This article was first published in "The Ticker – Winter 2023 Edition", the Business Journal of the German Chamber of Commerce in China.

The landscape of work and how people approach their professional lives has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past few years. As the nature of work evolves, so too does the design of office spaces. The traditional, static office model is making way for innovative, flexible environments that adapt to the changing needs of employees. This shift has been accelerated in recent years, with the pandemic acting as a catalyst for a more profound reevaluation of the workplace. This article explores the trends and innovations in office design, focusing on the move towards flexible, attractive, and dynamic workspaces.

The Evolution of Workplace Design 

Over the last two decades, there has been a noticeable trend toward more flexible office spaces. The traditional cubicle-laden offices are being replaced by open layouts that promote collaboration and communication. This shift has been further accelerated by the global shift to remote work prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, companies are reimagining the purpose of physical office spaces and investing in creating environments that are not only conducive to productivity, but also serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation. 

The Rise of Flexible Work Arrangements

One of the significant contributors to the changing face of office spaces is the rise of flexible work arrangements. The ability to work from anywhere, whether it is a home office or a "work-vacation" destination, has reshaped the concept of the traditional office. Employees now seek environments that offer flexibility and accommodate various work styles. This shift has led to a reconsideration of office size and layout. 

In both Europe and the United States, offices have become less bustling as remote work becomes more prevalent. Consequently, companies are reevaluating the need for large office spaces, leading to a reduction in size and the adoption of shared spaces. The challenge for organizations is to make the physical office a compelling and attractive space that employees want to return to. 

To enhance the appeal of the workplace, Clariant, a prominent global specialty chemical company, has realized its One Clariant Campus in Shanghai. They have blended advanced R&D spaces with regional headquarters functions and embraced the idea of creating a workplace for the future for all their employees in Shanghai and for their experts, sales executives and key clients, joining the Shanghai teams for shorter or longer periods. 

Clariant's Work Cafè at One Clariant Campus, Shanghai

This increased flexibility is mirrored by highly diversified workspaces, offering everything from a generous desk in open space offices to quiet break-out rooms for concentrated work. The concept office also incorporates a work café. A complete floor within the office facility has been designed as a lounge, providing employees with a comfortable setting to gather, enjoy coffee, to meet and discuss ideas, and foster a relaxed atmosphere. This adaptation underscores the increasing significance of collaborative environments, which not only promote productivity, but also facilitate team interaction and creativity.

Another noteworthy illustration in this context is the work environment at Chiesi, a leading global pharmaceutical company ranked among the top 50. Their workspace design is centered around cultivating an environment where employees seamlessly align with the company’s culture. The key aspects of emphasis include openness, connectivity, and flexibility. By integrating a dynamic ambiance and drawing inspiration from organic life themes, the design injects vitality and dynamism into the workspace. The inclusion of sofa areas and versatile training and meeting rooms underscores dedication to adaptability and the well- being of employees.

Chiesi's flexible workspace of open collaborative zones and breakout rooms

The Drive for Attractive Work Environments

Creating an attractive and "commute-worthy" office space has become a priority for companies looking to retain a physical presence. The goal is to make the office a destination that enhances the overall work experience. 

The IMEIK R&D Centre in Beijing, a pioneering biomedical soft tissue materials company, embraces a distinctive and cutting-edge concept. With more employees spending less time in the office than ever before, the identity of the office as the place to meet and to “feel at home” in the company of peers is essential to creating a bond. This involves a progressive shift in the main color scheme, transitioning from red in the basement to corporate blue on the sixth and final floor. 

Linking the workplaces of scientists and office staff creates a feeling of togetherness at IMEIK

Additionally, the design incorporates a pattern of flower blossoms projected over lighting perforated ceilings and adorned walls, featuring modern half-tone images and vibrant office floors. This approach goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to create workspaces where employees find joy in their work.

Securing Top Talents with Inspirational Workspaces

In China, the motivation for creating attractive work environments is driven not primarily by the rise of home office arrangements, but by intense competition for talent. Companies are realizing that a well-designed workplace can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top-tier professionals. This is not just about aesthetics, but also about designing spaces that foster social interaction and professional networking.

A notable instance in this context is the German Centre in Shanghai. As outlined by Christian Sommer, CEO and Chairman of the German Center in Shanghai, this space is envisioned not only as a contemporary workplace, but also as a hub for gatherings. The German Centre offers top-notch venues for seminars, training sessions, and events, promoting a communal atmosphere among occupants. This platform concept actively nurtures collaboration, mutual support and the establishment of business connections

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Current Global Trends in Office Space Redesign

In both Europe and Asia, offices have become less bustling as remote work becomes more popular. While companies are diversifying their office environments, some move even further to create more co-working space designs. 

The Innovation Centre in Rapperswil, Switzerland, exemplifies this trend by prioritizing co-working spaces that facilitate a holistic approach to work. The ground floor features a cafeteria with an outdoor terrace, a primary co-working area connected to a garden, and a versatile meeting space designed for large events. The design actively encourages a balance between collaborative spaces and areas dedicated to focused individual work. One of the challenges is to design spaces that can integrate collaborative teams, while still providing enough privacy and confidentiality for functions and tasks, which contain essential know-how.

A versatile meeting room for events at the Innovation Centre in Rapperswil, Switzerland

Some workspaces are even going beyond an integration at a certain location. Concepts such as "Workation" are starting, not only addressing digital nomads, but also teamwork for intense workshops. One example of a Workation concept is situated on the scenic vacation island of Bali. This innovative concept blends work and leisure by providing functional workstations, meeting rooms, a robust digital infrastructure with videoconferencing rooms, and, naturally-invigorating living and relaxation areas within a tropical vacation setting.

Workation: The work resort in Bali

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Workspaces

The future of workspaces is dynamic and ever-evolving, with a focus on creating environments that inspire collaboration, innovation and employee well-being. The shift towards flexible work arrangements has prompted a reevaluation of traditional office spaces, leading to innovative designs that cater to the changing needs of the workforce.

As companies navigate the evolving landscape of work, the challenge is not only to meet the practical needs of companies and employees, but also to create spaces that enhance the overall work experience. The fusion of aesthetics, functionality, and flexibility in office design reflects a commitment to shaping the future of workspaces that are not only productive, but also inspiring and enjoyable for employees.

Daniel Heusser

Chief Architect and President of VIRTUARCH