Beyond cubicles: How human-centric design shaping workspaces of tomorrow

Rohit Raj Puniani, Managing Director - North India & Hyderabad at Space Matrix in an interview with Bizz Buzz, talks about their approach to design and how it has evolved over his 13 years in the industry, the anticipated design trends and how Space Matrix stays ahead in adapting to future design needs. He also shares his vision for the future of workplace design and sheds light on Space Matrix's commitment to sustainability in design and how Space Matrix incorporates technology trends into their designs

What are the upcoming workplace design trends and how does Space Matrix consistently stay ahead in adapting to these evolving design needs?

Modern office spaces are undergoing a transformative shift, fuelled by the rise of hybrid work models. This evolution prioritizes human-centric design trends and seamless integration of technology. Interactive screens, smart facility management systems, and advanced communication tools are now integral, facilitating effortless collaboration. The advent of AI has further personalized user experiences and optimized space usage, transforming cafes into dynamic work hubs.

Contemporary office designs emphasize sensory spaces, natural light, and ergonomic furniture to enhance well-being. Gyms, meditation rooms, and healthy food options promote a healthy work environment. Minimizing environmental impact through upcycled materials, renewable energy, and smart technologies is crucial. At Space Matrix, we embrace technological advancements and people-centric workspaces. Our approach focuses on physical and mental well-being, inclusivity, empowerment, inspiring, energizing, and enhancing individuals' overall well-being in their work environments and beyond.

How does Space Matrix incorporate new-age technology in workplace designs, particularly in light of the tech-centric environment?

Space Matrix pioneers innovative and future-oriented workspaces amid the global tech-centric shift. Our strategy revolves around four pillars:

Agility and Automation: We integrate height-adjustable desks, focus pods, smart lighting, and temperature systems for flexible, energy-efficient spaces. Advanced video conferencing tools and AI cameras enhance remote collaboration seamlessly.

Agility and Automation: We integrate height-adjustable desks, focus pods, smart lighting,, and temperature systems for flexible, energy-efficient spaces. Advanced video conferencing tools and AI cameras enhance remote collaboration seamlessly.

Interactive Experiences: Adapting to hybrid models, we implement Bluetooth-based access control, Microsoft Surface Hubs, motion-responsive screens, and virtual elements. Exploration of virtual headsets and metaverse platforms introduces dynamic work and event spaces.

Choice and Control: Empowering individuals is our focus, seen in projects like Gartner's Centre of Excellence. RESET® certified air purification, real-time air quality monitoring, and automation of preferences foster a sense of ownership.

Seamless Integration: The Beta Lab showcases WorkspaceOS, integrating all workplace technologies. This comprehensive system adapts to individual preferences, revolutionizing the workspace experience.

Could you highlight a few projects that stand out for their uniqueness and substantial impact on workplace design? Please elaborate on the innovative aspects that distinguish it.

Space Matrix believes that office design mirrors a company's values and goals, emphasizing key aspects that shape workplace impact.

Layout and Space Management: Thoughtful design, exemplified in 4i Apps' Chennai workspace, seamlessly blends open work areas with collaborative zones, enhancing functionality and brand identity. Flexibility and usability cater to diverse needs, cultivating a culture aligned with organizational values.

Branding and Brand Identity: Customized design, as seen in our work with Stanza Living, integrates logo, colour schemes, and mission statements for a consistent brand perception. Bespoke features, like a real-time achievements’ ticker, create a vibrant #LifeAtStanza experience, leaving a lasting impression on clients and employees.

Employee Well-Being and Wellness: Prioritizing well-being, Licious' Bengaluru office combines focused work with hospitality elements. Dynamic work zones, breakout areas like 'The Kebab Corner,' and step seating promote socializing, fostering a positive work experience.

Technology-Enabled Workplace Experience: Integrating cutting-edge technology, such as smart sensors and project management software, enhances productivity. Our design for a Fin-Tech Startup in Bengaluru aligns with its brand identity, attracting talent from younger generations with tech-forward elements.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognizing the need for adaptability, our designs incorporate modular furniture and movable walls. This flexibility fosters innovation and creativity among employees, ideal for young companies experiencing growth.

Space Matrix collaborates closely with each client, understanding their unique needs to create functional, attractive, and inspiring workspaces that contribute to sustained business growth.

How has the landscape of workplace design evolved over the years, considering the growing trend among organisations to transform their workspaces? Can you provide insights into the past, present, and your expectations for the future, detailing the observed and anticipated changes in workplace design dynamics?

The way we work shapes how we design our workplaces. This evolution has been dramatic, shifting from traditional, hierarchical layouts to contemporary, employee-centric environments. Today, the focus is on collaboration, sustainability, technology, and well-being.

Traditional Office Designs: In the past, offices prioritized output over interaction. Cubicles and private offices created a clear hierarchy, separating employees and fostering a one-size-fits-all mentality. While efficient, this approach often limited collaboration and discouraged a sense of community.

Modern office transformation: The modern office embraces openness, flexibility, and employee well-being. Natural light, ergonomic furniture, and wellness areas are now commonplace. The rise of hybrid work models and technology like video conferencing enable geographically dispersed teams to connect and collaborate, transforming offices into dynamic hubs.

Looking Ahead: The future of work promises even greater integration of sustainability and technology. Expect offices to be more adaptable, utilising renewable resources and minimising environmental impact. AI and IoT will play a larger role, enhancing operational efficiency and work experience. Additionally, the focus on mental health and community will continue to grow, with designs fostering inclusivity and flexibility.

Could you provide details on the current projects undertaken by Space Matrix and any major upcoming projects in the next 6 months?

We are currently involved in a diverse portfolio of projects, showcasing our expertise in creating innovative and future-ready workspaces. Here's a snapshot of our ongoing and upcoming endeavours:

Legato, Bangalore: The Legato Bengaluru project is a testament to our design philosophy, encompassing 500,000 sq. ft of agile and flexible workspace. This project is part of a larger initiative, creating 823,000 sq. ft across three locations, emphasising cutting-edge technology and a choice-driven environment that caters to the diverse needs of today’s workforce.

American Express, Bangalore: AMEX's workplace transformation prioritized employee inspiration and brand alignment through design thinking, emphasizing inclusivity and flexibility. A vertical "micro-campus" spans five floors, promoting interaction with modular furniture and diverse amenities. Each floor, themed as "Nourish" or "See," guides design and artwork, fostering employee well-being. Resilient with modular workstations, the adaptive space enhances collaboration and pride, embodying Amex's "Bluework Approach" and accommodating evolving needs. The outcome: a workspace that mirrors the brand and promotes both collaboration and employee well-being.

Manish Malhotra’s Atelier, Mumbai: Manish Malhotra's Atelier challenged our team to create a space that combined function and luxury. We achieved this through a neutral palette, allowing Manish Malhotra's vibrant designs to shine. The space features areas for design teams, clients, and creative collaboration, all designed with symmetry and meticulous attention to detail. The final product, the 18A Atelier, captures the essence of the Manish Malhotra brand, serving as a space for creation, collaboration, and showcasing his legacy.

Nestlé, Gurgaon: For Nestlé, our goal was to design a hybrid space. The workspace aimed to cater to diverse working styles, consolidating various elements within one area. Space Matrix aimed for a tailored approach, focusing on activities enhancing individual effectiveness, rather than a generic open office. Emphasising mobility and flexibility, we assisted Nestlé in transitioning to a hybrid workspace with a pleasant and adaptable design.

BPTP, Delhi NCR: BPTP's consolidation after eight years prompted a deep understanding of the company's essence. We translated their values and philosophy into a unified office design, emphasizing communication and collaboration as the core concept. The result is a unique space that reflects BPTP's identity.

High Radius, Hyderabad: Tasked with refurbishing 3800 workstations and meeting rooms for High Radius, we went beyond basic needs. Our design not only met practical and efficient criteria but also aimed to enhance the overall ambiance, prioritizing the staff's experience.

These projects demonstrate our commitment to crafting spaces that are both visually appealing and functionally effective. Future endeavours will further embrace these principles, pushing the limits of workplace design to support our clients in a dynamic and evolving world.

How does Space Matrix plan to navigate the shift from traditional fixed workspaces to agile and adaptable ones, ensuring a seamless blend of in-office and remote work for employees?

At Space Matrix, we lead the shift from traditional to agile workspaces, seamlessly integrating in-office and remote dynamics. Our approach centres on key principles:

Flexibility, Diversity, and Inclusion: We prioritize adaptable designs with modular furniture and flexible elements, catering to diverse workforce needs for collaborative or individual tasks.

Leveraging Advanced Technology: Core to our strategy is integrating high-quality video conferencing tools and smart technologies, ensuring seamless collaboration for teams, regardless of location.

Sustainability and Well-being: Our designs focus on environmental sustainability and employee well-being, incorporating natural light, biophilic elements, and ergonomic furniture to enhance mental and physical health.

The Verizon office project exemplifies our approach, creating a dynamic, inclusive environment that blends collaboration with private workspaces, energizing the office landscape.

Looking ahead, Space Matrix is not just a design firm; we are Change Makers, prioritizing adaptability, technology, well-being, and sustainability. We craft workplaces that align with the evolving future of work, promoting business success, enhanced employee experiences, and environmental responsibility. Our commitment is to design thriving workspaces for a flourishing future, harmonizing businesses, people, and the planet.