Delve into the history of offices, from their early beginnings to the future. Discover how comfort, aesthetics, human connection, and nature are central to this evolution, and what transforms an office into an inspiring workspace. Step into your time machine and read on.
Back in time
To evolve, we must go back to the very beginning of the office. History takes us back to antiquity, when humans began performing administrative tasks. You can imagine that this looked very different from today. Probably little more than a wooden bench and table. Back then, the office served to perform tasks and store information, but with the advent of the typewriter, the telephone, the computer, and the internet, much changed. These inventions transformed not only the office but also the nature of office jobs themselves. Besides being an archivist, you now also became a telephone operator.
Design and aesthetics
The focus on design and aesthetics didn't really begin until the 1950s. Offices were given neat rows of desks, which suited the bureaucratic structure of the time. Over the years, the hierarchical or even military-style office layout evolved into "cell offices," where one or two people worked in a single room or cubicles. Partitions made it easy to divide the open space into individual rooms, which looked more appealing than before.
Comfort
Comfort wasn't a topic of conversation back then; we only started thinking about it in the 1970s. Health and well-being became increasingly important. Ergonomic desks and chairs slowly made their appearance, and all sorts of trays and drawers were created so you could keep all your office supplies close at hand. This was also the time when computers gained a place on the desk.
Biophilic Design
Decades later, we've increasingly focused on employee well-being. The office has become a key element of your recruitment campaign. Employees consider their workspace during the application process, because a good workplace not only promotes a healthy mind but also fosters the right creative inspiration. Biophilic design is also a key element of this.
Biophilic design integrates natural elements and processes into the built environment to promote human health and well-being. This approach recognizes the deep-seated human need for connection with nature and seeks to integrate it into the modern work environment. The use of natural materials, abundant daylight, and even plants in office spaces are just a few examples of biophilic design. Ultimately, it's all about the experience. How do you experience the office and what do you feel? Biophilia literally means: love of life.
And what else?
As we look ahead, offices will likely continue to evolve, potentially with a greater focus on flexibility and hybrid work environments. Nevertheless, preserving the human connection with nature and promoting transparency will remain essential pillars in office design and layout. This transforms the office from a simple workspace into a stimulating and inspiring environment that has the potential to bring out the best in employees.
System Flex
An inspiring space works wonders, whether we need to concentrate, have a serious conversation, or inspire each other. It's important that the space we work in feels good. That's why System Flex has been producing flexible wall systems for 30 years to create the ideal space. With System Flex's stylish (glass) system walls, you can quickly and easily create beautiful and functional spaces in any environment. Curious about the possibilities? Feel free to contact us.