Сontent:
In the 90s, standard offices were more like anthills with standard cells (for example, the office of Mr. Andersen from The Matrix). Still, modern workplaces have become much more human-oriented, comfortable, and creative. Large companies hire experienced designers to design the interior of their offices to optimize the workspace for the needs of employees. But what will offices look like in the future? Who will be involved in creating their design – people or artificial intelligence? Let’s discuss this interesting topic.
Most likely, it will be the least similar to a standard office. If only because now the hybrid mode of operation is prevalent. It is assumed that the employee combines remote work with visiting the office. In this case, personal workplaces allocated for each employee lose their relevance. Also, eco-trends are becoming more and more popular. Proximity to nature provides an opportunity for psychological relaxation and solves the noise pollution problem in open spaces.
There are many assumptions about what solutions will prevail in office space organization. However, given the latest trends, we can assume that artificial intelligence would offer in this case:
Complex layouts and zoning space. Open spaces are still popular, but research shows that privacy deficits harm employee productivity. That is why the interior should, on the one hand, optimize space and, on the other hand, create comfort and privacy.
Energy efficiency. Responsibility for natural resources is also reflected in the architecture. For example, Apple’s headquarters is built to provide natural ventilation and maintain the building at an optimal temperature for most of the year. Such solutions will likely be in increasing demand.
Use of natural materials and landscapes in the interior. Rock garden or greenhouse in the office? Why not! Moreover, some designers suggest equipping outdoor workplaces, so employees can work close to nature during the warm season.
Also, the interior will likely reflect modern society’s desire for cultural diversity and concern for the comfort of all community members. For example, some offices may be equipped with Asian-style tatami mats and low tables instead of European-style office tables and chairs.
As described in the previous section, various alternative solutions can replace traditional office furniture. Diversity, comfort, and culture are the foundation of contemporary design. And this will be reflected in the interior of future offices. Most likely, the demand will be:
Frameless furniture. It not only makes it possible to relieve the load from the back and prevent many diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but also provides mobility. A lightweight bean bag chair can be moved around the office or moved from room to room.
Refusal of office tables and cabinets. Paper is increasingly being replaced by email, and PCs are being replaced by laptops and tablets that fit on your lap. That is why bulky office furniture is likely to be replaced by compact organizers that can be hung on a wall or partition.
Anatomical office chairs. Comfort in the workplace is essential because, in the offices of the future, there will certainly be super-comfortable anatomical chairs in which it will be easy to move around the office.
Also in demand are tables where you can work both sitting and standing. Some studies talk about the higher efficiency of employees working at a computer or laptop while standing. However, for some people, this may be uncomfortable (for example, if the employee has problems with the joints or vessels of the legs).
Spoiler: most likely, yes. Of course, no one can predict the future with 100% certainty, but a full transition to remote work is unlikely. Although modern people value personal space, comfort, and privacy more, live communication will remain a basic human need. So in the future, office work will still exist. However, the workspace will undoubtedly undergo fundamental changes. And artificial intelligence can help in finding the most optimal and effective solutions.
The workspace of the future will have little in common with the offices of the 80s and 90s and modern open spaces. The need to save resources and optimize space today coexists with eco-trends and respect for personal boundaries, which is also reflected in the design of the workplace. Artificial intelligence helps designers model an optimal interior that can process vast amounts of information and visualize the demands of most people in their workplace.
