How is office design changing to accommodate mobile technology?

Mobile technology allows for a “work anywhere” approach in the workplace. With laptops and mobile phones, workers are no longer tied to their workstations.

Quadrangle Architects Ltd. took this into account when it designed its new studio. The firm created a space that not only supports a “work anywhere” mentality but one that actually encourages mobility.

Integrating mobile technology throughout the open concept studio facilitates choice in working styles. The firm decreased the amount of personal space from what it had in its former studio, and increased the number of interesting places for congregation and collaboration. The lunchroom has tables on wheels to make for an easy shift from a café-style to classroom-style environment. Tables can even be rolled away, if necessary. Throughout the studio there’s a “bar” of counters for easy perching, intimate lounge-style seating, a workshop area for model making and a “crit” space with pin-up walls for intensive project development. Staff can easily gather for impromptu meetings, and pick up and move their things to these spaces. Similarly, if people need privacy, they can set up in one of the small, glass-walled closed rooms.

Rather than uniformly lighting the entire office, the firm chose a lighting system that uses sensor technology to control and adjust light levels in accordance with natural daylight and people’s movements. Staff members can also personally control the light levels from their computers or phones anywhere in the office.

Finally, staff members can use their mobile devices to connect through Wi‐Fi to the audiovisual systems in each boardroom for easy presentations, collaborations or virtual meetings with people outside the studio.

Brian Curtner is a principal and co-founder of Quadrangle Architects Ltd.