Ted Moudis Associates, an architectural and interior design firm with offices in Chicago, London, and New York, recently released its 2016 Workplace Report in which it identifies current and future trends and strategies for using office space that are currently being adopted by various organizations and firms.
The report analyzed 39 separate projects that accounted for 17,084 total workspaces and 2.5 million sf. It includes data from workplaces across four industries throughout the U.S.: financial, professional services, consumer products, and digital media.
Here are some of the top trends being exhibited throughout workplaces in these industries across the country, according to the firm:
1. Open plans and more communal workspaces were trends seen across all four industries examined. Coming along as a result of these open workspaces are a drop in the area per occupant, the usable square feet per seat, and the number of private offices.
2. More offices are moving toward desking or benching, creating shared amenities and alternate workplaces out of what was once individual space.
3. Companies are using less paper than ever before. Less paper means fewer file cabinets. Fewer file cabinets mean more space for human-centered purposes.
4. Sharing is a common theme. Alternative seats—seats that are not assigned to a particular individual—are becoming more prevalent. These seats can be used as meeting, amenity, or focus spots.
These design trends don’t just affect the aesthetic of a workplace; they affect how employees move through it throughout the day.
Here is a breakdown of the trends relating to usable square feet per seat, workspace types, and workspace seats vs. alternative seats in relation to the four separate industries.
For a look at the full report from Ted Moudis Associates, click here.
All images and photos courtesy Ted Moudis Associates
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2023
Office leasing in major markets by financial services firms rebounds to pre-pandemic norms
Though the pandemic led to reductions in office leasing by financial services firms in gateway markets, a recent report by JLL found a notable leasing resurgence by those firms.
Sustainability | Jul 13, 2023
Deep green retrofits: Updating old buildings to new sustainability standards
HOK’s David Weatherhead and Atenor’s Eoin Conroy discuss the challenges and opportunities of refurbishing old buildings to meet modern-day sustainability standards.
Government Buildings | Jul 13, 2023
The recently opened U.S. Embassy in Ankara reflects U.S. values while honoring Turkish architecture
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has recently opened the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. The design by Ennead Architects aims to balance transparency and openness with security, according to a press statement. The design also seeks both to honor Turkey’s architectural traditions and to meet OBO’s goals of sustainability, resiliency, and stewardship.
Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Jul 12, 2023
Fire safety considerations for cantilevered buildings [AIA course]
Bold cantilevered designs are prevalent today, as developers and architects strive to maximize space, views, and natural light in buildings. Cantilevered structures, however, present a host of challenges for building teams, according to José R. Rivera, PE, Associate Principal and Director of Plumbing and Fire Protection with Lilker.
Mass Timber | Jul 11, 2023
5 solutions to acoustic issues in mass timber buildings
For all its advantages, mass timber also has a less-heralded quality: its acoustic challenges. Exposed wood ceilings and floors have led to issues with excessive noise. Mass timber experts offer practical solutions to the top five acoustic issues in mass timber buildings.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 11, 2023
Converting downtown office into multifamily residential: Let’s stop and think about this
Is the office-to-residential conversion really what’s best for our downtowns from a cultural, urban, economic perspective? Or is this silver bullet really a poison pill?
Adaptive Reuse | Jul 10, 2023
California updates building code for adaptive reuse of office, retail structures for housing
The California Building Standards Commission recently voted to make it easier to convert commercial properties to residential use. The commission adopted provisions of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) that allow developers more flexibility for adaptive reuse of retail and office structures.
Headquarters | Jul 5, 2023
The game room: Transforming game design office spaces
IA Interior Architects' designers discuss the aesthetic considerations for gaming industry work environments.
Office Buildings | Jun 28, 2023
When office-to-residential conversion works
The cost and design challenges involved with office-to-residential conversions can be daunting; designers need to devise creative uses to fully utilize the space.
Standards | Jun 26, 2023
New Wi-Fi standard boosts indoor navigation, tracking accuracy in buildings
The recently released Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11az enables more refined and accurate indoor location capabilities. As technology manufacturers incorporate the new standard in various devices, it will enable buildings, including malls, arenas, and stadiums, to provide new wayfinding and tracking features.
