Workplace design a key focus for Staples
Workplace customization was a recurring theme that emerged from Staples’ annual design competition.
The unique design competition involved 150 designers and architects who undertook the challenge of envisioning what workplaces will look like a decade from now.
As part of the contest, more than 150 architects and designers from around the world envisioned what work lives would be in the next 10-15 years, given the shift toward a "work anywhere, anytime" mentality.
"While all designs were unique, one commonality among the themes from the competition is the movement toward customizing the workplace to enhance the individual employee experience," said John Michael, VP and GM of Business Interiors by Staples."Staples will continue to help make these themes a reality as our capabilities, solutions and offerings evolve to meet the needs of the changing workplace and the workforce."
Key themes that emerged from the contest include:
Shift toward adaptable furniture systems: Designed with a no-size-fits-all approach, these modular, flexible furniture pieces provide options based on individual and group needs, and can be implemented in smaller or unfinished spaces. • Creating mobile pods: Aboard different types of transportation, these portable, all-encompassing modules/designated spaces incorporate technology and maintain productivity while being on the go.
Inserting infill environments: Leveraging existing architecture, these systems and spaces can be inserted into current buildings or shared between companies, enabling improved interaction and collaboration between workers.
Designing wellness spaces: These garden-like spaces improve worker productivity and wellbeing through access to physical activity and nature, providing peaceful work areas and aspects to stimulate fitness and movement.
Staying connected to technology: These forward-thinking workplace solutions focus on 3D and augmented reality, offering fully integrated furniture and devices to disconnect workers from a fixed workspace and maintain productivity anywhere.
Business Interiors by Staples awarded the winners, Joe Wilson and Sean Cassidy, of London, England, $7,500 for their Organic Grid+ concept. This sustainable design is an adaption of the infill environment theme, and consists of a custom created unit that plugs directly into existing city architecture, whether that existing space be a skyscraper or warehouse.