A few decades ago, science fiction writers imagined technologies and described developments that were deemed impossible at the time being. Today, many of their predictions have come into existence – autonomous robots, virtual reality, 3D printing.
These technologies are having a profound effect on many aspects of life, including the way that we work.
Office interior design professionals have to take the new tech in consideration when coming up with solutions for their clients. In addition, they have to think about a new generation entering the workforce and about sustainability issues that the world is trying to address.
The future office interior design in Singapore will be affected by all three of these trends. What is it going to look like, however? Let’s examine a few of the most prominent characteristics of the futuristic office.
3D and Augmented Reality Designs
Singapore interior designers are already exploring the scope of 3D printing. Furniture can easily be tailor-made through the use of the right patterns and a 3D printer. Some have even taken such experiments a step further – the first entirely 3D printed building is already here.
Three-dimensional printing allows for the creation of original, lightweight and very durable pieces. In addition, this technology makes custom items much more affordable than they are right now.
Through 3D printing, interior designers will become much more capable of taking on clients that have unique or highly specific needs. Designers will get to conceptualise office décor and functional pieces that are either unavailable or that will cost the client a little fortune to get done.
3D technologies aren’t the only ones that will impact the Singapore office of the future. Augmented reality can also be used to make the office a more comfortable, exciting and functional place.
Some say that augmented reality solutions could eliminate the need for having physical offices. We still have a long way to go until we get there but the technology can still be very useful in the traditional office. Imagine the layering of data on top of an office wall. Functional, practical and highly relevant, this solution will be a great choice for just about every industry.
As our world becomes increasingly urbanised, interior designers will start looking for better ways to bring nature into the office.
Biophilic design is an entire sub-division of interior design in Singapore. The use of plants, trees and entire natural setups (a small lake, a water cascade) allow for a bit of serenity in the middle of the hi-tech environment. The contrast creates a soothing space that workers can rely on to get their batteries recharged and to disconnect for a while.
Offices That Embrace Remote Workers
The traditional work space is starting to break down.
More and more people are telecommuting or working from home. Companies are enjoying the flexibility this option provides. On top of boosting productivity, this flexibility is also a great choice in terms of ensuring employee engagement.
The office of the future should support hybrid teams of people who are in the workspace and those who are working remotely.
The incorporation of large screens in the walls, for example, could simplify live streaming conferences. Remote workers will get an easy chance to interact with their colleagues in the office and to feel included.
Touchdown spaces should also be incorporated in the design for those who visit the office only occasionally. Such spaces allow workers to sit down, log in, do a bit of work and leave the office without disturbing anyone.
Activity Pods and Capsules
Designated pods or capsules for various activities may seem somewhat futuristic but many interior designers believe this is going to be one of the primary trends of the future.
Imagine a pod that features soundproofing, optimal light and a distraction-free interior for concentration. It would be great for those who need to isolate themselves from the rest of the office in order to complete a challenging task.
There could be creativity pods, data analysis pods, conferencing, workshop and even sleeping capsules. Each space will be designed to reflect a specific purpose and to offer the ultimate conditions for the execution of the respective task.
Solar Energy, Paperless Offices and Sustainable Solutions
Society is becoming very conscious of the resources we use, our wasteful practices and the ways in which human activities affect the environment.
Future office interior designs will put a lot more emphasis on the conservation of resources and the utilisation of clean energy sources.
Solar panels are bound to become a standard solution in terms of electricity generation. These could cover at least some of the company’s energy needs to reduce the carbon footprint of the business.
Interior designers will also conceptualise spaces that are less dependent on paper. While a 100 per cent paperless office is impossible at the time being, office functionalities and decorations could highlight digital solutions, paper-free communication and recycling. The use of the right signs and the less convenient availability of printers, for example, are two simple design solutions that will help employees bring down the number of pages they print on a daily basis.
The green offices of the future will also feature motion-activated lights (a technology that’s already widely utilised), more natural light through innovative solutions like reflective surfaces that bring in sunlight regardless of the office floor, interiors made entirely of sustainable materials and even the creation of living buildings that are entirely covered in greenery or that feature a rooftop garden.
There are many things you can bring your office to the future.
If you have an idea, you will need to look for the right partner that can execute the concept and help you make the most of it.
Home Guide is a Singapore interior design company that specialises in residential, retail and office solutions. We embrace new technologies and are eager to experiment with the trends of the future that make offices more functional.
Contact us today if you want to redesign your workspace or you’re looking to put together the perfect new office for your team.
