What is Modular Office Design?
The use of modular designs in the office is just one of the latest trends to hit newer offices. This system offers unique spaces and features that can adjust to meet the changing dynamics of the workplace. Modular design falls in a certain space between highly personalized custom spaces and affordable, standardized mass production. According to the 2016 Haworth White Paper, “Movable Walls & Raised Floors: Optimizing Adaptable Workplaces to Meet Changing Business Needs”, when organizations are faster and more agile in configuring a new workspace, they become more responsive to changes in the business environment. If you’re looking to shape your office in a dynamic fashion, here’s a general overview behind modular office design.
Why Go Modular?
Modular design offers multiple advantages, the most obvious of which being flexibility in use. As the modules are standardized and interchangeable, they are easily placeable within a layout. It also allows businesses to save for the long-term on real estate costs, primarily by reducing or maximizing the square footage needed for job performance.
Modular design is a green design methodology. The modules allow you to shift and repurpose the same pieces in different ways. In an article in Workspace Design Magazine called Building Modular: A Dynamic Element of Business Strategy, existing, older buildings can also be renovated through modular design, with no changes affecting the previous infrastructure. Modular wall systems bring about fewer initial material into the building environment, reducing waste right from the start. Modular designs center on “future proofing” your office, with an emphasis on encouraging environments and advancements in technologies, cultures and work styles.
Questions To Ask Before Moving To Modular Elements
Before moving forward with any new layout, start by asking yourself these 5 key questions on modular office design:
- What Should My Modular Office Say About My Company?
- What Type of Employee Behavior Should My Modular Office Encourage?
- How Much Space Do I Actually Need?
- How Can I Make My Modular Office as Green as Possible?
- How Do I Make My Modular Office Flexible?
Reviewing your answers can help you and your fellow employees better appreciate and adopt a new modular design.
