Microsoft has announced a new partnership with office furniture designer Steelcase to imagine a more creative office space. As part of that vision, the two companies are showing off 5 office layouts with a big emphasis on creativity, and powered by none other than Microsoft's Surface products.
The example spaces shown off carry some names that might inspire a chuckle or two, but they fit their purpose. For example Focus Studio and Duo Studio are set up to foster creative work on Surface devices for a single person or a pair of workers, respectively. A third example, called Ideation Hub, leverages the Surface Hub to help peopel work on ideas remotely or in person.
Maker Commons is another example of a collaborative setup, meant to encourage things like "socializing ideas" and "rapid prototyping," according to Microsoft. Surface Book and Surface Hub also feature prominently here. Lastly, Respite Room is a concept for a single person, meant to help them kick back and enjoy some "individual think time."
From Microsoft:
This is not simply about creating new desks, chairs or conference rooms. This is about two committed partners coming together to reimagine what the workplace of the future will look like, paying close attention to the constantly evolving rhythm of people's days, and creating physical spaces to help individuals and teams optimize their creative potential.
As part of the collaboration, Steelcase will be showing off these concept Creative Spaces in 10 of their WorkLife centers in major cities around the world. New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Munich and London are just some of the cities named, and Microsoft promises more are on deck. Microsoft also announced that select Steelcase stores are now authorized Surface Hub resellers. You can peruse a dedicated Creative Spaces site for more on the partnership between the two companies.
