Where is the office world heading? In recent years, we have witnessed a radical transformation of the working universe, influenced by cultural, generational, environmental, and technological changes. Physical presence has evolved into more fluid work models, leading to a reconsideration of the concept of productivity, measured not only by the time spent at one’s desk. Referring exclusively to smart working would be reductive. Because the revolution touches the very culture of work, and therefore companies internally, associating mental efficiency with flexibility of movement, connection, and exchange. It depicts the office as a living, non-static place, fueled by the mixture of people.
«One might think of a sort of clubhouse or cultural hub that supports the company’s goals and values, while promoting a sense of community», says Grazia Manerba, President of the brand of the same name. «Secondly, it is the place where work happens. Paradoxically, the more we are online, the more there’s a desire for qualitative physical experiences. This need could also be met by co-working spaces, which create a sense of community through events and shared spaces».
«Office presence and remote work can coexist harmoniously, balancing personal and professional needs optimally», adds Simona Colombo, Chief Marketing Officer of Arper. «But face-to-face interaction has a value that resides in the ability to strengthen the sense of belonging, stimulate creativity, and create a more cohesive environment». All this creates a spatial ambiguity that needs to be redesigned, revolving around new values such as integration, adaptability, versatility, dynamism, changeability, and also the search for privacy
New experiential stylistic choices
The adaptability response to change by furniture brands in the sector has been swift. With one premise: «Offices face a challenge: to offer added value that motivates employees to participate in person», says Andrea Borja, Marketing Manager of Capdell. «This translates into more attractive environments, comfortable furnishings, and spaces that facilitate wellness, concentration, and rest. Mental and physical health is a priority.» In fact, a process of humanizing work environments is underway, particularly able to communicate safety, kindness, and comfort.
So much so that these values take shape in the pay-offs of some brands. Values conveyed by ergonomic furnishings, biophilic elements, the use of colors, and mainly natural lighting. Acoustic isolation also plays a role, with sound-absorbing materials integrated into furnishings, especially in cocoon stations or breakout areas. «Outdoor spaces also become an integral part of the office», emphasizes Monica Pedrali, CEO of the company: «open-air stations are increasing, where people can work or relax, places where people want to stay. Here the furnishings guarantee comfort and withstand atmospheric agents».
The entire dynamic office ecosystem revolves around “human-centric landscapes,” as they say at Fantoni, with in-between areas and hybrid zones where the first space (home) and the second (office) mix to generate third welcoming and adaptable places to work, meet, relax, individually or with others. Highly adaptable offices, designed to meet diverse needs with easily modifiable layouts and highly reconfigurable products, where the modularity and multifunctionality of the furniture allow for flexible configuration over time.” This trend of transformability also touches the home office, with a significant impact on living spaces and the way we experience the home. Space-saving solutions become essential, those that are functional but welcoming with a timeless aesthetic.
The importance of sustainability
There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact in choosing sustainable materials and throughout the production process. «There is a strong use of recycled and recyclable materials, eco-friendly fabrics, and certified wood. Durability is also a fundamental aspect,» says Nicoletta Milani, CEO of Milani. «All products are designed with a view to complete disassembly (for refurbishment and correct disposal at the end of life),» adds Simona Colombo, Chief Marketing Officer of Arper, «without any presence of glues, and we constantly drive research on innovative materials even for fillings». Some, like the Mara brand, invest «in a 100% Made in Italy and km 0 production, allowing for complete control over product circularity».
The future of the office
So, what horizons is the industry looking toward? Mara again provides insight: «We are moving towards workspaces that prioritize user experience. Human-centered design represents an increasingly central theme of contemporary living, looking at design not only in its functional effectiveness but also at the sensations it can generate, thereby evolving the relationship between furniture and its users». Alessandra Fardin, from the Dieffebi Marketing & Innovation Division adds: «The future of offices is geared toward a playful design approach, with adaptive furniture systems capable of reigniting the joy of working in inspiring spaces».
