Tech-driven design of workplaces
Architect Tithi Tewari, co-founder of Trezi, and Sibani Sarma from Idream engaged in a conversation about technology-driven design and its importance in creating employee-centric workspaces. They discussed the shift in the design industry, where the focus has moved from simply following a brief to prioritizing the needs and preferences of employees.
This is from a series of conversations titled ‘Reframe’, presented by Bristol Furniture, that explores various facets of a shift in organisations thinking towards becoming employee centric from decades of being employer centricity. There are various facets of being employee centric and Reframe, through each videographed episode, captures some of these. Reframe is about looking at employees as the fulcrum of an organisation’s growth.
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Tithi emphasized that employees now play a crucial role in the design process. Designers have started conducting user group interviews to understand the requirements and preferences of the people who will be using the space. The age group, demographics, and vocal nature of employees have brought about a change in the design approach. Designers now strive to create inclusive, flexible, and collaborative workspaces that cater to the needs of different age groups.
The conversation then shifted to the role of technology in design. Tithi Tewari highlighted how technology has transformed the design process, making it more efficient and transparent. Technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) have enabled designers to create immersive experiences for clients. Clients can now walk inside proposed designs, make changes, and experience the space in real scale and proportion. These technological advancements have reduced errors and omissions and provided a clearer understanding of the final design.
Sibani raised the question of whether technology can replicate the real-life experiences of working in a physical space. Tithi acknowledged that technology cannot completely replace the human touch and feel in physical spaces. However, she emphasized the importance of incorporating the conveniences of virtual spaces into physical design. The future of workplace design is seen as a blend of physical and virtual elements, creating happier and more productive work environments.
In the rapid-fire section, Tithi shared her favorite words, discussed her productive time, talked about her hidden talent for singing, and acknowledged her mother’s significant influence on her life. She also mentioned the impact of technology on the design industry, urging designers to embrace and utilize it for their benefit.
The conversation concluded with Tithi expressing her enthusiasm for the future of design, driven by technology. She advised designers to embrace technology and incorporate it into their work to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving industry.
Overall, the conversation highlighted the shift towards employee-centric design and the impact of technology in creating more efficient and immersive design experiences.
Coming Soon: Watch this space for the video of the entire conversation. Watch past episodes here.
