Why Companies Choose the Modern Open Space

Name: Partner Create
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When a capital office renovation is organised, most companies opt for an open layout. In big cities, over 90% of modern class “A” and “B” offices are laid out as open space — it is the most prioritised interior design concept today. The format signals a company’s modern approach and gives tangible benefits to both managers and employees.

In this guide we look at the open space benefits over cellular offices and how to organise a single workspace properly during a renovation. For more on the pros, cons and hybrid solutions, see the separate article Why Open Space Stays Relevant.

Why open space is better than cellular offices

A modern open office means a democratic atmosphere, easy oversight by management, higher productivity and economic benefit. Managers value the format for the ability to observe the work process directly — to see the life of the company “at a glance”.

From an economic point of view, an open layout allows you to:

use the working floor area more flexibly and efficiently;
reduce the costs of equipping workplaces and equipment;
save on future scheduled renovations — they cost significantly less.

Together, these factors explain why open space has become the standard for the modern office.

Features of an open-office reconfiguration

Owners of commercial premises order a renovation with reconfiguration to optimise the space’s operating characteristics. If the type of premises allows, the reconfiguration is done by demolishing brick or concrete partitions that are not load-bearing structures.

The initial stage is a design project, which develops a sound reconfiguration, zoning and styling. It’s important to study the company’s structure and business processes to place workstations correctly: set aside separate zones for specialists who need concentration, plan glass-walled offices for managers, and think through the placement of the rest room and meeting room.

How to zone a single workspace

An open layout lets you build work zones of any configuration. You can zone the space in several ways:

colour solutions for the wall finish;
light flows;
phytodesign (more in the article Office Phytodesign: Greening the Interior);
partitions — mobile or stationary, fully transparent or partially closed (see Office Partitions: Why They’re Worth Using).

If employees value a sense of personal space, screens are installed on the desks. There are many variants of the concept: with partitions between desks, with division into work groups, with a free arrangement of desks, and so on.

Finishing, lighting and acoustics

A few important points that determine the comfort of an open office:

Style. Cosiness is defined by the decorative finish, so it’s important to choose the right materials for the walls, ceiling and floor. Among the most popular open-space styles are loft, hi-tech and eco.
Lighting. If there are no large panoramic windows, the top and individual artificial lighting is planned carefully, and dimly lit zones are reinforced with spotlights. Workstations are best placed along the windows, and the infrastructure (coffee points, meeting rooms) in the centre of the space.
Acoustics. The “loudness” of an open office is reduced with transparent partitions with a special sound-insulating coating, as well as finishing materials: a modular ceiling with sound absorption, carpet tile and acoustic panels.

An open-space renovation with Partner Create

Partner Create has long and successfully worked in the FIT-OUT segment — conceptual turnkey office renovation. We provide a full range of services: design, approval of reconfiguration solutions, renovation and finishing, and the engineering fit-out of commercial real estate under general contracting.

Examples of completed offices are in the office spaces portfolio.

Modern open space in brief

Over 90% of class “A” and “B” offices in big cities are open space.
Benefits: a democratic atmosphere, easy oversight, productivity and savings on space and money.
Reconfiguration is done by demolishing non-load-bearing partitions; it starts with a design project.
Zoning uses colour, light, phytodesign, partitions and desk screens.
Popular styles are loft, hi-tech and eco; workstations are placed along the windows.
Acoustics are improved with transparent partitions with sound insulation and sound-absorbing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do companies choose open space?

An open layout gives a democratic atmosphere, easy oversight by management, higher productivity and economic benefit: flexible use of floor area, lower equipment costs and cheaper future renovations. It’s no coincidence that over 90% of class “A” and “B” offices in big cities are open space.

How do you zone an open office?

The space can be zoned with colour solutions, light flows, phytodesign and partitions — mobile or stationary, transparent or partially closed. For a sense of personal space, screens are installed on the desks.

What styles suit open space?

The most popular styles for an open office are loft, hi-tech and eco. Cosiness is defined by the decorative finish, so it’s important to choose the right materials for the walls, ceiling and floor.

How do you reduce noise in an open office?

Noise is reduced with transparent partitions with a special sound-insulating coating, as well as sound-absorbing materials — a modular ceiling, carpet tile and acoustic panels.

Create a modern open space with Partner Create

Open space means productivity, flexibility, savings and a modern company image. Partner Create will design and deliver an open office turnkey in the FIT-OUT segment, with responsibility for the result.

Explore our work in the portfolio, read useful materials on the blog, or get in touch to discuss your project. Call +38 050 388 24 49.

We also recommend Why Open Space Stays Relevant and Office Partitions: Why They’re Worth Using — they will help you dig deeper into open layouts.