Konrad Buhagiar

Founding partner, Architecture Project
www.ap.com.mt

What are the main considerations when designing an office space?

I think there is no better way to understand the spirit of the contemporary office than to watch Jacques Tati’s 1967 film Playtime. Tati himself plays the part of Monsieur Hulot who wanders gloomily through a vast open-plan office where steel and glass are the omnipresent materials defining a sophisticated but anonymous working world. Scores of members of staff perform their daily duties in identical, undifferentiated little cubicles, like ants in a hyper-organised yet oppressive colony. The modernist office, like the factory, was designed as a machine, offering up the worker on the altar of efficiency and standardisation.

In contrast to this anodyne anonymity, the contemporary office space is designed to reinforce the individuality of the employee, on the understanding that productivity, efficiency and creativity are catalysed by a working environment which drives motivation and self-realisation. No longer does the office space stand alongside – disdaining to intersect – places of relaxation, entertainment or education. Quite the opposite – the modern office has become one of the main vehicles of lifestyle, where the boundary between work and leisure has become blurred and where meeting, team-building and sharing of ideas are the basis of innovation and, consequently, success in a competitive world.

Lastly, positioning cannot be ignored in a world where corporate culture is dictating new office design trends. It’s not only the individuality of the employee that needs to be encouraged, but also the uniqueness of the company. Corporate identity is conceived in such a way as to be easily recognisable by the market and has become irrevocably embedded in the spirit and image of the office itself.

Do office design considerations depend on the main functions of an office?

The challenge is always how to mediate between the image of the company that is expected by the client and the users’ needs and comfort. The main functions of the office traditionally serve as the DNA of the office layout, determining the efficiency and facility with which the operation is carried out. Adjoining spaces are allocated to related and interdependent functions, the interface with the public is accommodated in areas close to the public domain, and quiet spaces created in the more secluded parts of the floor where individual work can be carried out undisturbed.

The design itself – the choice of materials and finishes, textures and colours – is strictly the domain of the psychological requirements of the client and the user combined. Transparency is often the mainstay of office design, with glass as the dominant material in the contemporary office. This is especially useful when rehabilitating old buildings to house offices and where conservation of the original spaces must go hand-in-hand with the new programme.

On the other hand, temporary seclusion is also a must, requiring the integration of quiet and private spaces for meetings and collaborative work in general and for the staff to withdraw to when working on tasks requiring focus and concentration.

Add to this the growing importance attached to the space dedicated to relaxation. These spaces of social contact encourage the staff to spend more time at work and provide an environment where pressure and leisure are balanced and conducive to a healthier and more creative lifestyle.

How can work and relaxation areas be integrated together?

This depends largely on the type of office in question and the activities required of its employees. Creative professions require “messy” areas, workshops, studios and the like, which naturally encourage social intercourse, discussion and creativity. Otherwise who cannot deny that some of the best ideas are generated over a cup of coffee and croissant in the office bar? Although research shows that the more dynamic open environments are today only gradually becoming accepted by workers, strictly speaking, there is no distinction between these two areas, and visual contact between the two, even if separated by glass partitions for acoustic reasons, may leave a positive, lively effect on the atmosphere of the office.

What role do colours and textures play in effective office design?

Ever since the cave dweller started to paint the surfaces of his natural abode, the psychological effect of colour and decorated surfaces has been exploited, developed and lifted to extraordinary heights of beauty and wonder.

There is no limit to how colour and texture can be manipulated to achieve the desired effects, whether to produce a sensation of calm and collection, to generate a vibrant atmosphere that stimulates creativity, or to produce an impression of professionalism, prestige or even pomp. Colour and texture surround us, inform our moods and determine our sensations and the impressions of the world around us. Office design as well does not escape the dictates of colour.

How does good design contribute to an office’s overall green plan?

In the past, good design was the product of a forced economy of means. This imperative was slowly and inevitably absorbed by and embedded in language itself and can serve as a guide to good office design: “Waste not, want not,” “Necessity is the mother of invention,” “A stitch in time saves nine,” “Variety is the spice of life.”

These are all time-honoured quips which, were they to be followed rigorously, would lead to good green design, one that avoids monotony, is economic in the use of materials, exploits sunlight through careful orientation, is inventive in the effective use of space, and depends as little as possible on non-renewable sources of energy.

Overall, how does effective office design contribute to productivity and well-being at the office?

A pleasant working environment provides the best backdrop to a productive and happy office. But in the end, when all is said and done, it’s the users of the office themselves that can provide the self-motivation, inspiration, team spirit, mutual support and encouragement.

AnnMarie Pawley

Interior designer, design consultant
www.maltainteriordesign.com

What are the main considerations when designing an office space?

Employers have come to realise that the office environment impacts employee satisfaction, creativity and productivity

The way an office is set up has a direct impact on the business, both from the employees’ and the clients’ viewpoint. Dingy and stuffy places drain creativity and leave a negative impression on potential clients.

It’s important that a workplace is kept organised and tidy. A strict clutter-free policy motivates employees to keep their workspaces neat and orderly. Ample storage space is a must to keep the space organised, so it’s a good idea to fit in a storage audit at planning stage.

Good lighting and temperature control are also necessary. Natural light fuels productivity as our eyes are designed to work with the changing light levels of sunlight instead of continuous artificial lighting, and so natural light reduces eye fatigue and headaches.

However it’s not always possible to benefit from natural light and in these circumstances a good lighting plan makes all the difference. Open environments might allow more natural sunlight, but can be more difficult to heat and cool, depending on the size of the area.

Another consideration is that circulation spaces make it easier for people to walk around freely without bumping into colleagues or furniture.

Apart from the aesthetics, emphasis should be placed on ergonomics and durability. These issues go hand in hand with the financial limits of the company – the budget allocated for the design influences the final result in the choice of materials, furnishings, artwork, lighting and finishes.

Buying the cheapest products on the market may in the long run result in heavy losses. Ergonomic furniture solutions may seem like an indulgence at the planning stage, but ultimately these have been designed for durability and the long-term comfort of the users.

Do office design considerations depend on the main functions of an office?

Office design depends on components such as the function of the company, the amount of employees, the number of people working in the same room and their particular field of work, and the image the company wishes to present.

Layout is usually determined by the amount of people working in any given area and the kind of service the company offers: companies providing solutions through collaboration between individuals usually prefer an open-plan design, while companies where employees deal personally with clients need private spaces. Companies might also require the use of large and noisy machinery like plotters or photocopiers and so would specify said machines to be housed in small rooms so as not to disturb employees.

This also gives rise to the importance of tertiary spaces – quiet in-between areas partitioned off so people can focus and concentrate on particular jobs without the distractions of an exposed area.

Likewise, the choice of furniture and fittings depends on the function of an office. For instance, a number of comfortable chairs and a magazine rack are sufficient in a reception area, but workspaces obviously require more furniture. In some offices specialised furniture is a necessity, while other offices only need a basic desk and chair to operate.

How can work and relaxation areas be integrated together?

Since employees spend long hours at their workplace, many consider the office to be their second home. Employers have come to realise that the office environment impacts employee satisfaction, creativity and productivity. Tech companies like Google started a trend for building remarkable workspaces equipped with cafés, restaurants, libraries, bars and gyms where employees can brainstorm and relax – this helps these large companies attract the brightest individuals and inspire their creativity to give the best results.

Solutions need not always be so drastic. Small getaway spaces like casual meeting rooms or lounging areas provide a crucial place away from the desk. They also take down communication barriers and encourage spontaneity. These communal areas can also be vital for employees to build work relations based on shared values and beliefs from which the company is sure to benefit.

How can technology be integrated in office design?

Modern technology makes office life easier. Wireless connectivity enables staff to work anywhere and gives an office more flexibility.

Cable management solutions have also become increasingly popular. Power can be directed throughout the whole room with minimum discomfort – cables can be passed through specialised trunk skirting or under raised floor systems. Each workstation can be hooked up to a number of power sockets and data connections without using unsightly extension cords.

Together with wireless connectivity, cable management can be integrated in office design to provide a number of original and highly efficient layouts.

How does good design contribute to an office’s overall green plan?

Sustainable design is a general reaction to the global environmental crisis, the rapid growth of economic activity and human population, damage to ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity. In answer to this, sustainable design standards are being strongly requested by designers and clients alike.

Efficient planning results in a lot of advantages for the company and has a positive bearing on the environment. Energy efficiency can be improved by assessing a few simple things. For instance, additional heating may be eliminated by using wall insulation, double or triple glazing and carpeting, while walls can be replaced by glazed partitions to allow for more natural light. Also, quality fittings and equipment, although more expensive, often last longer – this reduces the impact of producing replacements.

Overall, how does effective office design contribute to productivity and well-being at the office?

For a business to be successful, employees have to feel the need to contribute to the company. A top quality office which is comfortable and fun to work in ascertains individuals that their output is a major contribution towards the company’s success and is valued as such. Also, a well-designed office represents a company’s message and brand to potential clients.

Davina Preca

Interior architect, designer
www.davinapreca.com

What are the main considerations when designing an office space?

Office spaces have come a long way since the invention of solitary self-contained cubicle design. It’s now recognised as both a functional and creative environment. The office concept has also been turned into something that can potentially become a clever marketing tool and powerful branding opportunity for companies.

Solutions to the company office space are individual and there is no one formula that fits all. The 1990s saw a complete opposite reaction to the monotonous cubicle space – concepts such as open-plan spaces and hot desking became popular. The intention was to increase creativity and interaction between the users. However, the dynamic this creates does not work for everyone – some might feel that it limits their actions while others are uncomfortable as they think they are not free to talk with each other or laugh without disturbing others occupying the space.

Office design should embrace differentiation and flexibility by accepting that people are individuals. Respect for individuality leads to motivation and creativity. When designing an office, it’s important to first get to know the organisation and its people. Each person is an expert at what they do and so understanding the work process plays a vital role in terms of successful design.

Do office design considerations depend on the main functions of an office?

I would not say that office design is dependent on the main functions of the office. These main functions – which might include working, meeting, relaxation and storage – will of course be satisfied but they are not the leading force behind design. Office design should fulfil both the needs of the end user and of the company.

How can work and relaxation areas be integrated together?

Creative work cannot exist without play. Recreation can be used to motivate and nurture talent. This can be done through several company policies as well as through office design. Spaces should be designed to offer the opportunity to communicate with your peers – for instance, by placing seating next to a kitchenette, you will encourage valuable interaction.

What role do colours and textures play in effective office design?

Colour within office space is a new field of study. In the past, offices were painted a dull grey as this was not disliked by anyone – it was a safe option, but boring.

Colour can be highly personal but studies show that blue, for instance, induces creativity while red is best when detail-oriented tasks are being carried out.

When used together, colour, texture and pattern provide an overall stimulating environment.

How does good design contribute to an office’s overall green plan?

The materials used need to be non-toxic, solvent free and responsibly produced. As with other interiors, heating and cooling using sustainable methods play a key role. Also, when planning an office, take into consideration the orientation of each space so as to maximise on daylight and decrease the number of hours artificial lighting is needed.

Overall, how does effective office design contribute to productivity and well-being at the office?

Effective office design promotes motivation and creativity. That said, a creative space cannot make a person creative but if you do not change the space, people do not change their behaviour. It can also prove to be a magnet for creative talent, as creativity seeks a like-minded environment.