Perspective: State of Being | Next

The state of workplace design is currently a liminal space. Whether it’s in terms of designing spaces for clients, or for ourselves, we are rethinking what and where we want our offices to be. As we adjust to a more hybrid state of work, we are embracing new ways for spaces to be used, new technologies, and different levels of comfort when it comes to personal space. Many workplaces are adopting hoteling and coworking as a flexible solution, as well as furnishings that evoke a sense of home.

From biophilia and acoustic solutions, designers are leaning into modern yet calming workplace design that offers innovative solutions to integrate the need for collaborative spaces, as well as enclaves or work stations that offer visual and acoustic privacy. Below we explore some new products featured at NeoCon that are changing the way we design the workplace.

Steelcase Flex Personal Spaces

This adaptable desk system provides dedicated workspaces for employees that offer flexible configurations to support different work styles and needs. The foundation for this system includes desks, privacy wraps tufted with curved surfaces, and a canopy light combined with unique desk shapes to create options for varying levels of acoustic and visual privacy needs. An important addition to Steelcase’s Flex Collection, which supports a hybrid workplace that is adaptable on demand.

Modern office workspace featuring multiple stylish desks with computers, ergonomic chairs, and blue acoustic partitions for privacy. — Steelcase Flex Collection offers flexible, hybrid workplace design. Image courtesy of Steelcase.

An overhead view of a modern workspace featuring two desks with computers, ergonomic chairs, and greenery, promoting a collaborative atmosphere. — Steelcase Flex Collection offers flexible, hybrid workplace design. Image courtesy of Steelcase.

The Oak Bok Cowork Desk

Designed by Alain van Havre, Ethnicraft pairs this desk with matching Oak Bok chairs as an elegant coworking solution for a team of collaborators. With a sleek oak design, and a width that allows two people to sit opposite with ample space, the table evokes an open calmness through the biophilic element of the natural finish, and a generous amount of space.

A modern workspace features a wooden table with laptops and chargers, surrounded by stylish chairs, and lush greenery visible outside. — The Ethnicraft Oak Bok Cowork Desk designed by Alain van Havre. Image courtesy of Ethnicraft

A round wooden table surrounded by light-colored chairs sits on a textured area rug with green and gray patterns. — Mohawk Group's Lichen Community modular carpet system designed in collaboration with McLennan Design. Image courtesy of Mohawk Group

Lichen Community from Mohawk Group

Designed in collaboration with McLennan Design, this multi-hued and multi-textured biophilic lichen pattern is a modular carpet system that connects to a restorative, climate positive future. This nature-inspired floor covering incorporates Mohawk’s EcoFlex One backing, is Living Product certified, and embodies their commitment to dematerialization and a more restorative, carbon neutral future.

BuzziRing

BuzziSpace has been making effective and high-quality acoustic lighting, furniture, and acoustic solutions since 2007 to create happy and healthy workspaces. The BuzziRing provides a small acoustic work hub for one to two that is acoustically balanced on the inside allowing for a space for focused work, taking phone or video calls with minimum sound interference and maximum sound privacy. This ‘cocoon’ is also available with a transparent screen that provides an intimate private space while allowing for social distancing.

A modern orange wall-mounted nook features a wooden shelf and a flexible light, accompanied by a matching upholstered stool. — BuzziRing by BuzziSpace, image courtesy of BuzziSpace

SnapCab the Link

In response to a more Zoom-centric world, the Link is a pod that enhances video-conferencing from the home or office. Designed with the user in mind, an elongated space and dimmable lights allow for the preferred camera angle and lighting is paired with a quiet space with acoustic felt lining for supreme audio quality. Not only ideal for taking video calls or recording video content, the Link offers a quiet place for focused work both at home or in the office.