Interior volumetric spaces are considered as enablers to improve agile business practices. They are designed to maximise the efficiency of available floorplates in terms of accommodating personnel numbers and providing for future adaptability, yet still communicating the connectivity across and between floors (and thus throughout the organisation) by the use of vertical glazing and vertical circulation methods such as lift cores and staircases.
The seven elements that contribute towards achieving a successful interior design are: Ergonomics, Quality, Acoustics, Illumination, Colour, Air & Aroma and Biophilic Design.
ERGONOMICS
Movement:
Encourages thought. Relieves back pressure. Trains postural muscles. Improves breathing. Stimulates circulation. Fosters a feeling of wellbeing.
The interior design should encourage physical activity throughout the day.
QUALITY
Quality of:
Design. Materiality. Ergonomics. Manufacture. Service.
Quality at the core of everything will contribute towards a healthy, safe and efficient interior design.
The quality of the interior fit and finish, look and feel, all contribute to a contemporary workplace experience.
ACOUSTICS
Sound:
Noise = distraction. Music = Interaction. Absorption. Reverberation
Providing a balance of appropriate acoustic performance depends on the activity within each space. In open plan offices for instance, the ability to open and close spaces allows for collaboration, team working and informal meetings, against more acoustically controlled spaces which will be more cellular in design, for more concentrated, focused work, offering acoustic privacy and comfort.
ILLUMINATION
Optimal conditions and quality:
A balance of natural and artificial. Improves concentration. Leads to improved motivation and wellbeing. Inspires when combined with colour and texture.
COLOUR
The right colour:
Contributes to a higher level of wellbeing. Making the interior more attractive to users. Positively affects mood.
It is experiential when combined with lighting.
AIR & AROMA
The quality of breathable air:
The aroma within the space significantly influences our feelings and mood. Creates emotional atmospheres and experiences when combined with biophilic design.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Plants, nature, materiality:
Stimulates happiness, feelings of wellness and wellbeing through the use naturalistic colour, texture and pattern. Encourages a healthy attitude. Inspires creativity.
FF&E Consultancy – Neurodivergence
Neurodiversity is the term given to a collection of people who have one of the three neurocognitive profiles: Neurotypical, Neurodivergent and Neurodegenerative.
Everyone is born with a neurotypical or a neurodivergent brain structure, a neurodegenerative structure is created by a disease, such as Alzheimer’s. It’s estimated that up to 40% of the population are neurodivergent, which typically means having a confirmed or self-diagnosis of autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia Developmental Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia). Furthermore, 1 in 4 people will develop Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
Neurodiversity is a movement and a celebration of different neuro-cognitive profiles endorsing equitable inclusion in all aspects of society, including employment.
Those who are neurodivergent or have neurodegenerative conditions are unfortunately likely to be underserved by and often unsupported in many current employment premises, and 95% of the buildings we will use in the next 50 years have already been built. This is why it is essential that we are cognisant of human neurodiversity and design for different physical, emotional and cognitive responses, creating spaces that are supportive of health & wellbeing for all.
The interior design of a workplace will be the visual and haptic relationships with the built environment, hence they will probably be the most important elements of all visitor / user experiences.
Therefore, neurodiversity is considered and woven into every aspect of the design to ensure all spaces are designed to be as inclusive and accommodating to everyone as possible.