The office of a company is its
their business card. Companies offices do not need to be big to be comfortable
what matters is the design and functionality of the space.
Is it possible to put an office
in a small space and not look like a cluttered storage? That was the question
that the IP Solutions CEO asked me when he seeked my expertise to install one
of the company´s office in a 5 square meters area (53 ft2).
The space needs were a desk to
work and meeting, cabinets to store files, printer and desktop computer space,
it all would have to work in harmony and look good.
A key aspect when designing a
small space is to combine all the functions inherent to a work space, work
surfaces, storage area and do not forget the areas occupied by the furniture,
circulation, and the space of the chair in use.
In this case there was already
furniture, so there was a survey to ascertain what furniture and computer
equipment would go to the space and their dimensions. This allowed me to make a
layout planning of the best space arrangement.
The best and most rational layout
is one that allows you to receive the greatest flow of light sideways on the
work plan, is more comfortable because it does not create so many shadows.
Another important point for
comfort in an office is to see the entrance door to the space, a person feels
more secure and can be focused in work because it can maintain control of the
space around them. In this case, the layout puts the chairs for guests close to
the entrance door, preventing people to walk around the office.
The storage space is achieved by
placing bookshelves to support the desk and also high shelves. The bookshelf
that supports the desk will have a niche for the printer, allowing it to be
within the reach of an arm. On the shelves along the floor are closed boxes,
for storing small items and documents.
The color in a small space is
very important, small spaces do not carry dark colors. Light colors make the
room lighter and larger, dark colors make it small and crammed. Attention to
the color of the furniture and walls.
In this case the furniture was
white, which lightens space, given its size. The touches of color are given
with small notes. The lampshade and small plants in pots confers naturalness
and freshness to the space.
To customize and add some color
to the space, the company logo was placed on the wall opposite the front door
of the cabinet.
A peculiarity in the design space
is the creation of a “whiteboard wall” very useful for meetings and work organization
or even for placing motivation phrases or pinboard.
Of course all this planning will
do nothing if one is not careful with their space. In small spaces you have to
be organized and tidy, especially in the workplace where image sells more than
words.
