It’s now 2019, the year in which the 1982 movie Bladerunner was set. And just like Bladerunner, our world is dominated – if not ruled at times – by screens and technology. This dependence on technology has driven us very quickly towards a culture that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, almost every day of the year.

Life is fast-paced and demanding. We are always connected, always available, and for many of us, always working. Technology has given us the mobility and freedom to work anywhere, at any time and with greater autonomy than ever before. If this is the status quo, then what does that mean for the physical workplace, which up until now has been essential for us to do our work?

Many would argue that the physical workplace has lost both its value and its meaning – that a physical office location to work in is no longer necessary, that all we need for our occupational endeavours is a mobile device and Wi-Fi. Many would also argue that this ‘untethering’ is an appropriate vision for the future. Several years ago this notion was of some concern to me, mostly for selfish reasons; as an interior designer specialising in workplace design, I was worried I would soon be out of a career!

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“Many would also argue that this ‘untethering’ is an appropriate vision for the future.” – Angela Ferguson
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Instead, I have found the opposite to be true. In a 24/7 world that is driven by technology and virtual connectivity, the workplaces we inhabit are more influential than ever before. In the research we do at Futurespace, we find workplaces are occupied for at least two to three full days a week on average, across the Monday to Friday working week. While this may not seem like a lot, it is also important to note that the Australian working week is among the longest in the world.

Just because we can work anywhere at any time, doesn’t mean that we should. We need boundaries around the discipline of ‘work’ and a designated place to work that supports this. It also stands to reason that the places we dedicate to work should evolve to have a more exciting and profound role when it comes to their influence on us; both professionally and personally.

Wilson Asset Management by Futurespace. Photo by Toby Peet.

The most successful workplaces in the 21^st century are high-performing sanctuaries. They are more than just a place that looks cool or is Instagrammable. They support us in achieving our work and life goals, and we feel better having spent time in them. The best workplaces of 2019 and beyond will be places where people feel inspired and motivated. They must allow us to connect with our colleagues face-to-face because nothing will ever replace the need or power of human interaction. Ultimately, the modern workplace needs to be able to be navigated intuitively, while creating holistic wellness, social connection and engagement. They must support, nurture, stimulate and foster creativity. When all of these things are combined in the workplace, users can be influenced to be the very best version of themselves.

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“The best workplaces of 2019 and beyond will be places where people feel inspired and motivated.” – Angela Ferguson
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Our relationship with the modern office environment is more important than ever as much of our work today relies on technology and human interactions. The workplace has evolved to a more meaningful and people-centred typology. Now more than ever, it is critical that our workplaces are designed with intelligence and a thorough understanding of their performance. Because in 2019 we go to a physical workplace because we want to, not because we have to.

Want more workplace design inspiration? Take a look through our archives. And keep an eye out for the next issue of Indesign magazine due out in February which will focus on workplaces.

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