How to design a commercial workspace
When it comes to the building of a commercial workspace, there are several considerations that go beyond the four walls and the roof. Whether you’re an established business looking to expand or a start-up in the development of its very first office, there’s no doubt that the design and structure of your workspace will affect productivity, employee well-being, and long-term operational costs. Key decisions made during construction can either make or break the kind of environment you are trying to cultivate.
Start with a design concept
Any successfully designed commercial space starts with thoughtful design. The layout and structure should accommodate your team, equipment, and workflow without cramping creativity or movement. Modern workspaces are very different from the cubicle-ridden, fluorescent-lit offices of old. Today, the trend is toward open spaces, natural light, and flexibility in seating.
This shift to more dynamic working environments requires expertise. Northern Beaches architects can provide insight into what is required from innovative design considerations to the local building regulations.
You may wish to consider an open-plan office that has breakout areas for collaborative work while retaining the private rooms for focused, individual tasks. The inclusion of large windows and glass partitioning allows light to permeate through the office and creates an open environment while eliminating or reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Employee well-being
A commercial space should also foster the well-being of the employees. It is proven that workers are more productive in settings that support their mental and physical health. This encompasses the following features of the office space: air quality, lighting, temperature, and noise levels. The design and construction of your office should provide a conducive environment for your employees instead of being distracting.
Natural lighting and ergonomic furniture will go a long way in terms of productivity and morale. Even the colours and materials you decide on could have a different effect on employee satisfaction. Warmer tones and natural materials, such as wood, have a calming effect, while vibrant colours can energise a room.
But well-being is more than aesthetics and furniture. This includes making the workplace accessible to all employees, including people with disabilities. This would include ramps, wide hallways, and restrooms that are accessible by wheelchairs.
Incorporate sustainable building practices
Sustainability has now been closely tagged with construction today — companies are now thinking of ways to make sure their workspace is energy-efficient right from day one.
Solar companies on the Central Coast are at the forefront of this move toward green workspaces. Solar panels reduce energy costs and also enhance a business’s image in favour of environmental consciousness and responsibility. Powering a business with full solar panel systems or hybrid models that supplement more conventional energy sources can reduce its carbon footprint and save money in the long term.
These might include other sustainable alternatives like green roofing and a rainwater catchment system. The higher upfront investment is normally offset by the savings accrued from energy efficiency, government rebates, and goodwill from the public because of the adoption of environmentally responsible practices.
Agility and scalability
Flexibility and scalability are the eventual needs of any fast-growing workspace. A well-structured commercial space is one that allows room for expansion and growth without having to completely re-do the initial structure. This allows businesses to grow seamlessly, saving them time and money in the long run.
With modular office furniture, movable partitions, and adaptable room layout, you can easily reshape a space as your business develops and evolves. What is the meeting room today can be turned into additional workstations tomorrow and vice-versa, as per the needs of your company.
Beyond that physical space, extend the use of technology that enables working from home or seamlessly working together in-house and off-site. Video conferencing equipment, steadfast Wi-Fi, and cloud-based systems make your workspace relevant in a digitised world and competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.
Waste management considerations
Construction by its very nature generates of waste. Everything from packaging to excess construction material can leave a commercial space with a lot of waste after building is complete. Managing this waste properly is important to an efficient and safe construction site but in many cases also crosses over into daily operation after the completion of the building.
This is where engaging a Melbourne rubbish removal company might be one of the most integral parts of your planning. They will ensure construction waste is dealt with accordingly: recyclables diverted from landfills and, in the process, reduction of overall environmental impact. You will also be able to keep a cleaner and safer site by planning the removal of waste during and after construction while adhering to environmental regulations.
After the actual construction is complete, it is also important to have a plan in place for reliable waste management on a day-to-day basis. This would include encouraging recycling and composting in the workspace and minimising waste in and out of the office.