Office of the future - Working in another dimension.

In recent years, there has been a significant change in the design of work environments. It is no longer sufficient to rely on the traditional layout of operative workspaces, executive offices, and meeting rooms. Today, it is necessary to consider different needs. Space becomes a place of aggregation, of physical individuals and metaphysical visions, where continuous incentives generate original actions and reactions.

The concept of the office of the future refers to the anticipated changes and advancements in how people work and the physical environment in which work takes place. Modern offices prioritize employee well-being and the balance between work and personal life. The goal is to create more comfortable and engaging work environments that foster creativity, productivity, and collaboration. This includes incorporating design elements such as comfortable furniture, adjustable desks, and ergonomic workstations to promote physical health and comfort. Additionally, wellness programs, recreational areas, and access to nature are envisioned to promote mental and emotional balance.

It is predicted that office furniture of the future will undergo several changes due to technological advancements, evolving work dynamics, and a greater focus on employee well-being. Here are some anticipated trends for the offices of the future:

• Hybrid Workspaces. With the increase in remote and flexible work, offices of the future will likely be designed to accommodate a hybrid workforce that combines in-person and remote work. This could involve creating a mix of dedicated workstations, collaboration areas, and technology-enabled meeting spaces to cater to both in-office collaboration and remote collaboration.
• Employee wellness and spaces that promote physical and mental health. Biophilic design elements will be incorporated, such as natural light, indoor plants, living walls, nature views, and specially designed spaces such as indoor gardens. These green areas can be used for lunch breaks, meditation, or outdoor activities to increase the connection with nature and create a more peaceful and rejuvenating environment.
• Human-centered spaces. The office will be designed to make the work environment more pleasant and more productive. Acoustic design will be incorporated to minimize distractions.
• Impact on mood through colors. In the office of the future, color will be used strategically to create a stimulating, functional and harmonious environment. The colors chosen for walls, furniture and elements will have a great impact on the productivity and well-being employee.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Space design will place greater emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness. Green building practices, energy efficient lighting, renewable energy sources, sustainable materials and furnishings will be emphasized.
• Pet friendly offices. The importance of creating an inclusive and comfortable work environment for employees who have pets is recognized. The office will provide specific designated areas for animals, such as a rest area or a fenced outdoor area for safe play.

Furniture design will embrace minimalism, adopting a clean and essential approach. It will feature innovative solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality. 

Here are some suggestions for making your space hybrid:

• Height-adjustable desks: they allow employees to easily change their work position, giving them the chance to work standing or sitting.
• Intelligent ergonomic chairs: reveal body posture and provide feedback, in real time, to encourage proper sitting. Some models also include features such as heating or vibration to improve comfort.
• Interactive screens and digital whiteboards: used to facilitate collaboration and information sharing during meetings. They will allow you to write, draw and annotate directly on the screen, eliminating the need for traditional paper and whiteboards. 
• Modular and flexible furniture: to create customized configurations that can be adapted to the needs of the moment. For example, movable partitions, modular desks, and modular shelves that can be easily moved and rearranged to create different work areas.
• Cable management and wireless charging solutions: integrated into desks and work areas reduce clutter and promote a clean, uncluttered appearance. 
• Smart, adjustable lighting: for customizable work environments. Sensor-equipped lighting systems can adapt to environmental conditions, adjust brightness according to individual preferences, and even mimic natural light to promote a more comfortable work environment.
• Eco-sustainable furniture: made from recycled materials including wood, glass and biodegradable plastics. To maximize sustainability and reduce business impact, companies implement post-consumer recycling of furniture with special attention.

These are some of the proposals of Planurban’s team, who is working on to create furniture solutions for the offices of the future, where technological innovation and sustainability combine to create more functional, efficient and comfortable work environments.