Smart Solutions to Refresh Offices

BUILDINGS asked readers to weigh in about what’s wrong with their workplaces. The results illuminate the morale- and workflow-impacting result of outdated furnishings, thermal discomfort, poor acoustics and layouts that don’t meet the needs of their users. “I can hear everyone’s phone conversations,” wrote one reader. Another person complained that “acoustics and lighting are bad, with inefficient work and staff circulation and too little space available.”

Complaints like these are common, says Cara Rooney, Junior Designer for IA Interior Architects. “We are constantly seeing our clients faced with the challenge of adapting their current layout to meet the needs of shifting work styles,” Rooney explains. “One of the first signs that an office needs a significant update is when employees can no longer maximize their productivity in the space. This can be a result of outdated technology, a lack of settings that encourage collaboration and information sharing, or even something as simple as needing a quiet space for individuals to take a break from work.”

The following six case studies spotlight innovative solutions to real-world workplace challenges.