Over the past decade, corporate facility trends have shifted from cubical farms to open spaces across the vast majority of industries. Developers and designers have been busy creating the latest generation of workplace environments to appeal to the younger workers. They’re tossing out familiar floor plans in favor of new, “anti-corporate” offices with a resimercial look and feel.
Defining Resimercial
The term resimercial has been used to describe anything that is part “residential” and part “commercial.” It’s not only about bringing more homelike influences (design, colors, fabrics, etc) into commercial spaces and furnishings but also creating an open workplace that allows for better employee connections (like lowering the walls).
Millennials Shape the Workplace
Baby Boomers made up more than half of the U.S. workforce in 2010, according to JLL; by 2020, they will be outnumbered by Millennials. A study by Forbes projects that three out of four workers will be Millennials by 2025. “This ambitious, tech-savvy, creative cohort has notably different working styles and preferences than other generations; for instance, Millennials may be more productive sitting in cafés or lounge areas than in traditional workstations.” They are not keen on conventional private offices; they’re collaborators who favor transparent space and energized atmospheres.
Create Collisions
One important resimercial trend is creating the opportunity for employees to accidentally run into each other. They’re literally creating collisions with such nontraditional amenities like a game rooms with foosball and pool tables, shared conference rooms, outdoor dining areas and lounge areas with coffee bars. Coffee bars are now replacing that corner office to create that coffee shop vibe and lure in those millennial workers.
Let in Natural Light
Open office layouts are valued but workstations are often being placed toward the perimeter (moving conference rooms toward the building core) allowing for plenty of window area. Studies establishing the positive relationship between natural light and worker productivity and satisfaction are well known. Daylighting has proven positive effects on alertness, regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, and minimizes eyestrain and headaches.
Maximize Space, Minimize Costs
Many companies have embraced resimercial designs with open layouts that maximize existing space also minimize costs. This is especially true in a time when more and more employees are telecommuting and leaving the office somewhat empty. According to the International Facility Management Association, about 70% of U.S. offices have some type of open floor plan.
Workplace of the Future
More and more, businesses are looking to accelerate innovation by building out more space to break down all barriers to collaboration. Literally breaking down all barriers…walls are coming down. Perimeter offices are disappearing and floor plans have opened up. Studies have shown that creativity and good ideas don’t come “on demand,” they happen naturally, when you’re engaged; therefore, offices need to break down formality walls (literally). Serendipitous moments (“aha!”) are inspirational and drive innovation.
Resimercial Engineering Designs with KMB
As office spaces with that resimercial feel is picking up steam; companies need to design for flexibility and productivity in mind. Although, at KMB, we understand that one company’s preference may be another’s rule to avoid; fortunately, problem solving is our passion. Our architectural engineering staff has vast experience designing for a wide variety of needs. Contact us with any questions and get started today!