Designing the interiors of any office space requires thought and consideration for multiple processes that are interlinked and operate simultaneously. It is a tricky task, especially when the increasing cost of time, labor, commodities and space play such a large role in the decisions we make. This has led to the brewing of a ‘less is more’ revolution. Achieving the most out of limited resources is the new challenge for the owners of a small space, and the designers alike.
Here are a few ways that can help optimize a small office space:
Cover the essentials, but keep it flexible
Every office needs to cover its bases with basic equipment. Portable arrangements of this equipment can be creatively designed to ensure flexibility. Desktop monitors can be replaced by office secured laptops and multipurpose equipment, like all-in-one printers, scanners and Xerox machines need precedence. All the basic equipment should be carefully considered and accommodated, at the very outset of designing the space. This makes it easier to custom design moveable set-ups that can slide into a cabinet or out of the way to create larger common areas when needed.
Apart from the hardware, the furniture too can be made modular and movable. Chairs and tables that stack one over the other, or are collapsible, can assist in making more space readily available. In restrained spaces, it also helps to think vertically. Capitalizing on clear walls to make compact shelves for storage is a good way to avoid having filing cabinets take up your floor space. Combining functionality is another space saving technique. For example, providing storage in box-like seating design, or accommodating pantry facilities like coffee makers, within wall cabinets.
Use design tricks
Research has proved that there are ways to make a space feel larger than it really is. This includes using lighter colors, in solid shades that cover larger surfaces. Wall to wall flooring in a single material that is not punctured by carpets, also gives the illusions of more space. Natural lighting is best for any space, but if unavailable, space consuming lighting should be replaced with suspended, evenly distributed, downward light. Internal glass partitions and the use of full-length mirrors are also effective ways to optically enlarge a space in a subtle, yet stylish way.
Provide options
Having private workstations for employees that require silence, once in a while, or need to conduct a meeting, is essential. However, the ‘cubicle culture’ is quickly being replaced by a more collaborative way of working that employs the use of communal tables and common working zones. Increased interaction and communication between colleagues will create unique brainstorming opportunities, while also saving space and making the work environment more fun.
Flexible schedules and working patterns should be extended to the workforce, as this would incentivize them, as well as help, ensure that the office space is not packed to capacity always. Creation of open office helps in increasing the seating capacity and also the collaborative spaces like meeting room can double up as a seating space in times where additional seating is required.
De-clutter
Last, but not the least, do away with all the extras. Clutter accumulates without even realizing it. Getting employees used to periodically clearing out what is not needed, and using less paper overall, will allow for a visually less crowded workplace and clearer thinking too. Using digital tools to manage document storage and management helps in decluttering the office.
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