search

Open workspace is dead, long live the new solution

For a long time in workspace design, open workspace has been promoted widely to increase collaboration, boost productivity and strengthen work relationships. However, research shows just the opposite. The volume of face-to-face interaction in the open workspace, found by Harvard University dropped about 70%. Similarly, the productivity in the open office plunged 15% according to Exeter University. Noise and a lack of privacy are two main reasons why employees hate the open office concept.

Here’s the deal: Beyond the employee experience, open workspace does provide for small businesses a family-like feeling at a low cost. However, for your company, the point is always to focus on how to improve the employee experience. This is why the open workspace is dead but turning back to cubicle farms or paying through nose for private offices are not options for small businesses.

So, what is the new solution?

Two office design methods have been proven to solve problems in the current open workspace. –biophilic design, and activity-based working.

biophilic design

This is a design method in architecture that tries to get people more closely to the building. Over 1,600 workers in a recent survey show that in the company the most important thing for them is not whether companies have gym, kitchen, nor a game room, a rest zone. They want more natural light. As such, adding natural lighting or ventilation in the workspace helps create a healthier and more productive environment for people. Your company is full of artificial lighting sources including ceiling bulbs, the screens lights from computers and cellphones. All these pose a potential threat to your health and wellness. Employees feel quite disappointed when sitting in the open workspace and this, as a result, might have a great impact on their productivity. This is the place where biophilic design works its magic as it is considered the natural and therapeutic method in the workspace design. Imagine a workspace witha number of planters, windows with stunning views, and tons of wood furniture.

Sunon, a workspace designer is probably the most famous example of this, and it provides all kinds of biophilic office designs for other companies. You want to consider this design too as studies have already shown how beneficial it can be.

Through biophilic design may not fully tackle the issue brought about by open workspace, it does create a crucial atmosphere that each company should consider whether it’s open office.

Activity-based working

Employees are now working more flexibly way as technology gets more advanced and capable.In 2020, it is estimated 50% of US employees will spend time working remotely. Such change is happening and the expensive assigned desks would be avoided by more than half of businesses in the future.

Currently, concepts such as hot-desking which enable workers to take the first desk available and desk hoteling which allows employees to book a desk online before they get the office can’t help the status quo. Many would ask “How we could get more interactions and efforts of workers from a current workspace?”

A workspace design called activity-based working (ABW) helps tackle this issue. It does divide the workspace into private or public, instead, it focuses on the function. When doing certain activities, workers will go to the space designed to support it.

ABW goes deeper than the dichotomy between public spaces versus private spaces to provide a variety of flexible environments for specific types of activities. When a worker is doing a certain type of activity, they go to the space designed to support it.

There are six types of ABW designed by Gartner’s “Create a Catalog of Activity-Based Spaces in the Digital Workplace to Improve the Employee Experience,”

Set up your office today

The office is more than a place to work. It is the most crucial point for employee experience and if small businesses really want to start somewhere, instead of using the old open workplace, take a road that less traveled by, and that would make all the difference.

15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]

Read More

Neuroarchitecture: Designing for the Human Mind

Imagine walking into a sunlit room with high ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a view of a leafy courtyard. How do you feel? Calm? Inspired? At ease? That’s not just your mood—it’s your brain responding to the space around you. Neuroarchitecture is an evolving domain that merges the understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture to […]

Read More

Vertical Garden Ideas: 15 Tips To Improve Your Space

A vertical garden design is a garden that grows vertically on the surface of a wall, over a column, or inside a beam or any other surface. It acts as a living wall or a surface that grows vertically instead of a horizontal surface. Vertical garden ideas have become a trend for small balconies where […]

Read More

Postmodernism Architecture: History, Elements & Famous Buildings

Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings, it is a reflection of our values, art, culture, and society. It is a movement towards new, promising, and philosophical design strategies. One such movement that significantly influenced the architectural landscape is Postmodernism architecture. In this research article, readers will find a comprehensive guide for Postmodernism […]

Read More

Why Sandstone is a Sustainable Choice for Modern Homes?

When you are building a new home or renovating your existing space, you definitely want it to look its best and last for ages. You want something worth every penny you spend. But when we talk about making a smart choice, it’s not just about how beautiful your home looks from the outside. The decisions […]

Read More

Staircase Railing Design: 25 Popular Ideas In 2025

Staircase railing design, in 2025, is surpassing mere functionality and becoming a pivotal element in interior design. Design trends embrace bold materials, sculptural forms, and thoughtful craftsmanship to elevate staircases into architectural features. From minimalist lines to artistic expressions, these 25 staircase railing ideas capture the spirit of contemporary living. Let’s delve into the blog […]

Read More

Modern Architecture Homes: 15 Trending Styles To Explore

What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]

Read More

50 Timeless Pooja Room Door Design For Indian Homes

Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]

Read More

50 Magnificent Gate Design That Will Protect Your Home

Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]

Read More

19 Primary Fundamentals of Vastu Shastra for house

The word “Vastu” refers to the dwelling place of humans and gods, while “shastra” means science or knowledge, hence Vastu Shastra for house is the science of architecture. Vastu Shastra for house is an ongoing practice in India since one can remember. Almost every architect and designer wields it in conceptualizing their projects. Vastu Shastra provides […]

Read More
  • Artificial Intelligence Era Is Approaching : All The Things You Need To Know About AI

    How to Ensure Effective Pool Repairs in Winter Garden after a Storm?