The world has certainly seen some changes in 2020 with the Pandemic affecting everything from our health to the way we exist day-to-day, particularly regarding the patterns of work.
I have read many articles and listened to many experts telling us the world has now changed forever in the way we approach the workplace. I am particularly interested in this change as a designer of office spaces and in terms of how we interact in our working surroundings.
Is the office dead? – I am certain it is not. We are human beings and thrive on the interaction and discussion that comes from working in groups, huddles or communal working areas – offices. The importance of the office to our cities, transport and wider economy is massive in the North East.
People are now looking at the impact of not occupying offices on our wider economy and the effect on our town centres. The impact of working from home has not yet been fully explored. Whilst many have enjoyed the initial period of home working in the summer months, the reality of working through a cold, wet and dark winter day will start to impact on people’s health and well-being.
So, the question is how do we adapt the office environment, to make it safe and meet guidelines but also not lose its appeal?
At Howarth Litchfield we are all back in the office together, benefiting from the osmosis of ideas and discussions that thrive in a lively studio. Yes, we can work separately (and we did so through the initial period of lock down) but it is so much better to discuss, chat and argue about design directly, together.
We are now advising many clients on how to adapt their working environments. Our own experience and knowledge allow us to review existing furniture, changes to layouts, and use of flexible working arrangements. The impact on buildings will be seen in the increased use of natural ventilation or mechanical systems seeking to increase the air changes. The whole strategy of mechanical design will need to change focus.
Clever, simple changes can be made to an office without making it look sterile or unfriendly. Screens, displays and break out areas are all great ways to help spread out people. The long-term impact on spaces and their designs will be with us for a long time, maybe even permanently. Many companies see this as a great opportunity to look at the way they operate and the environments of their staff.
The great cities of Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland need people in them, working, shopping and socialising. Making the offices safe, secure and welcome is a key task. Once people get back to the new normal then our cities will move forward for everyone’s benefit.
Who would have thought that the economy of the country would become dependent upon the interior design and space planning skill of designers? But then, we do live in a new world now.
Neil Turner, director, Howarth Litchfield can be contacted on 0191 3849470 or email neil.turner@hlpuk.com. www.howarthlitchfield.com
