Christopher Columbus made an important discovery in 1492. He changed how people perceived the earth by proving it is round. In 2024, new communication, operational technologies, and the needs of immerging generations are having similar effects on the current perception and future shape of the office. The illustrations below compare present and near future spacial allocations for a 20,000 square foot space. They are excerpts from programs prepared by Chat GPT.
Present Near Future
Private Offices: 40% Open Office (Collab areas): 30%
Meeting rooms: 15% Reception, Cafe, Recreation: 15%
Common areas: 10% Tech & Innovation Spaces: 10%
Reception and circulation: 10% Wellness & Quiet Spaces: 10%
Storage and utility areas: 5% Learning & Development 5%
Circulation: 10%
These models were produced and communicated in a few seconds. You may or may not agree with their space allocations. It’s difficult to disagree with the detail, capabilities, and communication speed of the artificial intelligence program’s ability to produce them.
The present office model illustrates a current private office intensive space distribution where information is processed and ideas are formed in defined or undefined levels of productivity. Increased communication speed, mobility, and instantaneous access to endless information locally and world-wide define the functions of the evolving office in the near future model. Like every evolution, this one has positive and negative aspects.
On the positive side, the evolution will provide exciting changes in information processing and the expansion of creative and functional capabilities. We are just seeing the beginnings of the technology that will change the office environment from a “physical box” to an open ended selection of places and times to work. The evolution of future working environments will ultimately result in desired work/life balances. The above models indicate changes, occurring now.
On the negative side, increased communication technology and mobility will cause many current office functions, personnel, and middle management levels to disappear. We’ve seen examples of these with some major corporations, recently.
Reduced needs for office personnel, changes in office models, and working habits will result in reduced office space requirements. Many of today’s office buildings will experience high vacancy rates that could affect building ownership and financial viability. A further result could involve banks that provide loans for building construction and ongoing operation.
While writing this blog, it occurred to me that my function as a designer and space planner could also be in jeopardy in the future. Ai produced two 20,000 square foot models in seconds. That kind of productivity is hard to match.