Sweeney: changing workstyles are creating new corporate interiors.

Today's offices are being designed in harmony with the new ways companies are doing business, their changing values and the growing concern employers have over the needs of their workers, especially since 9/1l.

Most companies realize how important it is for the office interiors to support the new types of work relationships and styles coming into vogue resulting in greater productivity and profits. Employers realize that if the workers like their environment they will be more effective. "Business owners are starting to pay attention to how the workplace can boost morale, security and enhance employee comfort without being elaborate," says John Sweeney, partner of MJS Design Associates, a commercial interior design firm based in NYC.

To accommodate these needs, office space is being utilized very differently and efficiently. The size of individual offices are now determined by how much time people spend in their areas and not on hierarchy. Based on the Japanese business ethic, more executives in our country sit among their employees as an equal.

Instead of isolation and privacy, there is more emphasis on a team based partnering approach to working. Flexible, multipurpose offices and ease of furniture configuration allow employees the ability to adapt to individual work styles and facilitate their performance. With high rents, companies are reducing their square footage but adding more amenities and areas for employees to relax and socialize. Physical and emotional safety are major concerns. "Employees feel more comfortable having clear visibility and easy access to their co-workers," notes Sweeney. That's one reason, designers are using more glass throughout the office. Even a small glass inset on a wall or door allows people greater visual accessibility.

For a more humanistic and homey look, designers are using soft muted colors and clear materials. Combining various types of lighting helps avoid eyestrain. Many designers are choosing "green products" to prevent toxicity and illness that could emanate from the environment.

The following trends are impacting corporate interior design:

* Emphasis on teamwork triggers open environment and movable partitions. To support the work process, MJS has designed cubicles with lower panels (36" to 42") in height so the line of sight is more open to co-workers. Workstations are situated on an angle in a "pod" system instead of in straight rows of cubicles. By removing physical barriers, an open arrangement encourages interaction. Those who work together are placed in closer proximity facilitating productivity.

* Expensive square footage means more creative space planning and share spaces. As rents skyrocket, companies are consolidating their spaces and squeezing more people into reduced space. Therefore, designers must find ways to help employees feel less confined. "It's not necessary to spend $150 per SF for employees to be happy and work effectively," explains Sweeney. Small cubicles ranging from 40 to 52 SF can be arranged in clusters to create open interactive team environments. For an individual that works alone the majority of the time, 65 SF is common and comfortable.

* Today's fluid work environments require more elaborate systems furniture with greater number of parts and accessories. Mobility and flexibility are the goals of office furniture. Function in the corporate office is surpassing opulence. While companies aren't forgetting the value of aesthetics, fewer are using high-end wood furniture and other expensive materials.

* Comfort areas and other amenities now a priority. To reduce stress and enhance productivity, employers are increasing perks in the office and providing comfort areas. "At the NY Institute of Finance, we created an eatery in the corner of the office for employees to take a break, read or another environment to work in," explains Sweeney. Workers appreciate this oasis and a place to escape from their usual space.

* The healthy office wins over aesthetics. Both designers and employers are attuned to the importance of a healthy office that combines proper lighting, acoustics, HVAC and "green" products. "We will often use newer fixtures with indirect lighting that avoid glare leading to eyestrain," notes Sweeney. Today's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are able to clean the air better than older systems. There is also a trend towards using "green" building product without formaldehyde to avoid mold and mildew.