An authored article by Ar. Erna David – Head – Project Interiors, APICES Studio Pvt Ltd.
Gone are the days of cold, impersonal meeting rooms with rigid chairs and harsh lighting. Offices around the world are embracing a more intimate scale, taking cues from furthermore hospitable design to make meeting rooms feel like comfortable and buoyant extensions of our homes. This shift is a response to the need for a warmer and welcoming environment throughout the workspaces that promote engagement and productivity while cutting down on additional breathing spells.
The post-COVID social transformation has kindled a trend of enhanced collaboration and communication at workplaces. It is the globular behaviour trend obeyed by Architects and Interior designers in their office designs. In this ever-evolving world of design, businesses are reimagining meeting spaces to foster collaboration, creativity, and effective communication. The traditional, sterile meeting room is giving way to a new trend – meeting rooms/ spaces or collabs that resemble living rooms by dint of the look and feel. Creating an inviting atmosphere, these living room-inspired collab spaces are revolutionising the way teams interact and work together.
Nature serves as a crucial element in the realm of meeting spaces, fostering a profound connection with the natural world known to invigorate well-being and ignite creativity. Transforming a mundane meeting room into a rejuvenating oasis becomes a reality by incorporating elements of the outdoors such as plants, ample natural light, and soothing views of greenery. This infusion breathes life into the space, revitalising both body and mind with a sense of freshness.
Intimacy is further nurtured by employing soft colour schemes, snug textures, and tasteful decorative accents with surpriseful vibrant colour punches. Subtle hues and inviting fabrics, such as plush cushions and throw rugs, envelop participants in a cocoon of warmth and put them at ease. The incorporation of artwork or personal touches injects the space with a sense of individuality, transforming it into a collaborative hub rather than a formal boardroom.
Looking towards the future, an emerging trend in meeting room design is the integration of augmented reality (AR), IoT enabled centralised room booking systems and integration of smart devices. Imagine a virtual realm where colleagues, regardless of physical location, convene within a shared digital space reminiscent of a comfortable living space. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionise remote collaboration, transforming virtual meetings into immersive and engaging experiences.
The advantages of transforming meeting rooms into inviting living room spaces are manifold. By promoting collaboration, transparency in communication, and a sense of comfort, these thoughtfully designed environments amplify productivity and foster employee satisfaction. When individuals feel at ease and engaged with their surroundings, they are more inclined to actively contribute and share their ideas, ultimately fostering superior results and a more cohesive team dynamic.
In conclusion, the paradigm shift towards creating meeting rooms resembling living rooms heralds a new era in workplace design. With benefits ranging from heightened productivity to enhanced employee satisfaction, it is evident that investing in the design and ambience of meeting spaces is a worthwhile endeavour. So, the next time you step into a meeting room, “Live the Meeting” by envisioning it as an extension of your living room and witness the magic of collaboration with the Gen Zers unfold in an awe-inspiring environment.
This article was shared with Prittle Prattle News as an authored article.
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn |
