects of style with longevity, furniture can remain useful and appropriate over time.
Elements like color and texture make the office a friendlier place, one which welcomes, reassures, stimulates and calms. But rather than accommodate style with large brush strokes, one can focus on accessories or lightly scaled soft furniture upholstered in the color of the moment.
The choice of materials and finishes sets the stage for any space. Fashion changes frequently and the selection of key accents allows a work environment to quickly and affordably follow suit.
adding fashion to function, the space:
- Invites people to feel comfortable and calm, stimulated and inspired
- Infuses creative use of color, pattern and texture to set a tone and express the spirit of a culture, and the identity of a brand
- Applies finishes and fabrics to reflect current trends or a more timeless look and feel
- Expresses a distinct design concept through accessories and accents
- Accommodates change with affordable furnishings and accessories that add color and character
- Incorporates fashion trends that bring a warm residential look and feel to workspaces
explore the settings
click to make larger
The new office must go beyond basic functions and tools, to serve employees’ physical health and safety, as well as the psychological health that underpins performance and productivity. Lighting and acoustics, color and texture, artwork and greenery, will be nearly as important as touchless elevator buttons and ventilation upgrades that admit fresh air.
The visual language of a space communicates and informs, giving cues for behavior, perhaps inviting one to gather with colleagues or, on the other hand, to reflect in solitude.
Warm and welcoming, the Meeting to Meditation space has a calm, quiet atmosphere that allows people to be both relaxed and productive.
located in the interior or exterior of the building, the space:
- Reflects the comfort and feel of nature
- Offers a place for reflection and renewal
- Allows for quiet, casual conversation as well as working on a laptop by pairing comfortable seating with simple tables and white boards
- Supports the personal goals of an individual or project-based teamwork
- Provides spaces division with shrubbery, trees or other greenery
- Nurtures physical and mental health with fresh air and abundant sunlight
The new office must go beyond basic functions and tools, to serve employees’ physical health and safety, as well as the psychological health that underpins performance and productivity. Lighting and acoustics, color and texture, artwork and greenery, will be nearly as important as touchless elevator buttons and ventilation upgrades that admit fresh air.
The visual language of a space communicates and informs, giving cues for behavior, perhaps inviting one to gather with colleagues or, on the other hand, to reflect in solitude.
Warm and welcoming, the Meeting to Meditation space has a calm, quiet atmosphere that allows people to be both relaxed and productive.
located in the interior or exterior of the building, the space:
- Reflects the comfort and feel of nature
- Offers a place for reflection and renewal
- Allows for quiet, casual conversation as well as working on a laptop by pairing comfortable seating with simple tables and white boards
- Supports the personal goals of an individual or project-based teamwork
- Provides spaces division with shrubbery, trees or other greenery
- Nurtures physical and mental health with fresh air and abundant sunlight
