Our ‘Workplace Progress’ issue—on sale from 25 March 2021—examines the shifting goal posts of workplace design, and shares the most notable contemporary insights, perspectives and projects in the space today.
March 25th, 2021
We’ve collectively been through so much in the past year. In putting together the ‘Workplace Progress’ issue of Indesign it became increasingly clear that we are in a period of adaptation and transition.
For years we’ve pioneered change through design. But the last 12+ months has upset that status quo. We’ve been forced into a reactionary relationship with change. Adaptation and transition are no longer just a philosophy, they are a daily practise.
The work-from-home phenomenon has precipitated a dramatic shift in expectations among workers – ourselves included. The goal posts of workplace design have shifted. Architect Kellie Payne of Bates Smart sums it up so well when she says: “I like to think of the past year as an evolution, not a revolution… Evolution requires persistence. We shouldn’t ever be at a place where we’ve finally ‘solved’ workplace.” (Responding to Change, Indesign #83, page 148).

On that note, here’s a taste of other such astute insights, perspectives and exemplary work you’ll find in the contents of our latest issue, on ‘Workplace Progress’, Indesign #83, on sale 25 March 2021.
As we teeter on the edge of rapid and volatile change, we look to one of the global industry’s leading lights for insight and direction.

Architecture is more than just a practise, it’s a vocation, for brothers and business partners, Corbett and Carey Lyon.

From its basement bike racks to its rooftop meeting pods, Market Lane fulfils a craving for greener pastures among its health-driven workers.
Market Lane, Melbourne, by Elenberg Fraser in partnership with Hickory Group. Photography by Damien Kook
A nook, a niche, or even just a portion of a kitchen table was once sufficient to work from home. But these temporary spaces no longer feel suitable and, with the family underfoot, the home office has moved up the wish list.
Bellevue Hill House, Sydney, by Bureau SRH. Photography by Tom Ferguson
Security, visibility, legibility. bamford-architects’ bespoke interior expertly juggles the complex needs of this inner-city police station.
Melbourne East Police Station, Melbourne, by bamford-architects. Photography by Dianna Snape
In a post-brand age enterprises are re-evaluating their real estate to create a visceral brand presence.
McConaghy Properties head office, Brisbane, by Hogg and Lamb. Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones
When Woods Bagot was approached to submit a concept as part of a competition to design the new Sculptform showroom, the team took the opportunity to throw caution to the wind and really get creative in their design response.
Scultpform Showroom, Melbourne, by Woods Bagot. Photography by Peter Bennetts
Simon Pole, global design director at Unispace, says that the CBD has had it too good for too long. As workplace designers, this is our moment to look beyond office towers.

From the streets of New York to the laneways of Melbourne, Stephen Crafti looks at how architects are reinventing the public realm to support collaboration and connectivity.

How do we begin to facilitate better wellness within a community context? GOLDEN shares their perspective.

Now is the time for strategy and action, say workplace strategists Kellie Payne and Dr Caroline Burns. And it all begins with asking the right questions.

Gensler’s Australian Workplace Survey finds that people returning to work would prefer to decide how and where best to complete their work. Enter the new hybrid work model.

From the quiet seclusion of home to the thrumming energy of the office; could acoustics be the key to our peaceful and productive transition back to work?

All these stories and more can be devoured to your heart’s content inside our ‘Workplace Progress’ issue, Indesign #83. Many valuable insights and perspectives await within. We’d love to hear your thoughts and responses, after you’ve finished reading, editorial@indesign.com.au.
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