Society. Spaces. Screens

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted various sectors, including healthcare and education, but its effects on workplace design were equally profound. Existing issues with office layouts, particularly the prevalence of open office designs, were exacerbated post-pandemic, leading to increased workspace distractions and privacy concerns (Appel-Meulenbroek & Groenen, 2017; Congdon, 2014). The emergence of the hybrid workplace, where many knowledge workers conduct remote work facilitated by online platforms like Zoom and Teams, has become a prevailing norm, challenging traditional spatial and temporal constraints (Hass, 2022; Dang & Zhang, 2020). However, evolving office policies, including hybrid schedules, have introduced new challenges such as increased virtual meetings and fluctuating occupancy levels, placing strain on meeting room availability and desk spaces (Gensler, 2020; Abril, 2021; Bloom, 2021). Addressing the evolving needs of hybrid workplaces requires architectural solutions that offer flexibility, agility, and activity-based spaces (Bernstein, 2019). This paper focuses on innovative meeting room designs that respond to the demand for flexible and temporary spaces. The research explores pop-up meeting rooms using inflatable structures and ultra-light building materials, providing solutions to fluctuating occupancy and spatial requirements. Three case studies showcase different applications, including individual pop-up phone booths and collective office air pods. These structures, made from fully biodegradable materials, allow natural light while maintaining privacy and are powered by single fans, generating subtle white noise to enhance focus during meetings. By embracing unconventional solutions like inflatable workspaces, organizations can create more efficient, productive, and comfortable office environments as they navigate the evolving landscape of work.