Join us in celebrating the honorable mentions of the 2024 Next Work Environment Student Competition! This year garnered double the amount of student submissions from 2023 and the quality and exceptional. Congrats to everyone!
RIT’s Rachel Mikolajczyk highlights the future of office design in her theoretical project in the wellness category. This office design prioritizes wellbeing, fostering connection to bring people back into the office, because in-person collaboration between people is unmatched.
The primary motivation for returning to the office now lies in the opportunities it provides for human connection and collaboration. In-person interactions with colleagues, the spontaneous exchange of ideas, and the tangible experience of the physical workspace are irreplaceable elements that contribute to a sense of belonging and community within an organization. These aspects cannot be fully replicated through virtual meetings or digital communication tools.
Recognizing this, the design goal for modern office spaces has shifted towards maximizing open, flexible environments that encourage and facilitate connections among employees, visitors, and clients. The focus is no longer solely on creating a space for work but on designing an environment that promotes interaction, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
By prioritizing the creation of these connection points, the design ensures that the office is not just a place to work but a space where employees feel connected to their colleagues and the organization as a whole. These hubs provide ample space for informal meetings, collaborative work, and social interactions, all of which contribute to a stronger sense of community within the office.
Southern California Institute for Architecture’s Alex Borger blends minimalism and mid-century in his Fraai Credenza. Whether serving as a statement piece in a living room or as a functional storage solution in a dining area, the Fraai Credenza effortlessly combines form and function to create a visually appealing yet highly practical addition to any contemporary interior.
This innovative piece seamlessly integrates sleek, minimalist design elements with practical storage solutions, creating a visually appealing and highly versatile furniture piece. Inspired by mid-century aesthetics, the Fraai Credenza piece features clean lines, simplistic geometries, and a visual pop of color, exuding a sense of timeless elegance. Its smooth Formica laminate in a variety of vibrant Fenix colors adds a flash of modern flair while paying homage to retro sensibilities. Behind its stylish facade, the credenza boasts ample storage space, with compartments to accommodate a range of household items, from dinnerware to media equipment.
Special thanks to our 2024 Innovative Brand Partners:
