Office guides
Office Space: Architecture and Design Guide
So you`ve finally found the perfect commercial office space, but there`s one issue: you want to revamp the layout to reflect your company culture, yet you`re unsure about the best approach. Read this guide to learn more about the significance of architecture and design for your office space.
Why office architecture and design are important for your office space
Office design has a significant impact on employee productivity, satisfaction, and well-being.A study conducted by the American Society of Interior Designers revealed a notable 22% surge in employee productivity for companies that made investments in well-designed office spaces.
Additionally, as the nature of work continues to evolve, with an increased focus on flexible work arrangements and remote working, office design is becoming more important than ever.
This guide will explain the ins and outs of the architecture and design world of the office space. It will cover what you need to know about floorplans, furniture, design, and services in the workspace.
What are the different types of Floorplans and office layouts?
Cubicle office layout
A type of office design in which employees work in individual enclosed offices, also known as "cells." This layout is characterized by private workspaces, typically separated by walls or partitions, that provide employees with a high degree of privacy and minimize distractions. This layout was very popular in the past, especially in the 60’s and 79’s.
Activity-based office
This type of layout is based on the idea that different activities require different types of environments, and so employees are given a range of spaces and settings to choose from depending on the task they are working on. For example, an automotive company may require a showroom, or a laboratory for tests.
Open plan
A type of office layout where employees work in a large, shared space without walls or partitions dividing the workspace. This design encourages communication and collaboration among employees, as it allows for easy interaction and information-sharing.
Hybrid layouts
This layout is designed to cater to the specific needs of the organization and its employees by blending elements of various office layouts, which may include open-plan workspaces, private offices, and team-based work areas.
Key Areas of the office space
Welcome area
These areas refer to the primary entry points to the office, which serve as the initial access points for both employees and visitors. In larger office buildings, there may be separate entrances designated for staff. Typically, the main entrance is designed to be inviting and accessible to the general public.
Working Zone
The working zone is a restricted area accessible only to staff, and typically comprises of the primary workspace, which may include individual offices or desks, as well as meeting rooms and other core functional areas of the company essential for carrying out work-related tasks. These areas are specifically designed to support employee productivity.
Space partitions
Space partitions are physical dividers used to separate or partition different areas within an office space. They can be walls, screens, curtains, or even furniture used to create designated spaces within a larger open-plan environment.
Community zones
There are areas within an office space designed to encourage collaboration, communication, and social interaction among employees. These zones are typically open and flexible spaces where employees can gather and engage in various activities that promote teamwork, idea-sharing, and relationship-building. They include break rooms, lounges, collaboration spaces, quiet areas, outdoor spaces, and fitness areas designed to foster employee collaboration, well-being, and productivity.
Accessibility and well-being zones
These are areas designed to promote physical accessibility and employee well-being, typically including amenities such as ergonomic workstations, accessible restrooms, prayer or meditation rooms, lactation rooms, and wellness rooms or areas for exercise, relaxation, or meditation.
Office Furniture and Office Space
The furniture you choose for your office is a reflection of your corporate culture, team branding, and overall business identity. That’s why the process of selecting and setting up your office furniture, including delivery and assembly, is a vital aspect of defining your company`s identity.
Desks and chairs
Desks and chairs are crucial components of any office workspace, as they contribute significantly to the comfort, productivity, and health of employees. Ergonomic design can help prevent physical discomfort and injuries, while stylish and functional furniture can create a welcoming and professional atmosphere, allowing employees to improve their concentration, reduce distractions, and enhance overall efficiency.
Kitchen
Kitchens serve as a social hub and encourage collaboration and interaction among employees. They can also provide a space for relaxation and stress relief, contributing to overall employee well-being and job satisfaction.
Acoustics
Good acoustics can reduce noise distractions and increase speech intelligibility, which can lead to better communication and collaboration among employees. In contrast, poor acoustics can lead to high levels of noise, causing stress, fatigue, and reduced productivity.
Lighting
Lighting design will need to reflect the different areas of your office space. For example, the reception area may be designed to be light and bright and welcoming. Adequate lighting can reduce eye strain and headaches, improve visibility, and increase energy levels.
Phone booths
These provide employees with a private space to take calls or hold virtual meetings without disturbing their colleagues. In open-plan offices where there is limited privacy, phone booths can be an effective way to provide employees with a sense of privacy and security.
All things tech
To create a seamless and efficient working environment, it`s important to integrate digital infrastructure into the office design process from the start. The technology should be organized and designed in a user-friendly way, making it easy to use and upgrade with minimal disruption. This includes essential components such as reliable WiFi, high-quality monitors, intuitive whiteboards, and efficient printers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an independent space and an open space?
An independent space is a separate, enclosed office or workspace that provides privacy and individuality to the company. On the other hand, an open space is a large shared area that has no partitions or barriers, where multiple people can work together in the same space. Open spaces are often used in coworking arrangements or in collaborative work environments, while independent spaces are more commonly found in traditional office setups.
How is rent calculated for office space?
Rent for office space is typically calculated on a per-square-meter basis. This means that the total square meters of the space is multiplied by the rental rate per square meter to determine the monthly or yearly rent. Additional fees may also be included, such as common area maintenance (CAM) fees or property taxes. Read our pricing guide for more information.
Can I customize An office space to fit my needs?
Many landlords will allow tenants to customize the office space to some extent, such as painting the walls or adding partitions. However, any modifications must typically be approved by the landlord and may require the tenant to return the space to its original condition at the end of the lease term. Read our architecture/design guide for more information!
What is the difference between leasing and renting commercial real estate?
Leasing involves a long-term contractual agreement between a landlord and tenant for a specified period, usually one year or more. Rental agreements are typically for a shorter duration, often month-to-month, and offer more flexibility. Leases offer more customization options but are usually more expensive, while rental agreements may have more standardized terms.
How do landlords typically calculate the square footage of an office space?
Landlords typically calculate the square meters of an office space by measuring the interior space of the unit, including walls and hallways. This measurement is known as the "rentable" square meters, and may include common areas such as lobbies, restrooms, and elevators. However, tenants are only charged rent based on the actual "usable" square meters of their individual unit.
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