Who predicted coworking? Who thought that health and wellbeing would have such an impact on the workplace? This special edition of MixInspired explored what’s next in workplace design.
Considering the move away from traditional office space, the panel at this special edition of MixInspired discussed the factors that companies are considering when designing their spaces. Unconventional and quirky spaces are on the rise, and have been for the last 10 years, as staff retention, wellbeing and a cross-generational workforce become increasingly important.
‘There’s a huge war for talent,’ explained Ciara Keeling, CEO of Bruntwood Works. ‘In order for companies to both attract and retain the best talent, they have to be thoughtful around creating spaces that really work for the for the end user and the customer.’
The panel was unanimous that sustainability issues will continue to play a key role in the workplace over the next decade, as cities set carbon neutrality targets – such as Manchester’s target of 2038. So where do certification schemes come into this – if at all? ‘We’re not actually going to promote BREEAM ratings,’ said Greg Ball, Senior Development Manager at U+I. ‘We’re looking at various measures to make our buildings as sustainable as possible, but we’re not just going to go out and get a brand certification that might become obsolete in the future.’
Tying this all together is technology. Monitoring individuals’ requirements and wellbeing as well as automating processes will not only create more flexible spaces but also create a more sustainable environment.
Inspiration for your next read
We recently took over a large portion of Aecom’s new HQ in Aldgate – complete with unbelievable panoramic views across the City and a pretty impressive sunset – to discuss the next generation workspace.
Over the last few years we have seen an explosion in the provision of coworking space, especially here in London. Our session explored the rise of coworking, looked at where it is in its lifecycle – and also how it is likely to evolve and change the future.
Mix Interiors hosted another fascinating MixInspired at Barclay's Eagle Lab, this time on the topic of emotional design. The session explored the importance of emotional design within the workplace, and the impact it can have on the end user.
