# Mirrored Work Spaces The No Picnic Office Looks Like an Open Dance Studio By Meghan Young | Published 2011-05-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-picnic-office References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663796/an-office-where-huge-mirrors-solve-old-problems-while-reflecting-the-past) & [eldingoscarson](http://www.eldingoscarson.com/) The No Picnic Office addresses the reality that although some buildings cannot be touched because they have been deemed [historical landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-government-office), sometimes they need to be modernized not only for safety, but also for sanity's sake. Architectural firm Elding Oscarson did a wonderful job bringing the No Picnic Office into the 21st century without compromising its historical integrity. Open, airy, spacious and bright, they not only created a space perfect for one of the largest design consultancies in the world, they actually highlighted what they were able to conserve of the [original building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jayaram). Through the use of a strategically placed [metal wall over an awkward mezzanine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrace-house-mirage) that slices the space lengthwise in two, this wall actually acts as a mirror that reflects more natural light as well as the creates the illusion that the space is double its size. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Reflective Workspace Design:** Opportunities for creating workspaces that use reflective surfaces to maximize natural light and create the illusion of larger spaces. - **Preservation Through Modernization:** Innovations in architectural design that balance the preservation of historical landmarks with the need for modernization and functionality. - **Integration of History and Innovation:** Design approaches that showcase and highlight the historical elements of a building while incorporating modern elements for a contemporary workspace. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Interior Design:** A niche for architects and designers to specialize in finding creative solutions to modernize historical buildings while preserving their integrity. - **Office Furniture and Accessories:** Opportunities for manufacturers to develop reflective surfaces and furniture designs that enhance natural light and create visually spacious work environments. - **Historical Preservation and Restoration:** A growing industry dedicated to preserving and restoring historical landmarks, with a focus on integrating modern elements to enhance functionality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reinvented Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mislad.md) - [Modern Heritage Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norton-folgate-offices.md) - [Art Gallery-Inspired Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maniera.md) - [Modern Deco Office Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/newgen.md) - [Warm Office Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinzo-architekten.md) - [Ultra-Playful Studio Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-workspace.md) - [Studio-Workshop Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banda-agency-kyiv.md) - [Creative Floor Conversions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banda-agency.md) - [Adaptive Workspace Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salt-hq.md)