Top Trends in Modern Office Building Space

Top Trends in Modern Office Building Space

Commercial real estate and the use of office buildings has dramatically changed in recent years. Coworking spaces, work-from-home options, and modern technology have created opportunities that the general workforce never had before. 

Overall, standard offices have transitioned to more inviting and collaborative environments. Below are a few of the top trends in modern office building design. 

Efficiency 

As with most newer construction and remodeling, office buildings are making sure to emphasize efficiency when creating unique spaces. Using durable and high-quality materials reduces repair and maintenance spending and cuts down on utility costs over time.

Collaboration

Cubicle walls separate many traditional office spaces at every turn, while newer designs provide space for collaboration. Employees now sit at smaller workstations within a larger open area. Forgoing the heavily divided space allows team members to meet and collaborate easily. 

Visually Appealing 

New office designs include modern furniture and interior elements, plenty of color, open concepts, and abundant natural light. Updated finishes and colors make for an energizing workspace, and the use of glass walls to separate offices and meeting spaces creates a bright environment.  

Built-In Technology

Down to the minor details, companies are designing their offices with plenty of built-in technology. Conveniently placed outlets, projectors and smartboards, and wireless phone charges are keys to creating a thoughtfully designed work area.

Recreation

Beverage stations, ping pong lounges, and nap rooms—Who would’ve thought these features would end up in office buildings? Unique recreation spaces have become increasingly necessary to recruit and keep top talent. 

Innovative Meeting Spaces

Conference rooms and large private offices are a thing of the past. Open concepts allow for team meetings with employees remaining at their workstations. Additionally, updated offices are more likely to feature smaller meeting hubs for a few employees to hold meetings or take private phone calls.

Looking for a New Office Space?

Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

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Are Communal Work Spaces Changing Commercial Real Estate?

Commercial Real Estate During a Pandemic

The rapid rise of a global pandemic certainly changed the commercial real estate industry. Many companies shifted immediately to fully remote work and never looked back. Others took a brief hiatus from their corporate office buildings but knew they would return as soon as possible.

When working from home became a permanent reality for some, they relished the idea of never having to leave home. Quickly, however, many missed the office environment and thus began the recent dramatic increase in communal workspaces all across the country, including here in Northern Colorado.

Coworking Begins

San Francisco was the home to the first communal office or coworking space, opening in 2005. Since then, employees and employers alike have realized the benefits of the coworking sector. The combination of flexibility for the employee while creating a structured work environment proved beneficial.

Along with flexibility, communal office spaces foster creativity, productivity, and connection with others. Studies have shown that an overwhelming majority of people working from a coworking space perform better and enjoy the ability to collaborate with the diverse population working nearby.

Changing Commercial Real Estate

Companies like WeWork, one of the largest coworking providers, are causing the following changes in the commercial real estate industry:

  • Communal workspaces allow building owners to benefit from purchasing more space than one business can fill.
  • Some companies will not have to buy or rent a single piece of commercial real estate if communal workspaces are conducive to their business.
  • Commercial real estate owners with unused spaces in their building can collect passive income by leasing unoccupied portions for coworking.
  • More companies will continue to operate with employees across the county as they utilize the amenities that coworking spaces offer.

Is Communal Office Space Taking Over the Market?

The quick answer is no. Communal office space is increasing in popularity, but the reality is that it doesn’t work for every industry. Medical facilities, labs, and many other corporations will still need or want their own facilities for many years to come. Coworking spaces are a great addition to the commercial real estate industry and can benefit building owners, but they aren’t taking over the market anytime soon.

Contact Steve at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 to discuss any of your commercial real estate questions or needs in Longmont, CO and our neighboring communities.

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