Offices of the Future
Offices of the Future
'Futurism,' born as an art movement in Italy in the early 20th century, rejects all the past from classical beauties and moral norms to traditional structures, praising machines, speed, technology, war, and the future instead.
The movement published its first manifesto as 'The Futurist Manifesto' on February 20, 1909. Antonio Sant'Elia is often regarded as the most important representative of the movement in architecture. In his never-built 'Citta Nuova (New City)' project, despite being designed in the early 20th century, we see 'futuristic' approaches beyond its time, such as skyscrapers, subways, elevators, and traffic lanes of varying sizes. Antonio Sant'Elia said, "We must create and rebuild the modern cities like a colossal shipyard. Everything should be mobile and dynamic, and modern buildings should be like a giant machine."
In futurist architecture, we see sharp contrasts along with oblique and elliptical lines. It is argued that organic forms, coming from nature, have a more dynamic and emotional power compared to horizontal lines due to their organic nature. Futurist architecture aims to reach 'architectural dynamism' against the classical and static aesthetics of the past. Architectural dynamism encompasses science, technology, change, and speed. Science leads to technology, technology enables change, and change is the best way to move and speed. Therefore, the designs of futurists are inseparable from technology.
The futurism movement, which started in the early 20th century with 'mechanization' mottos, evolved into Neo Futurism in the 21st century, incorporating elements of 'humanism and nature.' The focus of Neo Futurism is still technology. However, it aims to center design around not only physical needs but also the spiritual needs of humans. This evolution might have been influenced by the analyses of Generations X, Y, Z. Additionally, with the increasing population and rapid depletion of resources, 'sustainability' has become one of Neo Futurism's concerns. The curved surfaces and repetitive textures inspired by nature seen in Neo Futurism's formal reflections are a continuation of the power inherent in organic forms, just as in futurism.
The shaping of generations by technology's acceleration and effective manipulation of life at that time has played a significant role. This shaping directly influences working styles and hence the design of workplaces.
Until today, human life had an urban fabric where daily needs like home, work, social life, sports were balanced. However, with increasing working hours, rising vehicle numbers leading to traffic issues, and time losses caused by these, office buildings have become the structures where people spend most of their time. Although factors like the pandemic might lead to some changes, the reality that the design of future office buildings will be human and sustainability-focused won't change. This necessitates office buildings to incorporate socialization, sports, and perhaps even some domestic activities like sleep. The spaces responding to Generation X's relatively technology-aloof, loyal, 'living to work' lifestyle are transforming into spaces that cater to Generation Y's independent, task-focused rather than clock-focused, using work as a means to achieve what they want. With Generation Z (born after 2000) getting into business life, it won't be surprising to see workspaces evolve to meet the needs of this generation known for its technology focus, emphasis on in-office movement and activity, and ability to focus on multiple topics simultaneously.
The integration of smart systems into office spaces and furniture has started to settle into designs today and will become essential in the years ahead. The acceleration of everything by technology and the extension of time spent motionless in the same place necessitates the development of furniture ergonomics.
In the future, it's possible to say that offices will be designed as spaces not only for producing work but also for meeting social needs, being technology-focused, sustainable, and allowing multitasking away from stagnation.
İklima ŞENOL GÖNENÇ
Architect
Founder of İklima Şenol Architecture
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