# Unexpected Office To the delight of employees, workplaces are popping up in unusual locations. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jul 15, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unexpected-office ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Unexpected Office trend? **Unexpected Office:** Consumers are connected to work today more than ever via technology, but as the formal office sees a decrease from brands opting for spaces in unexpected places, work culture continues to be focused on as an integral part of modern life. The blending of offices into shopping centers and recreational areas is helping to create a culture where work-life balance is prioritized. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 5 to Jun 19, 2014 - Published: Jul 15, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Unexpected Office trend ### Alternative Commercial Spaces Office spaces designed within a forest or brewery or transformed from heritage buildings are becoming increasingly popular as they offer unique work experiences to employees, enhance creativity, and enable companies to interact with the surrounding community. ### Mixed-Function Homes Integrated office and home spaces have been designed to ensure people feel a separation between their work and home life, providing companies with more agile, manageable, and dynamic spaces to work and live. ### Community-Building Workspaces Workspaces designed as community-building networks provide an opportunity for mobile workers to connect with other employees without the constraint of a definitive location and offer an alternative to internet cafes, Coffee shops. ## What the Unexpected Office trend means for industry ### For Real Estate Industry Architects, designers, and developers can provide innovative commercial spaces that merge unique design and functionality to attract businesses. ### For Office Equipment and Supply Industry Companies can innovate by creating flexible, ergonomic, and comfortable pieces of furniture designed to support fluid workspaces. ### For Tech Industry Companies can develop collaborative tools, such as virtual meeting platforms and instant messaging software, to support remote teams in community-building spaces. ## Trend signals for Unexpected Office Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 34%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 34% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Unexpected Office trend 5 featured examples from Feb 5 to Jun 19, 2014. - [Geometric Mixed-Function Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-home-apartment): This Office Home Apartment Combines Work and Play (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The interior design industry can tap into the growing demand for office-home concepts, offering innovative solutions for creating functional and visually appealing spaces. - [Forest Secluded Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-space): This Forest in Madrid Has a Comforting Office Space for One Company (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunities for architects and designers to create innovative office spaces within natural landscapes and explore alternative design features such as sunken floors. - [Brewery-Transformed Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundcloud-space): The Soundcloud Space in Berlin Use to be a Spot for Drinking (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The architecture and design industry can cater to the demand for transformed brewery spaces and industrial-inspired offices. - [Community-Creating Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/futuristic-office): This Futuristic Office Design Lets Strangers Work Side by Side (Category: Art & Design) Implication: This industry can leverage the trend of community-building workspaces to develop innovative office layouts and furniture solutions that enhance collaboration and connectivity. - [Integrated Office Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hankook-technodom): The Hankook Technodome Features Merged Spaces (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The integration of different spaces and functionalities within office buildings presents an opportunity for architects and designers to create innovative work environments. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)