Housekeeping How TOS

A COFEE-STAINED KEYBOARD, JUICE on the carpet, leftover sandwiches in the wastebasket, corners with months-wroth of newspaper, dripping soap stalls, topped off with a fine layer of dust-all indicators of an uncared for office space. What if we told you that your surroundings have a direct impact on our productivity? The dirtier on more uncared for your s surroundings are, the lower will be your investment of time and energy into your work. Also, if you are the delight type then you are most likely to spend the better part of your day sporting out the chaos before stating on work. And, if there are others like you, who are going to shift through the clatter, then it’s not likely to be a very quiet environment either!

This where office housekeeping and maintenance staff come to the fore. Their adherence to the cleaning routine and frequency ensures that your workspace is conducive to higher productivity and lower stress levels.

COMING CLEAN:

There are three different level of cleaning. First is the cleaning that happens each day after office horse, second is the one that takes place during the office horse, and the third is the deep cleaning, which is done once in a month (or more or less, depending on the usage of the space).

The after-work-hours cleaning done each day involves surface cleaning. All the surface in the office are cleaned and prepared for the next day’s use.

The cleaning that happiness during working horse is basically maintenance of the cleaning that was one during the night and keeps the work areas free of clutter.
Deep cleaning is done to eliminate ingrained or internal dirt, and chairs, cleaning air-conditioner vents, vacuuming keyboard, etc. the larger the number of people per square foot, the shorter should be the periods between two deep-cleaning sessions.

DAILY DITTIES:

The everyday maintenance of an office space also involves taking care of the wear and tear that occurs due to use and abuse.

There are two parts to daily maintenance: Housekeeping or janitorial services and/or Mechanical and Electrical maintenance (M?t E). The letter is tougher as the environment we live in is inherently dusty. This includes updating logbooks regularly to keep track of things that were repaired and those that were replaced. “The idea is to keep everything in preventive mode”. Therefore, there has tom be a stockpile of everything from cleaning agents to wiring and spare bulbs that goes into making an office space functional.

When it comes to Housekeeping, the canteen is a big problem as attract the maximum amount of dirt and –thus rodents and pets as well. Then there are areas where there is constant spillage –around water cooler and places where plants are kept, for instance. The inaccessible areas of the office such as under, behind and atop cabinets, behind the WCs etc, also become problematic.

Luckily, the days of mops and brooms are over as there is a revolution in tools that are used in cleaning. The international-standard cleaning agents and tools that are now available make it easier to tackle problem areas. The trend of mechanization has not completely set in (except in very high-end organization), and manpower is still widely used even through the costs are higher in the long run.

AGENT IN SERVICE:

Cleaning agents can be divided into two categories: neutral cleaner and deep cleaners. They can be further classified into detergent-based and acid-based varieties. Neutral cleaners, as the name suggests, are cleaners whose pH value is zero. They do not have any kind of fragrance. The absence of fragrance is necessary because the chemical inducing the fragrance may leave a stain behind or discolor the surface being cleaned.

When it comes to housekeeping and maintenance, the use of cleaning agent and a mop is not the end of the road. Correct and continuous training is essential to ensure housekeeping staff cleans and maintains spaces in an efficient fashion and not just transfer dirt from one place to another. They are taught what proportion of cleaning agent has to be mixed with water, as well as which cleaning agent is to be used on which surface.

AU NATUREL:

Natural materials such as stones are the toughest to clean and to get stains out of. Marble, for instance, is porous and stains set in very fast. The maintenance staff has to be quick to deal with spillage on marble. Most organizations seal the surface pores of marble by applying a crystallized coat.

Cleaning agents are tested on samples of natural materials before using them on the entire surface. Various types of special paints and plastics, which have a tendency to turn yellow over a period of time, have to be treated and tested before any type of cleaning agents is used on them.

As the housekeeping and maintenance workforce strives to support you in your work life, keep in mind that keeping your working space clean and in good working condition is not only the job of your support staff, it is yours as well.

Treat the office as you would treat your home. Remember, a hygienic work space is also a more productive one.

Space Utility In Your Home

Many people are crazy about creating lofts at home so they have extra storage space but that isn’t always a wise decision. To think of it logically it’s not the most feasible option. This is because you don’t want to crawl into the loft each day trying to put back things or take out things. As a result your loft and extra storage spaces built in your home actually reduce room area making rooms look smaller because you have dedicated space to the creation of a loft.

Instead you can try and build a linen room or a small room. You needn’t bother about how much area this room comprises of because the idea is to keep it small and simple. Here you could have a custom built cabinet stretching the length of an entire wall. This will let you store things easily and it’ll be accessible as and when you need things and are so much neater. This space could be created adjacent t a bathroom as that will enable you to keep your washing machine in there too. If that’s not possible you can transform this are to a computer room. If your place management is great you could even considering fitting in a small bed with additional storage below it.

If it’s not possible to create this are in your home then you can consider attaching drawers in your bed. This could act as storage space or else as additional bed space. When experimenting with beds, you can opt for wall spring back varieties to create a lot of space in a room because when your bad springs back into the wall, it’ll give you enough space to convert the room into a work area if that’s what you desire. Even if there isn’t too much extra space, it’s all about creating an idea of space that you can work with comfortably.

Small Apartment Big Ideas

If you have a small apartment you can always make it look much larger. To create a huge idea of space, create a sliding door through the hall. When you have visitors slide the doors open to create a large space to go about your days activities. Try and use a spring bed embedded in the wall that can snap back into place whenever you need additional space.

You won’t have problems of housing guests either because when it’s time to sleep, you can slide the door shut creating two rooms. In the other end of the hall have a divan. This will act as a sitting are when need be and a bed as required. If you’re on your own, you needn’t even get to your bed and could sleep here. The storage space in the divan can be used to store all excess stuff ensuring that your room area is never compromised.

Make sure your windows are large because such rooms do suffer from ventilation problems. Windows will allow air circulation ensuring that your small apartment doesn’t seem stuffy. To create comfort, have a few plants growing near your window. You can opt for creepers and vines that’ll add plenty of green.

When it comes to storing clothes and other stuff, you need to invest in a big wardrobe. Use it to the optimum and store extra stuff in the lower racks. For additional seating area get an inflatable sofa cum bed so that you can use it whenever needed and store it away at other times. For extra storage, the usage of little sits with storage will serve a dual purpose. You obviously can’t buy too much furniture and have to take the minimalist approach. This will help create more space, will concentrate on utility, and ensures your little pad looks attractive.

A Beautiful Home

They say little girls dream of a perfect wedding but most people always dream of owning the perfect home. It’s a place that will shelter your family, allow you to indulge and will in a big way be an expression of who you are. As such, it all comes down to how well you design your interiors. For most of us who aren’t artistically designed this needn’t be such a curse after all. You can still get the best interiors without having to break your head over designs.

The world is moving at great paces and so are all other things in it. To keep abreast to modern needs the concept of interiors is changing. You no longer need a designer to fix an appointment, visit and then tell you what to do. You can be your own designer, and it doesn’t stop there. A little careful planning will ensure that your interior designing is perfect.

When selecting perfect furniture it’s essential you keep in mind the color of the wall paint. It’s true you won’t do a paint job too often but what if you choose to change the shade a couple of years later, will your furniture look odd then? In order to steer clear of such issues, start by choosing furniture that has more value. It’s simple; choose contemporary furniture that fits with everything. You needn’t buy entire sets of furniture. If you choose intelligently, you can keep picking furniture as and when you like something and use it wherever you please. You can pick recliners, foot stools, low seating furniture, maybe even an ottoman. You needn’t have a boring look at home if you pick wrought iron furniture.

There’s a great deal that you can do on your own. Take help by checking online galleries and home improvement magazines to know the latest about furniture.

Cool Tool AC

THRMAL COMFORT IS A CRITICAL factor in workspace, which have to be designed to provide a certain degree of comfort. And offices, large and small, are being modified to account for this. This section covers common methods of air-conditioning used in workspaces.

BASICS:

• HVAC: A system that provides heating, ventilation and air-conditioning through individual or combined processes.
• Air handling unit (AHU): This component of a HVAC system conditions and circulates air. It is usually a room equipped with supply-return fans that maintain air movement, heating/cooling coils that control the moisture content of the air, and filters that condition the air.
• Conditioned space: Any space within the building, where thermal comfort is provided.
• Ducts: A duct is an encased channel, through which air moves around in a HVAC system. It can be made of metal (usually aluminum), fiberglass or other flexible material.
• Air inlets: grills, louvers and diffusers through which air is drawn out from a conditioned space.
• Air outlets: grills, louvers and diffusers through which air is delivered into a conditioned space.
• Conditioned air: Air treated in an AHU to alter humidity, temperature and cleanliness levels.
• Exhaust air: Air discharged outside, from any space within the building.

METHODS:

Most workspaces use two methods of air conditioning:

• Central
• Portable

CENTRAL AIR- CONDITIONING:

Central air- conditioning in workspace is usually done through the ceiling. Ducts distribute cool air to multiple rooms.

Advantages-

• A single system can be used to air-condition huge spaces.
• A central air-conditioning system is more efficient than individual AC units.
• All cabling and wiring is done through ceiling ducts, so no messy cables and wires are visible.
• Sophisticated filter system are capable of removing microscopic particles. Air from outside is continuously pulled in through a filter, where air borne particles are removed.
• Since the whole system is controlled in the AHU, the noise level in the workspace is cut down.

Disadvantages-

• The thermal Level can be controlled only in the AHU, so the entire system runs at the same temperature.
• The whole system shuts down in the event of a failure.
• The entire system has to be kept running, even if a part of the workspace is not in use.

PORTABLE AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS:

• Portable AC units or individual AC units are an alternate method of air-conditioning. These units can be easily transported on wheels or fixed in the office. Individual units come in two forms: split ACs and monoblock ACs.
• Monoblock units have ducts that vent return-air to the outside of the building. The units are fixed in the windows of external walls. The air is then replaced by fresh air form outside.

Split AC units filter the return-air into fresh air that is circulated in the room. They can be fixed on internal as well as external walls.

Advantages-

• Individual units can be used to cool office spaces which are not used often such as auditoriums, meeting rooms, hub rooms, server rooms, recreation rooms, resting rooms, etc. This proves more economical, as unlike a central air-conditioning system, all the units are operate separately.
• Since each unit is an individual entity, the thermal level in each unit can be controlled.
• The central air-conditioning system can be turned off when not needed. This saves power.

Disadvantages-

• The space does not look very neat, since the units project out of the walls.
• Wires and cables are visible.
• The noise level cannot be controlled.

COOL TIPS:

• Select your air- conditioning system based on the type, usage and the hours of occupancy of the space, as well as the number of occupants and the type of equipment in the space.
• Solar load is directly proportionate to the orientation of the building and the glass areas. A north- south orientation has less solar load than an east-west orientation. Hence, it is preferable to use glass on the north-south faces of the building. Also, using smaller sized window can reduce the solar load.
• Glare-reducing glass or tinted glass can be used on the external feces of the buildings.
• Lighting fixtures should be carefully selected, since they emit heat.
• Excessive usage of wood should be avoided, since wood emits heat.
• Natural stone (marble and granite), metals (steel and aluminum) and gypsum board absorb heat and keep the room cool.
• Odour absorbers and air freshers are a must, to avoid stale smelling rooms.
• And lastly, make alternate provisions for fresh air. This can include balconies, terraces and recreation zones.

You Can Have Your Own Garden

If you thought that gardens were only meant for people living in mansions it’s time to rethink your ideas on home improvement. You don’t need large vacant plots to start gardening. There’s a variety of smaller plants that can grow beautifully even in small sized pots. When selecting pots, make sure you choose well. You needn’t pick really big sized pots because it’s the plants that everyone complements not the pots. To add a little style, choose ceramic Chinese pots instead of plastic. This will add color and style. Make sure they have a little hole at the bottom for excess water to drain out and keep the pot on a plate so the water doesn’t spill.

Choose plants that are easy to maintain and don’t require too much pruning and trimming. This way you don’t need hours to maintain your amateur garden. You can start your little garden in your balcony if you don’t have an actual garden area. Take out all your clutter from the balcony so the garden looks bigger.

The plants you choose could be flowering plants. As such the color will add vibrancy and make your little attempt at the garden look larger than life. In regards to manure, there’s organic manure available at nurseries in your locality. To add value to your plant apart from flowering plants, you can even grow aloe Vera.

Your garden only needs a little care and it will turn into your secret seat of peace. It’s a satisfying job and adds to the good energy in your house. Having a garden will transform the look of your house especially if there’s a balcony attached to your living room. It’ll be the heart of conversations and will certainly fill you with pride. Start small and it’s still as a satisfying as owning a big garden even if you’re compromised for space now.

Make Your Home Beautiful

In order to lighten the atmosphere at home, select light color for the walls. Sure there’s a chance that it gets dirtier much earlier but it’s not your biggest problem. If you have the write paint on you can easily clean all stains with simple soap water. If you want to add color, concentrate on upholstery. You can add a lot of style by selecting curtain holders that are classic designs. This offers a solid look and is worth a compliment. Choosing bright colored curtains will invoke just the spirit you want.

Apart from this make sure you choose cushion covers that match. Be liberal with your use of cushions as they add to the comfort factor and will allow guests and family members to get comfortable in any corner. You can add rugs on the floor and no we’re not talking about investing a fortune in Persian rugs. All you need to do is pick up a lot of rugs and change them often so that they add to the style quotient of your home.

Create additional sitting space in your hall by arranging for mattresses or loveseats to be put in the corner of your living room. Make sure you don’t put a big sturdy table in the middle of your living room as that won’ serve too much of a purpose and will compromise space. Instead, use a smaller wicker table, or maybe cane. Such varieties are light and can be easily shifted to another part of the room when guests are over creating a larger space for people to hang out.

Another great choice to add color is to use stain glass windows. These designs will always be received well and adds to the color factor even in a plain room. You can choose your own designs for the stain glass which helps in upholding the spirit of your home at all times.

Modular Furniture

Setting into configured grids, thanks to the standardized nature and flexibility of modular workstation. These systems simply adhere to the working environment by mixing and matching a wide range of layouts and extras.

Office furniture, also called system furniture, efficiently resolves common space problems in offices by dividing large noisy spaces into private work areas, without building permanent walls. A common reason companies opt for modular furniture is to reduce noise. The right type of system can do exactly that.

Leading companies in the modular furniture market provide a wide range of colours, patterns and fabrics for work surface, allowing office planners to plan the right look for the office.

TYPES OF MODULAR OFFICE FURNITURE

Systems furniture is available in two main designs:

• Panel-mounted
• Freestanding

Each design has its advantages.

Panel-based system: Most system furniture today is panel-mounted. Wall panels form the basis of the system. Components such as desks and file cabinets are mounted directly onto the panels. Freestanding components use separate panels that are placed around the furniture. Panel-based system offers greater design flexibility. They can be equipped with internal power option. Moreover, the panels can be a bit taller to provide greater privacy and noise reduction.

Freestanding system: The main advantage of freestanding system is that they can be easily installed and reconfigured. This makes them convenient for firms that will often reconfigure their space or shift office.

MODULAR FURNITURE BASICS

Before opting for modular furniture, officer-planners need to be prepared with basis information about the office, organization and its employees.

Delivery Time: Shopping for systems furniture isn’t a quick process. If you’re purchasing new or remanufactured system, expect an average of three to six weeks between placing the order and delivery. If the dealer has the workstation you’re chosen in stock, it ca take about a week. If the order is placed during a busy period for the manufacture, it can take as long as 10 weeks.

Finalized Floor plan: The floor plan must be finalized before the space to be furnished. A scale drawing of the office usually works best. If that is not available, measure the office to get a rough idea of the space available for workstation. In most cases, an interior designer will take detailed measurements, but knowing the general dimensions will improve your initial conversations with potential office workstation suppliers.

Employees, work pattern and interdependence: The idea ‘Form Follows Function’ is applicable to modular furniture. For instance, cubicles for a department of trademark are different from the ones required for a group of programmers. One needs to study the behavior pattern of employees in a particulars sector. Do they spend more time of the computer, on the phone, or doing paperwork? How important it is that they converse easily with co-workers? Do they have small meetings in their cubicles? These factors will influence the size, wall-height and surfaces of the workstation. There are office-wide considerations as well. Copiers, printers and other shared resources need to be accessible without being a distraction to employees seated in the vicinity of the resources.

Size wise: The most common cubicle size are 5’×5’, 6’, 6’×8’, and 8’×8’. These provide enough room for a computer or two, desk space for paper-work, and perhaps a single chair for visitors. Cubicles cab be as small as a 2’×4’ (called the call-center workstation) or as large as 12’×12’ (know as the manager’s cube), which has space for several people.

Height matters: In addition to size, one needs to decide on the height. Heights range from 28 inches to 34 inches for the work surface. For cubicles, a 4-foot height allows people to stand and interact with co-workers, and provider’s privacy when seated. A cubicle height of 5ft to 6ft provider’s privacy at all times, but can reduce light and make coordination difficult. However, a combination of glass and an opaque material can solve this problem and make the cubicle semi-private.

Nowadays, most companies have planning and design team of their own. These team provide suitable solution for workspace utilization. There are also contract-planners who generate a computer layout of the desired office, allowing one to see what the furniture set-up would look like and make necessary changes.

Storage: Various storage option are available including filling drawers, wheeled pedestals, wall shelving or cabinets and freestanding book shelves, many of which have the option to include locks. For computer-intensive tasks, keyboard trays are a resourceful addition. Other common add-ons include whiteboards, built-in task lighting, and tack boards.

ADVANTAGES OF MODULAR FURNITURE

• Speedy installation
• Better wire management
• Saves space
• Low maintenance
• Homogeneous and easily configurable wide range of surface finishes (laminated, pre-laminated, post-formed wood, veneer, fabric, and glass finishes…)

CHECKLIST

Flexible: Look for flexibility. If you move your office, will the system be reconfigurable? Can you arrange cubes in traditional rows, or ‘bullpen’ style where several co-workers share a larger enclosed space, or in staggered or diagonal layouts?

Durable: check the system’s durability. Modular furniture is designed to last many years –the warranties can provide a good indication of the expected life span. You will be using the furniture for a long time, so ensure that the dealer you choose is a responsible one.

Modular furniture is not the be and end all of office design, but should serve as a guideline for efficient usages of space and creating a better environment for working.

False Ceiling

TIMES have changed and so have ceilings. No one wants to see exposed cables and wires, and ducts and cracks in the ceiling. Wires are being hidden, fancy lighting fixtures are being used, and central air-conditioning is being provided, all though the false ceiling. In this section, we talk of materials that can be used to design false ceilings.

What is a false ceiling and Why is it used?

A false ceiling is a ceiling that is suspended from the main ceiling. The suspension is fixed to the walls, roof or beams of the superstructure. In simpler words, a false ceiling is a second ceiling created bellows the original.

A false ceiling is used…

• To conceal service lines, such as air-conditioning systems, electrical wiring and sparklers.
• To give thermal insulation.
• To soundproof rooms such as meeting rooms, auditoriums, etc, which require a quit environment?
• To accommodate lighting systems.
• To provide lighting effects such as hidden lighting, wall washers, cove lighting and floating light effects on the ceiling.
• As a design element.

Materials used…

1. GYPSUM BOARD (GYPBOARD): Lightweight, flexible and fire and moisture resistant, gypsum is most commonly used for false ceiling. Gypsum board panels are tough, versatile and economical, and are fast replacing other ceiling materials such as POP. Gypsum board can be used while constructing false ceiling. as well as to renovate old ceilings. The material is fire-resistant, waterproof, as well as soundproof, which is why it is the most preferred material for false ceiling.

A gypsum panel could have tapered or square edges. Panels with tapered adage are used for ceiling since the gap between each edge can be filled, to give a smooth surface. Square-edges board can be used. Where visibility of the joints is a requirement. A suspended Gypsum board ceiling can be constructed by nailing Gypsum board panels to each other, or by fixing the panels in a metal grid (usually steel). Generally, gypsum panels of 600 mm×600mm are used.

Gypsum ceiling are popular because:

• The ‘dry construction’ eliminates the use of extra water while making the ceiling. This also keeps the building clean.
• Gypsum board is quite flexible. It allows for various shapes and design-such as plain, curved, stepped, coffered, pelmet, drop design, etc.
• Gypsum board has high impact-resistance and is very strong. It is possible to suspend a load of up to 15 kg from the ceiling without any difficulty.
• A Gyp board ceiling suspended on a metal grid forms a strong ceiling design.
• The ceiling can be easily decorated with wallpaper or paint, 24 hours after it is constructed.
• Glass fibre-reinforced gyp board makes excellent insulation material.
• Gypsum ceilings are non-resonant which makes then good soundproofing.
• When exposed to fire, gypsum gives out water, which is converted to steam and helps combat the fire. This is what makes the ceiling fireproof.

2. METAL CEILING PANELS: Metals ceilings are suitable for a large Range of applications. The false ceiling is constructed with metal panels. Which are coupled with insulating materials to make them soundproof? They are ideal for concealing ducts and wiring, since they can be easily installed and maintained.

Aluminum or steel panels, 600mm×600mm in size, are generally used. The panels can be laid on a visible steel grid with T-sections or cross-sections that are suspended from the ceiling by rods. This result is strong, long-lasting surface, which is easy to access. The panels can also be clipped to each other or clipping into a suspension system having springs. That method prevents the panel edges from being seen.

The third method is to stretch the metal sheets to form various shapes, which can be suspended form the ceiling. This treatment is ideal for obtaining a variety of shapes in the metal, without changing its soundproofing ability.

Advantages of metal ceiling:

• They reduce overall cost, since they are easy to install and access.
• Hidden services can be easily accessed since the panels are removable.
• They are ideal for workspaces which require clean environments and services that require maintenance such as the machinery rooms, the AHU, etc.
• They have a monolithic look.
• They give the space a very modern look and blend well with glass.

3. FIBREBOARED AND FIBRE/MINRAL REINFORCED TILES: False ceiling can be made with fibre or mineral reinforced tiles and fibreboard. Fibre reinforced tiles are strengthened with wood vegetable fibre, wood waste, reed paper and agricultural wastes. Mineral tiles are Ceramics reinforced with natural stone, wood, vegetable fibre, bitumen and tars. This process increases the insulation capacity of the product.

Fibremineral-reinforced materials are used because:

• They have high insulation against sound and fire.
• The fibre increases the hardness and the toughness of the material.
• The material can be decorated with paint or other finishes improving the aesthetics of the room.
• Water repellents and preservatives can be added to increase the life of the product.

4. PLASTER OF PARIS: Plaster of Paris (POP) is commonly used for constructing false ceilings. Gypsum, which gives out water when heated, makes POP. Post-heating, gypsum softens and is then crushed to form a powder. POP hardens instantly when water is added to it. It is applied to fibreboard or a wood base, which is then suspended to form the false ceiling.

Advantages of POP:

• A smooth, uniform finish.
• The surface can be recorded or painted.
• POP false ceiling are easy to construct and maintain.
• The ceilings are reality light.

5. PLYWOOD: Plywood ceiling are widely used for their visual appeal. These ceilings are created with strips of ply glued or nailed together. The strips are held together and strengthened with ply supports at equal distances. Ply ceiling are generally used in place with cold climates.

Advantage of ply ceilings:

• They are strong and look appealing.
• They can be given various finishes, or painted to get the right look.
• They can be treated to increase their lifespan.

However, ply ceiling are difficult to maintain, since the are prone to termite attacks. The room has to be thermally controlled to reduce the humidity in the air. Also, the wood is prone to warping and other physical changes, with time.

Colour At Work

“TO PRAPHRASE LENNON, I’D LIKE to be … out in the sun… in a fragrant garden…in the shade.”

At on time most of humanity worked under the sun in the fresh air. Our ‘offices’ were roofed by sun-dappled trees and hand carpets of tender green; our walls were rough brown barks.

In Charlie Chaplionesque ‘Modern Times’, tin roofs blotted out the sun and went to work in brick and steel structures. The office, in banal grey and beige, was the perfect machine to work in. Churning out machine-age products and people.

Today, we were in the world of ideas, even the notion of an office is an idea, it is a table in a home, a slim hot-desk in a corridor, a plastic seat or a plug-point at some transit airport. Ideas travel. We share them with colleagues and clients. They travel across distances and time. As day turns to night and light dawns elsewhere, time and space boundaries blur. As do distinctions between work and home in a 24/7 world space. In a connected world, we are always at work. So it is imperative that we are happy at work.

The office, as we know it, dates back to a little over 125years. The turn of the 19th century, around 1875, coincided with the invention of the light bulb, the typewriter, the elevator, the telephone and the building of skyscrapers. Invented within a span of 15years, these were the catalysts that spurred the creation of the 20th century office.
Today these “rules” for an office don’t apply. Workspaces have moved on, influenced by social and rapid technological changes.

Though offices still remain the physical setting for us to meet, connect and do business, we strive for a vari-coloured visual experience. We anticipate exciting interactions with colleagues and stimulating work environments that create a kaleidoscope of opportunities. Mechanical device enveloped us in the 20th century office. The electronics of the 21st century have freed us from this box.

Emerging technologies such as the internet, email, mobile phones and video-conferencing have redefined the way offices function. Our screens are the windows to the world. Today’s office is about buildings communication, not monuments. It is about people not prestige. Offices are more people-centred. Open spaces allow people communicate easily. Glassed cabins hint at transparent dealings. Joyous coffee-break areas can draw discussions to a delectation end. Comfortable lounge areas allow a bit of space for personal reflection.

There is much more flexibility. The size of your workspace is no longer your status, it’s how you work and lead people. People work in teams and even those grouping and linkages change constantly. Given this constant evolution, when we were asked to design surface materials and colours for BP Ergo Modular office system we had to find an anchoring idea amongst the change. We based our colours and materials concepts on the way management constructs are defining office processes, and its influence on office interiors.

As designers, we are stimulated by visual and sensorial cues; trend forecasts, mood boards, imagery on travels, a dinner platter arrangement, a simple coffee mug, a fleeting fragrance; even the world in a song. In terms of trends, deeper colours have given way to more optimistic, fresher and younger colours. No surprise, as the average age of the new office-goer is much younger! Surface pattern has given way to material texture. Colours appear as transparent glass and acrylic; or as pearl and metallic finishes.

As a counterpoint to this, there is the movement toward materials respecting the nature intent and content of the product. In choice of woods, there’s a slant towards figured wood grains, textured fabrics and materials that are warm to the touch. Seamless, countered and artisanal are three system and space design mantras we hear.

STORYTELLING:

The colour of choice is… Pleasure at work! Officers narrate a story about their brands. The story of the company’s growth is told by the way their space and interiors are designed. The brand, product or service as present in the market place, is reflected in the workplace. The choice of space, volume size and planes, materials and colour in the office are a narration of the company’s policy and benefit. It is no longer a boring office that says the same thing as all other. The interior elements of the office also crate brand differentiation. The brand or tag line is converted into the same experience for its employees and visitors.

Typically, this approach to design is following for big brand manufactures and service providers such as car companies, technology providers, sports goods or news, television and music network. The telling of the storey may be serious, whimsical, or amusing. But there is always an element of surprise, hidden in the narration.

CONNECTING:

The colour of connection is… Harmony at work. There is a new nature of business processes today. Clients and businesses work together to achieve business goals. People are working in set of colleagues. The office is just one foxed point in a network that straddles a virtual world. People pass through this node as one of knowledge, and ideas. Every person is a locus in an ever-extending web of dynamic teams. With so much moving shifting, the spaces also have to be changeable! Colours need to connect with each other, just like people do.

Multipurpose spaces, workstations, meeting rooms and breakout areas allow for the germination, nurturing and execution of ideas. In the connected office, you are not tethered in time or space. Thinking time is accepted as doing time.

COMMUNITY:

The colour of comfort is…Familiarity at work. In some companies, employees are the true office-owner. This is where they spend a lot of their time. To the extent that the office is a home away from home, it has to be grounded and comfortable.The office layout is modeled on the locality we live in. there may be an open ‘park’ or atrium, a corner store, a bank, tea shop, magazine kiosk and postal service. The office recreates a community by encouraging simple everyday contact, chai-breaks and birthday celebrations. We run into friends and acquaintances in our gurukul training rooms, smoking areas, the cafeteria, and corridors or at the caroms table. We call out to them over low walls or seek them out in their cabins.