Grup Idea attends the Grupo Vía session on offices and coworking spaces
On November 3, Grup Idea attended the working meeting on new projects for offices and coworking spaces and the impact of Covid19 on the design and implementation of projects. During the event, the transformation that offices are currently experiencing due to technological evolution and changes in more flexible and decentralized business structures was analyzed. In addition, the impact of the pandemic on the design of workplace spaces and the new criteria when designing has been examined.
The presentation was given by Jose G. Osorio, director of the magazine Vía Construcción. Specialists such as Carles Gelpí, architect from 2BMFG Arquitectes; the surveyor Joel Vives and the architect Eulàlia Figuero from H.A.U.S. Healthy Buildings and the architect Iker Alzola from Elastiko Architects who have exhibited their business center, office building, start-up hub and coworking spaces projects.
Transformation in workspaces: greater openness, flexibility and sustainability
During the event, Matías Rodríguez, Managing Director of Studio Banana, also spoke to talk about his conception of design as a tool and how, through direct observation, interviews and focus groups, they manage to make strategic, conceptual and design decisions with a new prism in every project. In addition, Rodríguez has highlighted four trends and challenges for the workplace sector, such as the struggle between functionality and identity, the generation of collaborative spaces that promote concentration, the move from workplaces to “workhabitats” and the commitment to conceive offices as Flagship and generate community.
Daniela Sabbatini, Architecture & Facilities Manager at Aticco, has spoken of coworkings as a workplace where different profiles coexist, from freelancers to start-ups and remote workers, and where connections and synergies take place. For Aticco, the keys to coworking spaces are brightness, the creation of open and airy spaces and meeting rooms, event spaces and structures adaptable to the needs of clients, among others.
From Dear Design, Ignasi Llauradó, CEO & Creative Director and Aya Ulan, an industrial engineer specialized in sustainability, have shown some of their latest projects that include the Mobile World Capital offices in the Palau de Mar, corporate transversality work for Caixabank or the eco-responsible offices of Mansartis in Paris with 70% of recovered and recycled materials.
Changes in office design after Covid19
Finally, from CBRE, the person in charge of Workplace Laura Calderón and the Head of Design Iñaki Elizondo, reflected on the current state and evolution of the office market. The offices, they insisted, are conceived as a solution to the problems of teleworking, a place to socialize, learn and stimulate creativity. In addition, they concluded, it is key for the re-identification of companies and organizations with the people who work and seek experiences, better connection, technology and comfort to seduce employees to go to the offices.
Finally, in the final debate, the speakers reflected on the changes derived from the Covid19 health crisis. In the design of office and coworking projects, it is important to bet on flexible spaces that can be adapted to situations like the current one, as well as outdoor spaces for work and meetings. They also highlighted the role of sustainability and health in new projects and the emergence of coworking spaces as intermediate spaces between teleworking and offices. The meeting took place at the Talent Garden Barcelona and has been organized by Grupo Vía.