Function

Social distancing measures mean offices will have to reduce capacity. Design firm Gensler have produced a digital tool for calculating optimal arrangements and occupancy. This de-densification will reduce office occupancy with many suggesting it could potentially lead to an increase in required office footprints.

With an increase in the popularity of remote working many think the required size of office space may shrink, with companies like Barcleys and Capita already planning reductions. With reduced office occupancy, the changing role of the office and flexible working patterns some suggest office reduction has been brought forward as an inevitable change.

The discussion highlights that some companies may be considering a return to cubicle or cellular office layouts which accommodate hygiene and social distancing measures. While others strongly oppose a return to the cellular office, suggesting instead an opportunity to reinvent the workplace.

The discussion suggests that existing property leases and the cost of ending them may prevent any short term change in office footprint, while subletting may become more popular. Some believe that the valuing of commercial property may shift towards more flexibility and socially oriented spaces, as well as properties