Simon Eastlake discusses smart workplaces in allwork.space

Demand for smarter technologies as a part of office design is growing exponentially, and driving digital transformation in the workplace. Adaptive technologies are being adopted by businesses and integrated into the very fabric of our buildings from smart window panes to climate control technology.

In his recent article with allwork.space, Simon Eastlake, Developments Director at Office Space in Town explores the technologies powering the workplace of the future.

Smart glass

Lighting in offices is one of the most important factors to get right. However, surprisingly guidelines on office lighting are not legally enforceable. What is not surprising is how the quality of light in an office can impact employee wellbeing. Artificial and poor lighting conditions can lead to drops in cortisol, resulting in higher levels of stress and an inability to stabilise energy levels.

Conversely, natural light in an office reduces headaches, eyestrain and drowsiness by more than 50%. However, natural light shifts throughout the day, leasing to the development of Dynamic Glass. This ‘smart’ glass can adapt to and control the sun’s energy, automatically tinting to maximise natural light and reduce heat and glare. It has been installed in OSiT’s London Blackfriars building.

Air quality

Air quality can also impact an office’s productivity. Poor air quality can cause employee fatigue and impaired focus, as well as other health and respiratory issues. Air purifiers can support an optimal working environment by filtering the air and removing harmful impurities and pollution, as well as efficiently ventilating the building with fresh air.

Climate control

Room temperature is often the cause of conflict in the office. The suggested minimum is temperature in a workplace is at least 16 degrees Celsius, however, for offices this rises to 20 degrees. Implementing smart climate control technology allows the temperature to be maintained at an optimum level, best suited to productivity, by adapting to the current temperature and tailoring the heating or cooling flows as necessary.

Read the full article here.