The evolution of office workspaces has been really interesting. At one point all offices were cubicles or interconnected desks with dividers. However, there was a big change with businesses favouring open plan layouts instead. Now we have a situation where spaces need to combine elements from both approaches. The goal is to ensure they cater for all different needs. This has brought some big changes to properties and the commercial architecture.

Pods are a great choice

A crucial thing to keep in mind is that most offices need to facilitate different types of work. Cubicles and individual desks are great for private working, but aren’t great for collaboration because of the barriers. On the other hand, open plan layouts are perfect for collaborating but can be too noisy for quiet work. The solution can be to choose pods. You can have a great open plan design with all the benefits it offers but still have private spaces for people to use when they need to.

The great thing about pods is they come in a huge array of shapes, sizes, and designs. You can select the right ones for all kinds of needs. At the same time, you can ensure they will add another decorative element to the space and suit the commercial architecture.

Think about the use

The key thing if you want to ensure you choose the right pods is to keep the use in mind. Think about how many people will use them and what for. Will it be private meetings with just a couple of people or individual work?

Focusing on the use will help you to decide almost everything for each pod. For example, you will be able to determine the size, what kind of furniture you need, and the tech to provide. It will also help you to decide what level of privacy users will need. Some pods may be fine with clear glass. Others may need solutions in place to stop people from seeing in. This could be shades or even adaptive glazing.

It is also a really good idea to think about accessibility. The last thing you want is to find that some people can’t use the pods because you haven’t thought about their access needs. Make sure you do, and ensure you either have a mixture of styles or choose a type of pod that everyone can use freely.

Aesthetics

One of the most crucial things to think about is how each pod will look and the impact on the commercial architecture. You don’t want to just plonk a bulky ugly booth in the middle of a floor. Similarly you don’t want to hide them away in dark corners. The best thing to do is choose pods that look fantastic. You can even customise them so they blend in to your decor on external walls. Or add new artwork that makes them stand out for the right reasons.

Safety

Something you definitely need to think about is safety. Keep in mind you are creating enclosed spaces within the property. You must factor in fire safety here, ensuring people will be able to get out quickly and leave if there is an incident. You may even need to install sprinklers in the pods. In addition, ensure each pod will have good air quality.

Ask us about commercial architecture

You can integrate pods into all kinds of properties. They can be the perfect solution for hyper-modern open plan buildings or older ones. You just need to choose carefully and decide which will be best for you. It is also worth thinking about the future; there may be a time when you want to move them. So, make it easier by choosing ones you can relocate with ease. Some have wheels for this exact reason.

If you need help deciding on what to go with, you can speak to us about any aspect of commercial architecture. We would be pleased to advise you.