In today’s ever-changing landscape, flexibility needs to be at the forefront of office design. Workspaces need to be able to adapt to what is needed now… and what could be needed in 5, 10 or even 20 years!
For example, Apple’s new headquarters in California has a large underground garage that can accommodate 11,000 vehicles. Right now, such a vast parking space is seen as essential. However, in the future this could change as space for vehicles to park may become much less relevant.
Architect Norman Foster, who designed the Apple campus, believes we need to look ahead for potential changes. The floor-to-floor height of car parks could be much greater than what is usually specified, so that at a time when it’s no longer being filled with cars it can easily be retrofitted as a habitable environment.
For a workspace to stand the test of time, it must also accommodate the needs of the people who spend the most time there. It must enable people to connect with each other and with nature – and boost productivity and wellbeing in equal measure.
In an interview with Wired, Norman Foster said, “From the very beginning, I’ve protested the idea that an office headquarters, whether its mega or micro, is only about work. It’s about lifestyle.”
To discuss how your office design can meet your needs both today and tomorrow, please get in touch.