Designing workspaces in a building complex is similar to creating an office for a company. You want your residents to feel like they have a designated place to visit every day if needed. With remote working being the latest trend, you need much more than just a desk in the bedroom or living room; you must create a welcoming and professional space.
Creating a Space
When allocating a section of the complex to support the ability of its residents to go to it every day or on a day-to-day basis during the week, certain elements need to be kept at the forefront of your mind. For example, you can use the allocated square footage to your advantage. Ways to do this include creating individual spaces reminiscent of cubicles but taking it to the next level by creating private rooms along one side of the area. By creating these individual private spaces in a communal area, you allow your residents to have a sense of privacy as they go about their workday while giving them a multifunctional space to spread out, collaborate, and hold meetings with other people, all within the luxury of their building.
Another sought-after element that should be incorporated is technology. Whether integrating a computer bar or sections within the space with allocated desks and tables with computers built into them, giving the residents access to the newest technology makes working from home swift and more effortless. This includes printers, iPads, whiteboards, and such, creating a work-friendly environment to help its residents produce their best outcomes with these advantages. This also includes offering high-speed internet, not only in the workspaces but everywhere in the complex, allowing its users to easily access the online world we live in today. Remote workers rely heavily on stable internet connections, especially for video calls or using software that requires constant connectivity, like Adobe programs. Poor internet quality can hinder productivity, causing disruptions during Zoom meetings or issues with cloud-based software like Adobe, leading to a frustrating work experience.
Enhancing the Environment
Beyond the functional aspects like desks, tables, and quiet spaces, it’s essential to design a space that people will want to work in. At the end of the day, the goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and sophisticated space for its residents so that they genuinely feel like they aren’t at home but in an office space that cultivates creativity and promotes strong work habits. For instance, creating workspaces that allow residents to take work Zoom calls while providing them with backgrounds that make them look like they’re in a professional setting is also essential.
Lighten up the Room
Have you ever worked in a space with dim lighting, making the surrounding area feel glum? One of the most essential things a workspace can offer is natural lighting that floods the space. Working in a dim environment affects productivity. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that poor lighting conditions can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Insufficient lighting, dim and artificial lighting, can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, which affects mood regulation. Incorporating natural light, such as a window wall, creates a more cheerful and welcoming space for its residents.
In today’s technologically advanced world, where remote working is the trend, having access to a well-designed, professional space is a new must-have on the renter/buyer list. Multifamily complexes that incorporate thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing workspaces not only meet the needs of their residents but also enhance the community’s overall appeal. By integrating the trends listed above -cutting-edge technology, natural light, and adaptable areas, as interior designers, we can elevate these workspaces and foster a greater sense of belonging for residents within the complexes.
