Trend: Flexible Spaces

Written By Cate Trotter on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:01 PM | In Lifestyle Trends, UK

As space is becoming more limited and profit margins become smaller, designs that give a space multiple uses enable businesses to generate more revenue from a space, and customers more enjoyment.

Trend description

By extending the number of hours customers can spend in a space, businesses are generating more revenue from a space and increasing brand exposure. There are also environmental benefits, as using space more efficiently reduces urban sprawl and the need to travel.

The multiple-use showroom or gallery encourages people to spend time with potential purchases without pressuring them into a decision. Customers can spend time with a brand and build up affinity on their own terms, making a considered purchase rather than a regretful snap decision.

Cases

The Tea Building, Shoreditch, London

The Tea Building’s minimalist concrete warehouse space has a number of different lives: during the day it provides office and gallery space, with a cafe and bar that is used for networking and recreation space. In the evenings, the café and bar becomes a cutting-edge club featuring resident DJs Andy Weatherall and Damian Lazarus.

Firevault, London

Showing its wares in action, London’s Firevault is part fireplace showroom, part restaurant and bar. Fifteen fires are on display, letting customers curl up in front of them with lunch, dinner or wine to enjoy a cosy, romantic experience in the heart of the city.

 

‘M-Hotel’ by Tim Pyne

Offering a twist on the previous two examples, this design concept turns any parking lot into a profitable, environmentally responsible living space. The reusable 500 sq ft pods can be stacked up, making use of bus-film technology to add branding to the exterior walls, adding value. When they are no longer needed in their present location, they can be moved to a site where demand is higher.

Trend Impact

It can be expected for more businesses to keep their spaces open to customers for longer, to increase revenue and brand exposure. The complete brand experience should be considered: what events or services could enhance a business’s primary offer? Interior design will need to be thoroughly considered, ensuring that the space’s supporting secondary functions are considered in addition to the primary one. There is also great potential for partnerships and cross-branding within this trend, as well as designs that can retro-fit space for multiple use.

Links

Firevault
36 Great Titchfield St, London

The Tea Building
http://www.teabuilding.co.uk/

Tim Pyne
http://www.timpyne.com/