February 16, 2016

3 Long-term Trends in Commercial Office Interiors

The reception lobby features the restrained use of color in favor of the more subtle texture and pattern of the stone feature wall. The space is highlighted by accent lighting, quartz counters, Corian standoff and patterned laminate reception desk front, and glass doors. The highly textured monochromatic background provides a perfect stage for the company’s logo to be the focal point of the space.

Arium AE strives to be informed on the most recent design trends for the workplace. With the goal of keeping our clients informed, we focus on longer term design trends that affect the workplace and how individuals function within the designed spaces. Below are three recent trends that Arium AE utilized successfully in a recent full floor 30,000 SF interior fit out for Access Intelligence.

Pops of Bright Vibrant Colors with Varied Materials and Textures

The strategic use of bright pops of colors within the workplace environment is a trend that started a couple years ago and will continue to be popular this year. Bright colors tend to create a more exciting work space that help motivate and create a more productive environment. This recent Chicago Tribune article highlights the benefits of adding a “touch of excitement” in even the most conservative workplaces. Similar to the use of bright vibrant colors, the use of various materials and textures also create a workplace environment that provides various layers of interest which influence the wellness and productivity of the inhabitant. For Access Intelligence’s new office space Arium AE utilized bright pops of colors, varied materials and textures to create multiple collaborative conference rooms, large break areas and a comfortable open office atmosphere.

Multipurpose Spaces That Promote Employee Interaction

Creativity is often at its peak when employees can feel comfortable and interact positively with their coworkers. Break areas that push past the traditional bare essentials of a sink, refrigerator and microwave help create a place for employees to relax and take well deserved breaks that often result in a boost to creativity and work production. The break room’s move beyond “just another support space” to a featured amenity in the workplace is a trend that has been around for several years.  See, Workplace Design Trends Support Collaboration by Steven Schrader, 2012.

The large break room designed by Arium AE for Access Intelligence straddles a major circulation path and features ample and varied seating opportunities, flat screen TVs, and multiple options for food and drink, all within a clean modern and bold design. Bold pops of accent finishes and refined attention to featured details results in a celebrated space poised for human interaction.

Emphasis on Acoustics

Office acoustics are a major factor in the performance and well-being for employees in a workplace. Acoustical Comfort has long been a consideration in workplace design, but has become even more important in today’s open office and collaborative workplaces. Sound Matters, How to achieve acoustic comfort in the contemporary office, by GSA Public Buildings Service is an excellent resource. Employees tend to thrive when an individual is able to work in a comfortable and quiet space. One of Access Intelligence’s major complaints about their previous office space was the lack of acoustical privacy and large amount of noise transmission throughout the space. Arium AE was able to address this concern and still provide multiple collaborative spaces and an open office layout by utilizing a range of design techniques. One newer solution that is both sustainable and visually appealing as well as acoustically absorptive is Buzzi BrickBack.  The felt panels help reduce the amount of sound transmission in collaborative areas throughout the workspace.