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FX and Mix for industry insights. I find exhibitions at renowned institutions like the Serpentine, Tate Modern and the Design Museum are also excellent sources of inspiration.
I firmly believe in the power of travel as an influencer, as it opens our minds to so many flavours and influences. Yet, there is no denying that London is a hive of creativity and influence; having the ability to walk around and see the living, breathing city in all its glory is still one of my main inspirational tools, and I recommend we should all get out and walk around more, take in the sights and remember to always look up.
Secondly, using materials and products less harmful to the environment and human health has also gained traction, such as ditching toxic glues and using low VOCs. Technology has played a vital role in creating change, from virtual team collaborations that support better work/ life balances, such as Miro, a collaborative cloud-based tool and Open Space, which allows us to walk a site without physically being there.
Additionally, we can measure the performance of office spaces through digital twin dashboards. At M Moser, we implement various sensors to monitor air quality, VOCs, occupancy, temperature, humidity and noise levels, resulting in healthier office environments. Tankfully, people have begun to understand the importance of having healthy buildings to work in and its relationship to a healthier team.
What have been the biggest design challenges and opportunities to emerge from the shift in the role of the office in recent years?
One of the most prominent challenges in office design has been reducing the density of floorplates. Te need for more space per person to reduce the chance of spreading infections has become a priority. Additionally, clients are considering the size of office spaces based on factors such as hybrid working, budgets and whether to remain in their current buildings or relocate to more suitable premises. However, striking the right balance can be challenging due to high rents and the clients’ requirement for evidence of the benefits before making decisions.
Te opportunity lies in creating various areas that break up traditional banks of desks, including meeting rooms, phone booths and more outdoor spaces. Tis approach helps mitigate the impact of costs while fostering a more engaging and adaptable workspace.
From a technological perspective, we are now on the cusp of leveraging data to drive design at a detailed level. For the first time, we can collect data reliably without relying heavily on manual processes. However, the next significant challenge for the industry lies in extracting meaningful insights from this data and using it to become more adaptable.
What key exhibitions, events or other sources help to keep you inspired?
Organisations such as CREW and BCO regularly organise tours of venues and insightful talks, which help facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas. I also rely on publications such as
Above Various sensors can be installed that monitors air quality, noise levels and even humidity to ensure modern ofices are comfortable places to be
Can you remember Niels Torp’s vision of a new office landscape 30 years ago at BA’s Waterside? Was this the most radical thinking in offices to date? Niels Torp’s vision of a new office landscape at BA’s Waterside, known as the campus concept, was groundbreaking at that time. Integrating waterways and grasslands and creating a sense of community offered a clever and forward-thinking solution for out-of-city-centre offices. Our cities often provide similar amenities and infrastructure, with even more choices. But it does remain up there as one of the most pioneering ideas in office design. Yet more radical thinking is now required – the future lies in creating buildings and spaces that utilise new and advanced technologies but are rooted in the simple brilliance of the past. By this, I mean working with natural elements like passive cooling and solar power, making our buildings self-sufficient and autonomous. Te next phase must incorporate strategies to reduce and eliminate waste and give back to the grid. We have a groundbreaking project in progress that utilises PV panels and technology for the façade and the roof and has onsite renewable power generation and mixed-mode ventilation and water treatment facilities. Te site will also create a much-needed social connection with the community by providing connected event spaces.
Fundamentally, we must use all the natural provisions on site – using all the natural elements that interface with the building to maximise its impact and minimise the environmental impact.
Which office design or other project has inspired or influenced your own creative thinking? Tere are a few buildings that have influenced me over my career to date; the Richard Rogers Lloyds building has always been a happy place for me. Its groundbreaking architecture and design challenged the status quo – that resonates with me and I am passionate that, as an industry, we shouldn’t stand still but continue to push boundaries. Te Office in the Woods by Selgas Cano greatly inspires me. Its seamless integration with nature, extensive use of glass, and the sense of being away from the urban environment is both restorative and energising. I never tire of that connected aspect of design, people and nature. More recently, I have relished the experience of some of the repurposing projects. Tere are two more recent examples that really capture my imagination and excite me. Tese are the reworking of the Battersea Power Station in London and then the Dyson regenerative project in St James’ Power Station in Singapore, a shining example of future workspaces.
Both these exemplify how we can create well- considered, well-detailed, beautiful interjection, celebrating the original building use, whilst respecting its place in history and service and creating a new purpose and home for a business and its people without a detrimental impact on the planet.
mmoser.com
STIJN POELSTRA
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