Covid-19 Return to office help, Coronavirus Workplace Guide, Design Tips

Return-to-office consultancy to combat Covid-19

8 Dec 2020

Pedra Silva Arquitectos Return-to-Office Consultancy

Pedra Silva Arquitectos launches ‘Return-to-Office’ consultancy to help combat Covid-19

Lisbon-based Pedra Silva Architects has launched a specialist ‘Return-to Office’ consultancy service helping firms guard against Covid-19.

The practice which is responsible for delivering many high-profile office projects globally – including the OLX Group Headquarters and Fraunhofer Offices, both in Portugal – is predicting a major transformation to working conditions in the months and years ahead.

PSA Lead Architect Ricardo Conceição said the firm is advising a number of clients including a major global tech firm with strategies which can be replicated across multiple sectors including Commercial Office, Hospitality, Leisure, Retail, Dental and Health sectors.

“We have witnessed a massive shift in the importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace,” he said. “This is now the top priority for almost all organisations from SMEs to global corporates. However, very few workplaces were prepared for the devastating consequences of Covid-19 pandemic and we are having to act retrospectively.

“The nature of the virus means organisations need to reconsider many aspects of their operation such as movement, density and shielding of people. Our team has been working closely with clients to optimise their workspaces to protect their workforces while crucially maximising efficiency. We are building strong experience and quickly learning how to adapt and tailor floorplans combining our expertise in workspace design with a new bank of ‘post-Covid’ workplace management knowledge.

“New measures we have introduced include special transit-zones adhering to 2-metre ‘safe distance’ rules. This covers primary and secondary circulation routes as well as movement around workspaces and eating-areas. We have further designed systems to control office density with staff layout plans, space divisions and all necessary signage instructions, with further measures to boost hygiene – particularly in areas such as elevators, toilets and gathering spaces.

“Ultimately, these spaces need to be fluid and responsive to new working patterns and a more transient workforce. They must also be adaptable for different uses including one-on-one meetings, brainstorming sessions, teamwork, conferences and networking events.”

PSA Founder Luis Pedra Silva said Portugal’s return to office work may also be defined by a rise in ‘suburban office hubs’ as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While more people will naturally work from home many will still require a flexible professional office solution,” he said. “This may give rise to a new generation of suburban office hubs. These are likely to be located in more remote areas catering for people who no longer wish to travel large distances to work. Essentially, this could begin a movement away from traditional single unit headquarters, to a cluster of more widely distributed office spaces.

“Corporate companies may also reap benefits from flexible working patterns relieving the burden of fixed office space. In this sense, designers could witness a large spike in home office projects, as people look to recondition rooms and spaces within their own homes to make them more compatible for work, with trips to the office becoming more social affairs.”

PSA was founded in 2003 in Lisbon, Portugal, later establishing offices in Brighton, UK and Maputo, Mozambique. The boutique design team includes 16 members from five countries, delivering high quality projects around the world including Europe, Africa and Australasia.

Pedra Silva Architects (PSA)

Pedra Silva Architects (PSA) was founded in 2003 in Lisbon, Portugal, before establishing offices in Brighton, UK and Maputo, Mozambique. The boutique design team includes 16 members from five countries, delivering high quality projects around the world. The global architecture practice specialises in Dental & Healthcare, Commercial Office, Hospitality, Leisure, Housing and Retail sector projects working across Europe, Africa and Australasia.

PSA’s personal and bespoke design solutions combined with an artisan approach and acute attention to detail have been key drivers for success. Meanwhile, a strong ethos centred around teamwork and collaborative design have boosted its global appeal with open, honest and transparent working relationships with clients. PSA’s broad international experience and English-language communication skills also provide a competitive edge.

PSA has reinforced its exporting pedigree through a number of international award wins over the last decade. These include double honours at the British Private Dentistry Awards for Best New Practice and the IIDA Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards (Healthcare Category). It has also secured Archdaily’s Building of the Year Award (Interiors Category), Green GOOD Design Award and the International Property Award for Best Office Interior on two separate occasions.

Return-to-office consultancy for Covid-19 images / information received 081220 from Pedra Silva Architects (PSA)