Visual appeal is only part of the equation in today’s design landscape. Functionality is now just as important as the auditory experience of a space. Driven by a growing emphasis on employee wellness, neurodiversity and business productivity, architects now recognise that room acoustics are a key component, says Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics.
Across Europe, co-working is continuing to buck the trend of traditional office decline, with an estimated growth of 158% over the next two years.
Infinitus Plaza is the new global headquarters of Infinitus China. Incorporating work environments designed to nurture connectivity, creativity and entrepreneurship, the new headquarters also includes the group’s herbal medicine research facilities and safety assessment labs as well as a learning centre for conferences and exhibitions.
Designed by RVAD Studio, the design of Tagh Behesht in the city of Mashhad, Iran, began with an investigation into the architectural history of bazaars in the Western Asia country. The unbreakable bond between the city bazaars and the foundations of the economy has led to these Greater Middle-Eastern markets taking on an important and consistent role in people’s daily lives.
XAPO (pronounced ‘sapo’) provides online banking services for cryptocurrencies. The company’s Director, Wences Casares, commissioned Lagranja to create its flagship headquarters; the first physical HQ for XAPO, and the first transformation of a historical building for Lagranja..
It’s been more than 18 months since the majority of office workers have been in the office full time. While it’s too soon to say exactly what lasting impact the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have had on the UK’s office culture, it’s clear to see that for the time being at least there is likely to be a significant shift towards a more flexible, less regimented approach to workplace-based work, with staff splitting time between home and the office, which has led to a boom in refurbishments as landlords refresh their facilities.
Soapworks’ Manager, Jennifer Bamber, addresses the growing trend for flexible office design.
