Now more than ever, the collaborative work space is being encouraged and established within the interior environment. While there are many benefits that the collaborative world can bring, a group of researchers has questioned the trend. They believe that each employee is a crucial part of the brand of a company. While collaborative areas can be effective within some working communities, it may not need to be integrated in others. 

The research group began to compare different generations and their work styles, attempting to understand their differences. Through their research, they determined that the work place is not a reflection of the age of its employees, but rather the brand. Because employees reflect the brand, it is important to engage them to understand what type of office environment needs to be established. 

"Soft chairs might be trendy, but if they’re not connected to purpose and passion, nobody uses them".

When a quick response was needed, these designers look the challenge.

Located throughout Mexico, these concrete cubes serve a bigger purpose than it may seem. These structures are designed for a community in need of a social space to gather, read, learn, and engage with one another. 

At the base of the structure, the open space allows users to gather and relate through various activities. The small amount of enclosure provides a space for the community to link together. The space above provides reading rooms for the public that shelter the users and allows them to retreat. Some facilities have multiple levels, and some are equipped with bathrooms and computer facilities.

These simple structures are providing a huge impact through intentional design, what are your thoughts?

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Amongst the trends for 2017, technology within the home is one of the most interesting. 

Normal technology in the home can include television, computers, cell phones, etc. What is interesting about the new wave of Bluetooth enabled home appliances is that they are meant to interact with the user at any moment. They are becoming a central part of the home where the user can order their groceries, send a text from 10 feet away, and even hook up to other technology in the home.

Users can open their garage doors, start their car, and order anything online by simply speaking to the appliance.

The future is here, what are your thoughts?

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One of the contributing design ideas to bring the buildings to life was the "inside-out" concept. The goal was to expose the Interior environment to the public on the street. This creates a connection between architecture and environment that mends the gap. 

The design for this office is a reflection of the type of work done inside. The office is collaborative and creative, striving for new ways to design and create daily. The mixed environment including lounge spaces, collaborative hubs, and engaging walkways that hang over the city, creates a diverse work place within the Urban environment. 

This young concept of Urban collaborative offices is creating the need for research and design. How can we make the work place better geared towards our personal needs?

Vibrant Green Tones:

Soft Blues:

One of our all time favorites GREEN! Specifically Greenery. 

Greenery 15-0343

See more on Pantone's website: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2017
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​A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings.
Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.
Greenery is nature’s neutral. The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world. This shift is reflected by the proliferation of all things expressive of Greenery in daily lives through urban planning, architecture, lifestyle and design choices globally. A constant on the periphery, Greenery is now being pulled to the forefront - it is an omnipresent hue around the world.
A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.
What is the PANTONE Color of the Year?
A symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.

Reminds us of the beautiful Pala lounge chair from StudioTK: ​https://www.studiotk.com/products/pala

One of the biggest issues in modern corporate offices is that too many companies have a simplified contract with their employees: 

We pay you; you show up.

The issue arises when one party is looking for more from the other, leading to conflict in interest and a defunctioning  office  place. 
The new wave of office design is moving toward a more integrated contract, one that fulfills the needs of the employer as well  as 
the employee. Although 100% satisfaction cannot always be achieved, it is important that workers are able to express their needs.
In return, an employer has every right to list any qualification that it takes to maintain a job position. 

Instead of paying an employee to show up and do what they are told, pay them to show up with a full  understanding  of  what  is 
being asked of them. Business expert Jannet Prim states that, "Understanding what matters to an employee beyond remuneration
allows for more meaningful engagement" (Prim, 2016).

What are your thoughts?
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The growing topic of robots within the work place is controversial for different reasons. Many are uninterested in the robot interface and refute the practice. Although there are many benefits that have been explored and expressed, there is no concise analysis on whether or not the use of robots will have positive effects. 

In some applications, the use of robots seems more applicable. For example, delivery drones are already being used to distribute packages and mail in some areas. While there are many obstacles to a flawless robotic delivery system, the system seems to be working well and Robots will likely oblige for 90% of the work force delivery by the year 2020. 

In other applications, there is continuous debate towards the benefit of Robotic workers. One of the most controversial use of Robotic workers is within United States Airports. Users are afraid of the dehumanization that Robotic costumer service will bring. Robots will provide programmed and scheduled service rather than intuitive and sensory based service. 

Comment below with any thoughts or opinions!

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America is changing, and so is the work space. The typical notion of an office is being redesigned, questioned, and flipped on its head. There are many factors into understanding whether or not the coworking environment is beneficial to the business owner. One of the biggest arguments supporting the coworking lifestyle is the idea of collaboration. As users determine the value of coworking it is important to ask these questions:

- Is collaboration in this setting relevant to my business?
- Am I willing to mix work and play?
- Do I need a better support network?

What is your opinion about the rise in coworking offices? Check out the full article below.

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