Human-centric workplace

Ambius, the world's largest interior landscaping company, published an annual report highlighting the top trends in office design for 2020 and beyond.

The new year will see a continued evolution in the understanding of the human-centric workplace with designs that improve employee performance and wellbeing, integrate innovative technologies, offer multi-functional capabilities, and facilitate an inspiring and engaging environment for top talent. Designers are working to create authentic workplaces that elevate the human experience and reconnect the building's occupants with the natural world.

Macro trends for the coming year include dynamic, community-oriented spaces. Workplace designers are focused on incorporating flexible amenities to create multi-functional spaces that adapt to real-time business needs. Biophilic elements such as wood and plants are seamlessly incorporated as work environments shift towards human-centric, environmentally conscious spaces.

Experts also foresee hospitality-inspired co-working spaces that are reimagined for impactful experiences spearheaded by innovation. Incorporating features such as restaurants, relaxation spaces, and social hubs that inspire occupants and encourage social interaction. Another macro trend expect in 2020 is the next wave of wellness-inspired, sustainable design focused on a harmonious relationship between nature, buildings, and the people that inhabit them.

Among the micro trends detailed in the report is hanging foliage. This statement design breathes life and creativity into a space with plants and greenery while leaving the floor space open for other features. Innovative modular furniture with ergonomic, multi-purpose capabilities is expected to grow in popularity as it enhances flexibility, community, and wellness making it highly compatible with macro trends.

"As the job market grows more competitive for employers, companies are recognising the advantages that creating a modern workplace environment provides in attracting and retaining talent," said Laura Burns-Lambert, sensory designer for Ambius. "Incorporating biophilic design and prioritizing a connection with nature unites many of the broader trends our team foresees in the coming years."

Plants have long been recognised as valuable design features that add beauty and aesthetic power to a business in addition to boosting overall employee wellbeing. Modern research increasingly shows that biophilic commercial spaces, those designed to connect humans with nature, also have dramatic health and wellness benefits, providing the business with advantages through improved employee health and attendance, job satisfaction, and more.

To view the complete Office Design Trends of 2020 Report, please visit http://trends.ambius.com/.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Biodiversity in the urban environment.
• Biophilic design.
• Biophilic design research.
• Biophilic design and sustainability.
• Biophilic design - health and wellbeing in buildings.
• Biophilic gym.
• Designing for employee wellbeing.
• Environmental - sustainable - green design.
• Green roof.
• Green space.
• Green walls.
• Health and productivity in sustainable buildings.
• Human-centric lighting.
• Kevin McCloud's 'Green Heroes' 2019
• Landscape urbanism.
• Planting.
• The biophilic office.
• The Flourish Model to enhance wellbeing.
• Wellbeing.
• Wood and healthcare buildings.
• 2019 Wellness and biophilia symposium.