Creating spaces that work: Area’s quarterly update

We’re delighted to launch our very first quarterly newsletter. Every few months we'll bring you the biggest headlines from around our studios with the latest news, articles and projects from our team of expert professionals. With so many monumental things happening right now in the workspace design industry, we wanted to share our knowledge and know-how in the hope that it may add some value to you, whether that be in your professional or personal life.

Expect information about top trends across the design and construction industry, guides and checklists to keep you ahead of the curve and plenty of insights in between. So grab something warm, get comfortable and enjoy.

Top workspace design trends for 2023

From revolutionary refits to radical redesigns, 2022 was an exciting year for the modern workspace. The thing is though, 2023 is set to be even bigger.?

This is the year that many modern workspaces will become desirable destinations, painstakingly designed to be more comfortable than the working-from-home environment. However, flexibility still comes first. Are you wondering whether your space is set up to allow seamless integration from remote participants, and do you have the right smart technologies to allow for hybrid collaboration?

From keeping flexibility front of mind to creating brand experiences that help teams belong, check out our 6 top workplace design trends for 2023 and beyond.

Do you know your office's AirScore?

It almost goes without saying that improving air quality inside commercial buildings has never been more important. But did you know airborne pollutants can be two to five times higher indoors than outside??

That's why it’s a good idea to get your air tested and accredited with an AirScore. Conducted by AirRated, this is the global benchmark for indoor air quality?

Undertaking annual, voluntary assessments like this demonstrates a continued commitment to the comfort, health and productivity of your people. Not only that but it also helps you become the best in class amongst your peers, shows a strong commitment to the environment and future-proofs your workspace for years to come.?

Check out our Guide to Better Air Quality and Commercial Design to find out more.

How to design a laboratory for now and the future

When it comes to laboratory and controlled environments, the last couple of years has propelled life sciences into the future. And with flexible working continuing to fuel agile research and innovation, it’s one sector that many organisations have been looking to transition into.

But with technology and trends moving at such a rapid rate, how can you ensure your laboratory design is fit for today and tomorrow? From putting together a bulletproof business plan to balancing science with sustainability, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know here.

Meet Duncan, our new Head of Sustainability

In early 2022, we were delighted to welcome our new Head of Sustainability, Duncan Morris, to the team. Duncan brings with him a wealth of expertise; in particular, 10+ years of experience developing sustainability strategies across major organisations and projects.

Committing to net-zero carbon is important to us and Duncan is spearheading the strategy to help get us there. We evaluate the entire business through the lens of ESG (environmental, social and governance) to make sure we work towards the needs of our stakeholders. And we believe that it’s this stakeholder capitalism that will help us to build a more sustainable future.

Interested in finding out what you can do to reduce your emissions? Check out our ultimate guide to renewable energy for businesses for some advice.

We’ve moved! Goodbye Egham, hello Windsor

As you may have seen or heard by now, Area has moved into a brand-new studio in Windsor.

This was a long time in the making because, for over 20 years, we had been spread across multiple floors across our Egham campus. This move represents an exciting new chapter for the business, bringing all operations under one roof and onto one single floor plate.

We approached this project using the same methodology we deliver for our clients. That involved joining forces with 360 Workplace to facilitate employee engagement exercises, occupancy studies, employee surveys, stakeholder workshops and feasibility investigations. This helped inform a data-led concept that prioritised both well-being and sustainability at its core. Part of this was demonstrated by the fact the project achieved an AirRated Gold AirScore, a 2-Star Fitwel Accreditation and a Gold Ska Certification.?

The result is a living showcase of our culture, values, and service offering. You can learn more about the project here.?

But this isn't the only exciting project we’ve been working on…

Making space for the future: Work we're proud of

Xerimis Amsterdam

Xerimis partnered with us to help them deliver a new environmentally-sustainable logistics centre in the Netherlands. Located near Schiphol Airport, this 45,000 sq ft site will act as their next global hub, allowing Xerimis to increase its capabilities and satisfy the growing needs of its customers worldwide.

Case study coming soon!

Oche London

Having found success in Norway, The Netherlands, Sweden and Australia the hugely successful Oche - where ‘gastronomy meets gaming’ - was looking to make a splash in London. Based at The Strand, our design for Oche London combines retreat and mystery - a space that truly suspends reality.

You can find out more about the project here.

SRA Birmingham

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) was looking for a new high-quality flexible working environment where their people could engage with a variety of different spaces to accommodate individual and collaborative tasks, leaving behind their traditional practices with predefined work points.

You can find out more about the project here.

This was just the tip of the iceberg, though. And we’d love to mention all of our fantastic clients and partners if we had the space. The good thing is, there’ll be much more to come - stay tuned.

Want to chat in more detail about something you’ve read in our newsletter today? Get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.