In an effort to reinforce a work-life balance among employees, this Dutch design studio has a disappearing office. At the end of the day at 6pm, the desks are lifted up into the ceiling with computers and paperwork still on them. With the floor space clear, the open area becomes free for other uses -- anything but work that is.
Heldergroen Creative Director Sander Veenendaal explains once the work day is over and the desks are retracted into the air, the room can become anything from a dance floor to a networking reception. While Amsterdam-based Heldergroen uses the workspace during the day, they rent it out for free at night and during weekends. The disappearing office act is possible using a key-operated theater-like lifting mechanism and steel ceiling cables.
Retractable Work Spaces
This Disappearing Office has Desks that Get Lifted Into the Air at Night
Trend Themes
1. Flexible Work Environments - Creating workspaces that can easily transform into different settings allows for increased versatility and utilization of the space.
2. Work-life Balance Innovations - Incorporating features like retractable workspaces can help promote a healthier work-life balance for employees.
3. Space Optimization Solutions - Utilizing innovative techniques, such as retractable desks, allows for better utilization of available space in offices.
Industry Implications
1. Office Furniture - Companies in the office furniture industry can explore the development of retractable desks and furniture to cater to the demand for flexible workspaces.
2. Event and Venue Rental - The event and venue rental industry can consider incorporating retractable workspaces as a unique feature that provides multiple-use possibilities for their clients.
3. Architectural Design - Architects and designers can explore innovative ways to incorporate retractable workspaces into their building designs, offering flexible solutions for various work settings.