The quiet place in the space of opportunity: flexible room concepts in response to the call for more privacy.

Munich, 20 December 2022 - The much-vaunted agility of the New Work world needs healthy sources. The triumph of the home office shows us now more than ever that office retreats have become much more relevant in modern working environments. In its booklet ‘A plea for more quiet places’, the planning and consulting company CSMM summarises the importance of adaptable spaces for agile working methods and dynamic staffing in the office at the turn of the year. The variety of room functions must not only allow for creative teamwork, spontaneous meetings and a relaxed exchange over a coffee in the kitchen, but also a concentrated retreat for reflection and concentration. The office as a ‘hub and home’ is the successful principle of the hour if employees are to feel comfortable not only at home but also in their working environment.  

Working from home is becoming much less attractive. There is a lack of team spirit and co-creative dialogue, while at the same time employees report the benefits of working quietly at home. ‘Companies are therefore more in demand than ever to meet the need for peace, concentration and inspiration in the office,’ analyses Timo Brehme, one of the four managing partners at CSMM, based on an evaluation of many reference projects from the past year. Innovative office concepts have to achieve much more than before: interaction, if desired, and concentration, if necessary. ‘When designing working environments, we are confronted with completely new expectations. The spaces we design for our clients today function as spaces of possibility that anticipate any development from the outset. With the return to the office, we are therefore once again discussing the advantages of the home office,’ adds Brehme. ‘Working in silence has positive effects on our brain, allows for self-reflection and increases our perceptiveness. It promotes concentration, makes us creative and increases our well-being. ‘ If today's office is to provide more space for team spirit and informal dialogue, it must be adaptable enough to allow for flexible retreats.