“How has the concept of workspace changed over the years?”
The contemporary definition of an office has inevitably influenced design themes. Introducing the topic is Claudia Borroni, Architect and Project Manager at COIMA Image. “In recent years, the concept of the office has changed significantly but has not lost its strength and identity. Today’s office concept places human relationships at its core. When designing a new space, it is necessary to consider primarily quantitative differences. The work team, in fact, operates partly from home and partly in the office, and often individual activities are more conveniently managed from home. This habit, born during the pandemic, has made office spaces more domestic.”
Consequently, now more than ever, the office is a meeting place, tied to the concepts of exchange and interaction. In light of the duality between remote and in-person work, the most successful projects involve the people who will use the designed spaces from the very first concept phases.
Focusing on needs and requirements is essential, as is guiding users in their initial approach to the new space.
At the heart of the design is the individual and the concept of well-being. Investigating individual needs reveals key themes related to privacy, which allows for the tranquility of a single office, or the ability to concentrate, increasingly conditioned by the rise of open spaces and coworking environments.
“The contemporary challenge lies in finding the right balance between collective areas and concentration spaces,” begins Nicoletta Bagossi, Acoustic Consultant at ESA engineering. From an acoustic perspective, it is essential to focus on two central themes: sound insulation, which reduces the transmission of sounds, and sound absorption, which corrects the behavior of sound within environments.
The compromise in each new project lies in the intersection of acoustic design, the client’s desires, and the needs of the end users.
“Acoustic comfort can be designed, but it is always tied to a subjective dimension related to perception,” Bagossi continues. Thus, the themes of acoustics are complemented by those of psychoacoustics.
Cristina Carrus, Concept Developer Offices at Ecophon, presents some key points to the audience. “Sound continuously affects us. The difference between ‘sound’ and ‘noise’ depends on personal, circumstantial, or cultural factors, and noise clearly impacts worker performance.”
It is not enough to comply with regulations or obtain certifications to ensure the creation of truly comfortable environments for future occupants. Acoustic comfort is subjective and must be handled with care. In this context, compliance with regulations and the desire to obtain sustainability certifications represent an important starting point for proper design.
“The design approach must inevitably consider various aspects, with the awareness that merely relying on physical solutions is not enough. It is necessary to take into account the type of work activity performed so that the design can effectively support it, as well as considering the individual’s attitude, personality, and mood-related factors.”
Through project examples, the speakers described challenges and solutions related to constraints and compromises aimed at improving the acoustic characteristics of office spaces, in line with the allocated budget.
“Synergy among designers is key. Coordination that starts from the concept phase of the project and benefits from the presence of the acoustic consultant from the early stages can guide and optimize subsequent choices, identifying goals and limitations.”
A previously underestimated issue, such as acoustic comfort, holds new importance today. This approach is also made possible by new materials on the market, which are better able to meet interior design needs and integrate seamlessly into different spaces.
