Christ & Gantenbein, the Swiss-based architecture studio, designed a new office for Roche Pharmaceuticals. The project is called Multifunctional Workspace Building and was designed for mixed-use - seminars, individual work, and meetings. The space harmoniously balances privacy and openness - some areas encourage interaction and collaboration, while others are meant to promote personal work. The office is defined by large windows, natural light, and comfortable seating areas - thus creating a pleasant and relaxed work environment.
After a year of remote work, the pharmaceutical giant sought to create an environment to encourage its employees to return to the office. The architect studio's co-founder, Emanuel Christ, explains, " we want to equip a workspace with personality, diversity, freedom, and flexibility to provide a positive experience for Roche's employees and invite the local community to participate."
Relaxed Office Atmospheres
Christ & Gantenbein's Design Encourages the Return to the Office
Trend Themes
1. Flexible Workspaces - Office designs that balance privacy and openness facilitate a comfortable and productive work environment while encouraging social interactions and collaboration.
2. Homely Offices - Designers are incorporating comfortable seating areas, natural light, and large windows to create relaxed work environments that foster employee well-being, engagement, and productivity.
3. New Normal of Workspaces - Office designs that prioritize connectivity, functionality, and comfort are becoming the new norm, enabling businesses to attract and retain the best talent while fostering competitiveness in the market.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects have opportunities to design innovative workspaces that prioritize employee comfort, well-being, and collaboration, taking into account evolving work trends and employee needs.
2. Office Furniture - Furniture manufacturers can create office solutions that promote relaxation, comfort, and versatility while adapting to modern styles and office dynamics.
3. Real Estate - Real estate developers can create flexible workspaces that cater to the changing demands of tenants and enable them to optimize employee engagement, retention, and productivity.