Future of work: mixed-use unit design proposal for work from home

Abstract

The recent pandemic has allowed us to operate remotely while remaining connected to our work life. Restrictions are gradually being eased around the world and people are returning to their pre-pandemic lifestyles. However, working environments and patterns must now be reevaluated since many employees and companies believe that it is not required to be in the office every day. As a result, a hybrid scheduling system can be a better alternative, in which individuals gather in the office a few days a week while working from home or remotely rest of the time. Current housing layouts are not suitable for remote working in long term and this study offers a guideline for spatial organization in housing typologies. In a workfrom- home environment, this concept intends to promote social ties and exchanges. It can be observed that working from home has negative effects on mental and physical health, productivity, and focus. Research is done to address these issues through literature studies, case studies and provide solutions in private and social spaces. Housing layouts, materials understanding, social spaces, and synergies among different users are investigated in case studies from both the international and Swedish contexts. The research and case study inputs are reflected by designing a mixed-use building which consists of housing, neighborhood working spaces and retail spaces on a selected site in Gothenburg as a future work from home solution.