DESIGN & INTERIORS IDESIGNING FORWELLBEING
The spaces that we inhabit daily are not simply ‘rooms’. They are instead spaces that can have a profound impact on our wellbeing, physical health, productivity and overall happiness.
As one uses a space on a day-to-day basis, a unique form of relationship is formed, and it’s an extremely influential link.
From the layout of workstations and working areas, to the materials used in communal spaces, every decision made regarding an interior space will impact its users in some way, be it physical or emotional.
In actuality, occupant wellbeing in buildings is a relatively new ideology, but its impact cannot be understated, and we are, without doubt, very late to the realisation.
Well-considered design goes far beyond aesthetics, and for facilities managers and property professionals looking to create the perfect interior, understanding the elements that allow a space to go from looking different to feeling different is all important.
This is an examination of interior choices that can directly affect those within a space, the elements you should consider on the path to creating a perfect interior, and some steps detailing how you can implement the power of superior design to boost your building's credentials.
First, understand your building The very first step must come before any refurbishments start, any redesigns take place, and maybe before you even form any ideas about your project.
“Calming tones in high stress areas or energising hues in collaborative spaces can subtly influence behaviour and comfort."
Having a precise understanding of the existing structure is essential. You need to let your building tell you its tale, talk you through its nuances and provide you with the inspiration you’ll need to carry forward as you develop a plan.
Forcing a building into the shape you want is a route destined for failure, or mundane, ordinary results; who knows which is worse.
Instead, be guided by the spaces that exist. If you’re stuck on how to do this, then thankfully, our modern era has the perfect technology for you: 3D rendering.
nteriors can shape the health, happiness and performance of occupants, says Lucy Cromwell,
specialist writer and contributor to Tomorrow's FM. So, what are the key steps to consider when boosting your building’s credentials?
Accurate digital scans can provide supreme insight into dimensions, layouts and potential structural limitations before you even lift a hammer or unseal a paint tin. Not only will your teams be able to avoid costly errors and make informed decisions ahead of time, but you’ll also be able to visualise your plan and get a feel for the impact the end result will deliver.
Making the most of the technology available to you in your planning phase will mean your desired result will be delivered with maximum efficiency. Bodies like BREEAM are looking for details that will directly affect the end user, and 3D rendering gives you the opportunity to ensure your plan can support long-term health, the wellbeing of your occupants, and deliver a stunning design.
Productive and comfortable layouts Believe it or not, the way an office is laid out is not just about aesthetics; at least, it shouldn’t be.
Design that is sensitive to workflow, employee wellbeing and collaboration can drastically impact productivity and employee satisfaction.
Open plan layouts with flexible breakout zones can encourage collaboration while giving workers the ability to retreat and focus, take mental breaks and maintain a sense of satisfaction in their day to day.
In complete contradiction to this, poorly designed and carelessly created spaces that the world of business is trying to move away from have a hugely negative impact on the quality of work people produce and the wellness of those people; the two go hand in hand.
Firms looking to push things even further can take into consideration incorporating things like the ergonomics of things like desks, chairs and other equipment, which can reduce fatigue, both physical and mental, improve mood and support individual and team creativity.
The data is real and the facts state that if you want productive workers ensure your work space allows them to take care of, and even improve their mental and physical wellbeing, then watch the results come in.
Materials and finishes matter We’ve all been in an office or workspace that feels dominating, overwhelming and, for want of a better word, grey.
The choice of material that you use to finish off your interior, quite literally from floor to ceiling, will have a tangible effect on the quality of the environment you create.
Uniform panelling, shades of the same colour, lack of natural light, low ceilings are a thing of the past and
30 | TOMORROW’S FM
twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
