Modular spaces, rotating desks and offices that mix functionality with residential comfort are some of the main trends in corporate architecture.
This information was shared by Sergio Athié and Bruna Murolo, respectively partner and conceptual architect at Athié Wohnrath, in the talk “Trends and solutions applied to Corporate Architecture”. The chat is part of a series promoted by Projeto magazine and Minimal Design, mediated by publisher Fernando Mungioli, and took place on June 3, at the Conexão Minimal space, at CASACOR SP.
The choice could not be more appropriate: aa|w is a leader in corporate architecture in Latin America and one of the largest construction companies in Brazil. Founded in 1994 with the aim of filling a gap in the Brazilian corporate architecture market, it has evolved over the years and expanded its operations to incorporation and construction.
In the talk, Sergio and Bruna highlighted the role of technology in the evolution of corporate spaces, but also the growing demand for flexibility and adaptation, essential to meet the different needs of companies and to promote the well-being of employees.
Technology and inovation
One of the central themes of the debate was the role of technology in corporate architecture, which, for Sergio, will be increasingly present in companies' routines, not only as a facilitator of processes, but as a intrinsic component of the work environment.
"For example, AI will directly impact how we design spaces. This is already happening now, but it is growing exponentially", says Sergio Athié.
LED panels at the entrance to Serasa Lab, in São Paulo | Photo: @douglascostanzo
Another example of a trend in corporate architecture is the integration of technologies such as room scheduling systems and home office solutions, which are fundamental to efficiency and user experience. "Before, talking about technology in the office meant having an LED panel or a super-equipped video conference room," says Bruna Murolo. "Today, technology must be present throughout the space, in an integrated manner."
This translates into the use of QR codes to access lockers and meeting rooms and scheduling systems that guarantee punctuality and efficiency, with spaces marked by colors to indicate availability, among others.
Flexible and modular spaces
You flexible spaces are a response to changing work dynamics and the new needs of companies. The pandemic accelerated this transformation, leading many clients to rethink their spaces, which no longer follow the traditional 9 am to 6 pm model.
“Today it is very clear that there is a need for companies to bring staff back, but spaces must be designed for specific activities, and not for a specific number of people”, says Sergio.
Instead of 300 tables for 300 employees, the spaces are planned by activity. "I'm not going to think I have 300 people, I need 300 tables," explains Bruna. "I have to think that part will be in meetings, the other part will be in virtual work, or in team rooms. Companies that work in squads need project rooms. This feature of dividing the space by activities is fundamental."
Quiet zones for concentration, areas with more plants and wood to create a refuge, and flexible rooms with vibrant design for creative dynamics are other practical examples of this new way of designing offices.
+ Watch the talk "Trends and solutions applied to Enterprise Architecture" in full
New products for new environments
Another trend accelerated by the pandemic is to bring more comfort and well-being to employees, creating environments with a touch of home. To achieve this, offering new corporate products was fundamental. Today there is a greater variety of ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing options. “We are sitting here on a bench that feels like home, but is ergonomic,” says Sergio.
Clients are often unaware of these new options, and it is the role of architectural professionals to present them. “They expect us to bring solutions to make these environments different,” adds Sergio.
O use of biophilia, which is the incorporation of natural elements into environments built to promote well-being and reduce stress, is part of this trend. In addition to improving mental health, studies show that contact with nature also increases productivity.
Changing Customer Mindset
Customer mindsets have changed significantly, making them more open to suggestions and new approaches. "Customers want to know how to bring people back, connect people, have a sense of belonging. This is a recent change," says Sergio.
"Investigation process tools are fundamental to understanding the needs not only of clients but also of teams”, says Bruna. “At the beginning of the project, we used surveys and workshops to actively listen to employees' needs. These tools compile important information for the materialization of spaces, considering people's well-being and activities", says Bruna.
The modern customer has become more participative and aware of their spatial needs. "Before, they simply requested functional spaces. Today, they want environments that reflect their organizational cultures and that have people at the center", concludes Bruna.
About Minimal Connection
Projeto magazine organized a series of chats related to architecture, construction and design in the official Minimal Design environment at CASACOR São Paulo 2024, Conexão Minimal.
And there's still time to participate. Until the end of the month, there will be two talks:
- 07/17, at 5pm - Legacy 2024/2025: what we saw at CASACOR, with Livia Pedreira, curator at Casacor, Adriano Stancati and Eduardo Martinhao;
- 07/24, at 5pm - Architecture of well-being: neuroarchitecture in hospital environments, with Lara Kaiser, Perkins&Will, and Ana Paula Naffah Perez, C+A Arquitetura.
Participation is free for CASACOR visitors. More information here.
