Office you love
--Demola Innovation Projects
Project : Office you love
Target users:
• Fresh graduates working in expert role in hybrid work format
25-30-year-old fresh graduates starting their working career in
expert role. We want to focus on fresh graduates because they don’t
have the legacy experience of “old” offices and would probably be
more open to new solutions.
Project context:
- Look at the problem from different angles; work efficiency, comfort,
psychological safety, cognitive load, social aspects of work, etc…
- Aim for simplicity; it is always easier to add million things to an
office (candy, pinball, lounges, baristas, etc…) but usually the best
solutions are simple and effective. If you have many different
approaches in mind, create multiple demos and options, don’t try to
combine everything into one.
- What is the big change in behaviour or activities that happens if
the new approach is taken?
- Assume money is not a problem
Initial goals:
- Create physical or digital demonstrations of possible future offices
(floor plans, interior design, scenarios, etc…) and validate them with
the potential users
• A Gen Alpha “office you love” merges sustainability
(displacement ventilation, low-carbon materials), biophilic
design (wooden elements), modern aesthetics (dark
accents, tech integration), and health-focused flexibility.
This approach caters to their eco-conscious values, tech
fluency, and need for dynamic, inspiring spaces.
1. Colour-reduce stress and enhance mental well-
being.
• Biophilic and Calming Palettes: Expect a rise in nature-
inspired hues (e.g., soft greens, earthy neutrals, and muted
blues) to reduce stress and enhance mental well-being. These
colors align with biophilic design principles, which correlate
natural elements with improved productivity and mood.
• Brand Integration: Companies will strategically use accent
colors reflecting brand identity to foster cohesion and
inspiration, while balancing bold tones with calming backdrops
to avoid overstimulation.
Sources: https://blog.interface.com/biophilic-design-good-for-you-good-for-business/
https://anfarch.org/research-topics/sensory-perception-and-the-built-environment/page/bridging-art-and-science-insights-from-the-anfa-pa
nel-discussion
http://interfaceinc.scene7.com/is/image/InterfaceInc/wc_am-roibiophilicdesign-gal3?scl=1
2. Shape-flexible, activity-based office
layouts.
Organic and Curved Forms: Fluid, non-linear shapes (e.g.,
rounded furniture, circular collaborative zones) will replace
rigid geometries, fostering inclusivity and reducing the
"harshness" of traditional offices. Such designs align with
biophilic principles, mimicking natural patterns.
• Modular Flexibility: Adaptable, reconfigurable layouts
using lightweight, geometric components will cater to
hybrid work models, supporting both collaboration and
Source:
focused work.
https://www.gensler.com/blog/designing-workplaces-to-combat-loneliness?q=2023%20
Workplace%20Survey
https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/economics-of-biophilia/
ps://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/94519/Wunderkind_N6_1728938385.jpg
ps://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/94520/Edelman_Francis_House_N2_1728938488.jpg
3. Texture-Advocates for multisensory
design to improve well-being.
• Tactile Diversity: A mix of textures (e.g., smooth glass,
rough reclaimed wood, soft upholstery) will create sensory-
rich environments, enhancing comfort and reducing
monotony.
• Sustainable Textures: Materials like recycled fabrics,
cork, and biodegradable composites will gain traction,
offering tactile appeal while supporting circular economies.
interfaceinc.scene7.com/is/image/InterfaceInc/wc-gb_Surrey2-Scene2?scl=1
4. Materials for Wellbeing &
sustainability
• Sustainable and Circular Materials: Recycled metals,
bamboo, mycelium-based products, and carbon-neutral
composites will replace traditional plastics and virgin
materials, driven by net-zero goals.
• Health-Centric Innovations: Antimicrobial surfaces, low-
VOC finishes, and acoustic-optimized materials (e.g., felt
panels) will address post-pandemic health concerns and
noise pollution.
Source :https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/7039796/Evidence%20Box/evidence%20box-%20materials%20finals
%20pdf.pdf
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/accelerating-the-circular-economy-through-commercial-deconstruction
https://www.mckinsey.com/about-us/new-at-mckinsey-blog/reflections-on-our-journey-to-net-zero-by-2030
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/themes/the-materials-transition-sustainable-circular-and-scalable
5. Audio Improvements
• Noise Control & Acoustic Zoning:
Open-plan offices will prioritize sound-absorbing materials (e.g., acoustic panels,
cork walls) and zoning strategies (e.g., "quiet pods" vs. collaborative hubs) to
mitigate noise fatigue. Hybrid work will demand better audio infrastructure for
virtual meetings.
• Biophilic Soundscapes:
Nature-inspired audio (e.g., flowing water, ambient forest sounds) will be
integrated to mask distractions and reduce stress, aligning with biophilic design
principles.
• AI-Driven Sound Masking:
Adaptive systems using AI to balance background noise levels dynamically,
ource : https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/wellbeing/much-noise/
enhancing focus without isolating employees.
6. Light Design
• Circadian Lighting Systems:
Tunable LED systems mimicking natural daylight rhythms will regulate
melatonin production, improving sleep quality and daytime alertness.
• Personalized & Task-Based Lighting:
IoT-enabled desks and wearables will allow employees to adjust light
temperature (cool vs. warm) and intensity based on tasks (e.g., focused
work vs. relaxation).
• Energy Efficiency & Human-Centric Design:
Solar-responsive smart glass and motion-activated lighting will reduce
energy use while ensuring optimal illumination.
• Offices decorated with aesthetic, especially nature-based,
visuals result in calmer, more emotionally regulated
occupants.
• Visual exposure to nature improves stress resilience and
supports mental restoration—important for digital-native
Gen Alpha, prone to cognitive fatigue.
• Use biophilic design and nature-themed aesthetics (e.g.,
murals, greenery, posters) to reduce digital overstimulation
and support emotional balance.
Additional sources
• Links office design to employee mental health priorities.
https://www.gensler.com/blog/the-biggest-challenge-to-offi
ce-conversions-isnt-design
• Emerging sustainable materials like mycelium (fungi)
https://ecovative.com/
Modern Aesthetics & Flexibility
• Sleek, Dark Accents: Blend natural wood with dark
furniture (TF-DF) for a modern vibe. Younger generations
prefer adaptable, tech-friendly layouts—modular furniture
supports collaboration and innovation.
• Interactive Surfaces: Integrate smart, interactive tech
(e.g., touch-sensitive desks or AR-enabled walls) to engage
Gen Alpha’s digital-native tendencies.
Health-Centric Design
• Air Quality: Prioritize IAQ with displacement ventilation to
reduce airborne pathogens and enhance cognitive
performance, critical for their learning environments.
• Ergonomic Flexibility: Use adjustable, sustainable
furniture to support physical health during long study or
creative sessions.
Age-Inclusive Yet Forward-
Thinking
• While older generations prefer traditional wood textures,
Gen Alpha might favor hybrid spaces mixing natural
materials with bold colors and tech. Balance warmth
(wood) with futuristic elements (LED lighting, recyclable
composites).
01 02 03 04 05
Biophilic Visuals: Natural Tech-Enabled Personalization & Sustainable
Incorporate calming Materials: Favor IAQ: Utilize smart Aesthetics: Allow Focus: Use low-
nature elements in wooden textures HVAC systems and Gen Alpha flexibility carbon materials
wall art, decor, or and brown palettes sensors to ensure in choosing and systems that
even digital in furniture and clean, comfortable, workspace reflect Gen Alpha’s
displays. flooring for and virus-safe air. aesthetics to align environmental
emotional warmth. with their identity. values.
