The Changing Face of Manhattan Office Space
Say hello to the new face of office space; Open floorplans, natural lighting, comfortable couches and armchairs designed to accommodate mobile technology, etc., etc. Also, if you're old-school, be sure to take note of the distinct lack of leaning paper-piles.
Sure, we all know the archetype of the "hip" office that was so lovingly brought to us by our tech brethren in California – and this mode of workplace, lack of paperwork, and increase in cushy furniture is supported by smaller, increasingly more mobile technology. Indeed, grey cubicles and dull Berber carpeting seem to be going the way of the dodo bird as millennials come into their own as leaders in business and culture. Increased accessibility to good design is another factor – all resultant from our increased culture of sharing.
That's not to mention that the overall digitalization of filing systems, memos, correspondence, etc. has cleared up a whole lot of room to either be able to downsize the space completely, or as is in the case with many of today's top commercial landlords – adding a whole new set of amenities that would be enough to make our stoic and square-jawed professional forefathers roll their eyes...in envy.
For example, 161 Bowery is a property aimed to attract tenants in the T.A.M.I., or technology, advertising, media, and information sector and has been continuously renovated by Caspi Development in phases as tenants move out from the building's 7 stories. Other than the building's standout feature of having its own fiber optic internet connection installed, 161 Bowery offers up such unique amenities as kitchenettes complete with wine fridges as well as a refrigerator in the building's rooftop lounge area that is capable of holding a beer keg.
On a larger scale, we have buildings in Mid-town and Mid-town South (the city's current tech stronghold) that offer everything from gymnasiums to showers to puppy playrooms. Landlords are also more frequently including patio-space and green roofs as amenities. The office building at 510 Madison offers its exclusive tenants a full-on health club complete with lap pool, cardio machines, a weight room, personal trainers, etc., as well as a handsome wood-paneled locker room. This convenience is intended to add to the quality of life for professionals who oftentimes work odd hours. The building and its health club have many hedge fund tenants as well as luxury jewelers/watchmakers Tourneau/Rolex and Seiko.
On the quirkier side of things, Foursquare's SoHo loft office includes communal picnic tables in a lounge area complete with dartboards, a ping pong table, and all manner of tasty snacks and beverages suited to please even the most discerning snack palette. Also located in SoHo, the office of Squarespace offers employees a library brimming with books and magazines – many of which cover design and programming. Employees also enjoy free membership to the yoga studio located on the floor below.
It is an exciting turn of events to see how startup culture has spread and will likely continue to expand its influence over other various workspaces in various sectors. Sure, the old guard will likely shoot steam from its ears at the thought of even their most mechanized of pencil pushers sitting and doing their work from a (cushioned!?) armchair, but like all cultural changes based in improving technology, the shift is inevitable.
With every new generation comes a new approach to managing the workspace. It is important to note that it used to be the norm to smoke at your typewriter, and it was polite to refill your neighbor's scotch, were he in need - as he wouldn't be able to get to the newsstand for more before lunch-hour. Change happens. As the new generation comes of age, they are reclaiming the workspace as something that can be comfortable for all.
