From the Editor
The clear theme at last week’s NeoCon show at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart was sustainable, flexible work environments. The changing nature of work, the changing demographics of the workforce, and easier and cheaper access to technology all have converged to create this new paradigm for interior office space.

In one session titled “A New Way To Go Green,” Deborah Dunning, president and CEO of The Green Standard, explained how life-cycle-assessment-based Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) soon will become much more prevalent. She urged facility managers and designers to expedite the process by demanding EPDs from manufacturers.

In another session titled “Flexible Work Environments,” David Loehr of Studio 2030, explained that, in addition to the changing work/workforce/technology dynamic, changes in the real estate market (i.e., businesses want to consolidate space to save cash) is one of the main drivers of the shift away from the standard cubicle farm. Open office plans can be more space efficient, and developing hotelling and telecommuting policies means that not every employee needs a dedicated desk — another space-saver. The key to a flexible office space, however, is it must exceed the effectiveness of the traditional model, said Loehr. That may sound obvious, but it’s important advice to keep in mind as facility managers are making decisions about how to align space. Remember, this may be a bit of a culture shock for some workers.

But it wasn’t just the sessions that focused on the theme of sustainable, flexible work environments. Many exhibitors showcased new furniture systems or flooring products that met an increasing cadre of green certifications, as well as designers’ and facility managers’ goals for flexibility.

As always, I'm interested to hear from you. Have you noticed a shift to open, flexible office space? Have you made the change in your own facilities? What have been the results?

Cheers,

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