113 Architecture questions - The workplace of tomorrow
Has the daily commute to work had its day?
Admittedly, not everyone will be confronted with this question at the moment. But at the latest since the measures imposed to contain the coronavirus pandemic, it has become clear that no stone will be left unturned in the world of work. What was slowly emerging before the crisis is quickly becoming the norm.
The transfer of the workplace to the home, the park, the car or the beach now received a turbo boost. IT companies too. Everyone suddenly has to invest in technology, whether they want to or not. The future is here, from one moment to the next!
Many companies, especially large ones, have recognised the benefits for themselves and are now letting their employees work even more remotely or are relocating entire departments to countries with low non-wage labour costs. Digitalisation makes it possible.
Open-plan offices are currently being reconsidered and new concepts are being developed that focus more on individual offices, meeting rooms and spaces to strengthen identification with the company in order to create trust between employer and employee, even at a distance.
The debate about the subsequent utilisation of office space that becomes vacant in the coming years will be exciting. This will change cities in many ways. But perhaps this is also an opportunity for the purely dormitory towns that have emerged in many places in the meantime - life is also breathed into them during the day and diversity is created.
Working from home poses major challenges for many when it comes to the necessary workspace and its affordability. This is where architects and building owners need to work together to design living space that is both work-ready and affordable. Sliding walls, sliding doors and foldable or flexible furniture are perhaps the answer to working in your own home. Outside the home, rentable mini-offices can be the solution.
In any case, the balancing act between physical distancing without social distancing and the associated risk of social distancing will not be an easy one.
