1. ELEMENTS OF THE OFFICE
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
MR. RAMPRASAD KUMAWAT
M.TECH
DEPARTMENT OF
CIVIL ENGINEERING
2. Elements of the Perfect Office Space
If you work in an office, chances are you spend
a lot of time there. Some of us even spend
more time in the office than we do at
home. Maintaining a healthy work-life
balance is crucial, but in today’s workforce, it
isn’t always a reality.
So, it makes sense that you would want certain
office perks and a relaxing and comfortable
environment.
3. 11. Elements of the Perfect Office Space
1. Open Space 2. Lighting
3. Color 4. Heating/Cooling
5. Connectivity 6. Décor
7. Kitchen/Dining Space 8. Location
9. Ergonomic Furniture 10. Electrical Outlets
11.Parking Space
4. 1. Open Space
A cramped workspace is not fun for anyone. While it
doesn’t have to be overly spacious, gone are the days
of little cubicles and compartments that make
employees feel stressed, restricted, and like they’re in
a confining cage.
Open up the area so you and your staff can enjoy the
space freely and move around without the constant
fear of bumping into desks and filing cabinets.
Also, an open office space makes for more open and
easy communication.
5. 2. Lighting
Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of any
office environment.
Lack of lighting can affect your productivity and
energy levels, so it makes sense that there should
be plenty of light surrounding the work area.
Natural lighting is best, but if you don’t have that,
then make sure there is ample overhead lighting in
the office to avoid any dull or poorly lit corner
spaces.
6. Opt for blinds over curtains, so your staff has
more control over the amount of light and
shade.
And if the natural light in your office is really
great, build a vibrant indoor plant garden.
Having live, indoor plants add to the overall
aesthetic and provide a calming element to any
space.
7. 3. Color
Color can have a profound effect on the brain,
and a drab and dull office interior
design scheme can stifle creativity and interest
in the job at hand.
Pair a neutral design with splashes of color and
bright artwork to keep minds alive.
And color isn’t only applicable to your walls.
Try using colorful office furniture, chairs, or
tables to add some life.
8. 4. Heating/Cooling
Ensuring you have a comfortable climate in the
workspace is essential for happiness and
productiveness.
A lot of offices are either too hot or too cold,
and it can upset the comfort balance and
disrupt healthy workflow.
Double-check that you can turn the temperature
up or down, or at the very least, can add space
heaters and fans, to warm up and cool down as
necessary.
9. 5. Connectivity
This is an absolute given, but every modern
office requires an internet connection.
Having areas where your team struggles to
get online will not help anyone and will
eventually prove to be incredibly
frustrating.
10. If your team can’t get on client calls or set
up remote meetings, how will you
function properly?
Confirm that you have an adequate
internet connection throughout the entire
office space, so employees don’t have to
be wandering around the building in
search of a corner just to send an email.
11. 6. Décor
While décor may be low on your priority list,
and dependent on your budget, even the
simplest of objects can have a considerable
effect.
Consider well-placed artwork or prints on your
walls to break up large expanses of wall space,
an interesting sculpture or statue to act as a
talking piece, and a plant or two to add some
variety to an otherwise lifeless area.
12. 7. Kitchen/Dining Space
A kitchen furnished with the basic commodities
can come in handy.
Make sure that you equip the kitchen with a
toaster, microwave, kettle, and coffee maker.
Also, take care to have a never-ending supply of
tea, coffee, water, and snacks (if they’re in your
budget) to keep your employees hydrated and
nourished.
13. 8. Location
One of the major elements of a productive
office space is the location of your office.
Location reflects on your business cards
and your company’s website.
It is the place where you will connect with
your clients, employees and vendors, so an
appropriate location is primary to the
success of your business.
14. 9. Ergonomic Furniture
While you may wish to keep a tight rein on your
purse strings, ergonomic furniture is essential for
your staff.
All desks and chairs need to be fully adjustable,
without exception, so that they are comfortable
and well-suited to each staff member.
A quality functional office chair that can support
their lower back and maintain perfect posture
will make your staff happier too.
15. 10. Electrical Outlets
One area which is often overlooked in the office
is a plentiful supply of electrical outlets.
Verify there are ample outlets to avoid draping
extension cords from one end of the room to
another.
Not only can this hinder your workplace
activities, but it can also pose serious health and
safety risks. When in doubt, more electrical
outlets are certainly better than less.
16. 11.Parking Space
Parking space is very important for every office
space.
A proper parking should be there for the
convenience of the employees.
Getting ample parking space is highly
challenging in cities like Hyderabad.
Find out office space that comes with
appropriate parking facility for your
employees.