The Bloomberg Hong Kong office was known in the architecture world for its sculptural spiral staircase, but the company decided that, however iconic, its staircase was setting a poor precedent for office culture. As such, Bloomberg Hong Kong enlisted architecture studio Neri & Hu to redesign the office conduit, and the result is a more socially encouraging common space.
The new staircase at the media outlet's office is complex and open, with countless nooks, crannies, and coves for impromptu meetings -- as well as for low-key water cooler conversation. The staircase thus becomes a sought-after space in its own right. In fact, Neri & Hu purposefully denied extensive views of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour to further engender engagement with people inside the office, rather than landmarks outside.
Strategically Social Staircases
Bloomberg Hong Kong's New Office Staircase Encourages Interaction
Trend Themes
1. Open Office Design - The trend of open office design encourages interaction and collaboration among employees, creating a more socially engaging workspace.
2. Informal Meeting Spaces - The trend of creating informal meeting spaces, like the nooks and crannies in the Bloomberg Hong Kong office staircase, provides opportunities for impromptu collaborations and idea generation.
3. Socially Engaging Architecture - The trend of designing socially engaging architecture, such as the complex and open staircase in the Bloomberg Hong Kong office, enhances office culture and fosters meaningful interactions.
Industry Implications
1. Interior Design - The interior design industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by creating innovative and functional common spaces that promote social interaction and collaboration in modern office environments.
2. Architecture - The architecture industry can leverage the trend of socially engaging architecture to design office spaces that prioritize employee well-being, promote creativity, and enhance overall productivity.
3. Collaborative Workspace Solutions - The industry of collaborative workspace solutions, like furniture and technology providers, can capitalize on the trend of open office design and informal meeting spaces by offering innovative products and services that facilitate collaboration and foster a sense of community in the workplace.