# Relaxed Office Atmospheres Christ & Gantenbein's Design Encourages the Return to the Office By Francesca Mercurio | Published 2021-09-20 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christ-gantenbein References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2021/09/20/roche-office-christ-gantenbein-flexible-workspace/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+dezeen+%28Dezeenfeed%29) Christ & Gantenbein, the Swiss-based architecture studio, designed a new office for [Roche Pharmaceuticals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/respiratory-test). The project is called Multifunctional Workspace Building and was designed for mixed-use - [seminars, individual work, and meetings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salt-hq). The space harmoniously balances privacy and openness - some areas encourage interaction and collaboration, while others are meant to promote personal work. The office is defined by large windows, natural light, and comfortable seating areas - thus creating a [pleasant and relaxed work environment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-saransh). After a year of remote work, the pharmaceutical giant sought to create an environment to encourage its employees to return to the office. The architect studio's co-founder, Emanuel Christ, explains, " we want to equip a workspace with personality, diversity, freedom, and flexibility to provide a positive experience for Roche's employees and invite the local community to participate." Image Credit: Christ & Gantenbein ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Flexible Workspaces:** Office designs that balance privacy and openness facilitate a comfortable and productive work environment while encouraging social interactions and collaboration. - **Homely Offices:** Designers are incorporating comfortable seating areas, natural light, and large windows to create relaxed work environments that foster employee well-being, engagement, and productivity. - **New Normal of Workspaces:** Office designs that prioritize connectivity, functionality, and comfort are becoming the new norm, enabling businesses to attract and retain the best talent while fostering competitiveness in the market. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architects have opportunities to design innovative workspaces that prioritize employee comfort, well-being, and collaboration, taking into account evolving work trends and employee needs. - **Office Furniture:** Furniture manufacturers can create office solutions that promote relaxation, comfort, and versatility while adapting to modern styles and office dynamics. - **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can create flexible workspaces that cater to the changing demands of tenants and enable them to optimize employee engagement, retention, and productivity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Comfort-Enhancing Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/relaxound.md) - [Vibrant Adaptable Workplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adaptable-workplace.md) - [Nature Integrated Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bochum-office.md) - [Redefined LA-Based Comfortable Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gensler-1.md) - [Biophilic Workplace Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mangrove-garden.md) - [Community-Centric Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tricon-residential.md) - [Contemporary Italian Office Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noa-office.md) - [Warm Office Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinzo-architekten.md) - [Vibrant Multi-Level Office Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gensler.md)