WHAT'S UP Blog

In a working world that is increasingly focusing on flexibility, creativity and collaboration, work cafés are becoming more and more important as hybrid meeting zones in the office. They combine an informal atmosphere with functional design and create spaces that invite people to work, exchange ideas and linger. However, not every work café is the same - different environments are required depending on the mood, task or needs of the employees.

With the new HUB in Düsseldorf, Sedus has created more than just another showroom – it’s the realisation of a long-cherished dream. A place full of life, exchange, and new ideas. A space that not only demonstrates what modern work environments can look like – but makes them tangible.

Two people who helped shape this unique space provide insights into the journey: Mojdeh Barkhordar, Head of the Workspace Design Team, and Marc Goergens, Head of Sales Germany West.

Our working world is changing - and so is the office environment. Instead of rigid structures and a constant obligation to be present, we are experiencing a new flexibility. Home offices, remote working and hybrid working models have long been established. It's not just the places where we work that are changing, but also our expectations of the office. Today's employees are looking for inspiring, flexible and welcoming spaces - spaces that are more than just a desk.

In the age of hybrid work, where boundaries between home offices, company headquarters and mobile workspaces continue to blur, the traditional office must be fundamentally reimagined. No longer merely a place of function, the workplace is evolving into an environment that inspires, connects and supports both focused work and collaborative creativity. At the heart of this transformation lie specialised workspaces.

Wellbeing is not a passing trend – it is a fundamental human need. According to Gympass 2024, 93% of employees regard their wellbeing as equally important as their salary. This shift in values is transforming what we expect from our workplaces: from access to natural light and social spaces to acoustic sanctuaries – today’s workforce seeks environments that support them holistically.

In an era of rapid transformation in the world of work, a new spatial concept is gaining prominence: hybrid ductile commons. These environments combine flexibility, community and well-being – forming the foundation of modern, dynamic workplaces.

The nature of everyday work has undergone a profound shift. The traditional 9-to-5 office routine is steadily losing relevance. Instead, many employees now choose to come to the office—not out of obligation, but by intention. What draws them in? Meaningful interaction with colleagues, technical support unavailable at home, or access to benefits and resources that third places—like the café around the corner—simply cannot provide.

In today’s working world, the boundaries between work and leisure are becoming increasingly blurred – places that were once strictly functional are evolving into hybrid, human-centred environments. A prime example of this development is the CLUB: an office café archetype that combines privacy, style, and versatility within one space.

The office of the future is not just a place to work - it is a place of encounter, inspiration and flexibility. At the centre of this change is a space that blurs the boundaries between working, networking and relaxing: the Smart Café. Located between the lounge area and the workplace, it impresses with its well thought-out zoning options, versatile furniture concepts and smart functions.

The new touch display for the se:cube and se:cube max room-in-room solutions is an extension that makes operating the lighting and ventilation much easier and more intuitive. The colour temperature lighting, adapted to the daylight curve, also contributes to greater well-being and productivity in the office.

The modern workplace is changing - away from rigid structures and towards more flexibility, individuality and well-being. At the centre of this development is a concept that is increasingly blurring the boundaries between work and private life: Work-life blending. It's not just about combining work and leisure, but also about creating places where employees feel comfortable, inspired and stay healthy - beyond the traditional desk.

Since the Covid-19 lockdown, the option of working from home has become an integral part of everyday working life for many people. Co-working spaces and third spaces are also playing an increasingly important role in the choice of work location. However, this does not mean that the traditional office is no longer needed.

Work is undergoing a fundamental shift: rigid structures are giving way to flexible models that uncouple work from fixed locations and hours. Amid this transformation, the need for genuine human interaction is growing. Despite the efficiency and convenience of digital communication, the social fabric often begins to fray. This is precisely where the new coffee culture plays a vital role.

A thoughtfully designed café area becomes a stage for spontaneous conversations, serendipitous encounters, and cross-departmental collaboration. It offers an informal atmosphere where hierarchies blur and new ideas emerge organically. This unique blend of relaxation and openness turns the office café into a true engine of innovation.

The world of work has changed rapidly, and with it the requirements for modern office spaces. Hybrid workspaces and (work) cafés in particular are playing an increasingly important role. They not only offer functional working environments, but also promote creativity and social interaction. While some of these spaces focus on open collaboration, others offer quiet retreats that support concentration and productive work. A prominent archetype in this category is the “library”.

As one of the most famous coffee brands in the world, Lavazza looks back on an eventful history, growing from a corner shop to a coffee empire. The family business is now in its fourth generation, and with the Nuvola Lavazza headquarters in Turin, a place has been created that represents both the legacy and the future of the world-famous coffee brand. Antonio Curlante, Property and Facility Director of the Lavazza Group, takes us behind the scenes of Nuvola Lavazza.

The modern working world has changed dramatically, and with it the expectations of office space. A comprehensive analysis of hybrid third places and (work) cafés worldwide has shown that spaces that move between traditional offices and public facilities are playing an increasingly important role. They improve the quality of life and work and promote different working styles. While some of these place focus on open collaboration and energised interaction, others offer quiet retreats for concentrated work or create a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Hubs in particular stand for a new, community-orientated way of working.

The way we work is constantly evolving. Flexible work models and innovative spatial concepts are becoming increasingly important to enhance both productivity and well-being. In this context, so-called "third places" play a crucial role – spaces that are neither traditional offices nor private living areas but a combination of both.

A prime example of this concept in action is the office café designed in a garden style. Here, nature and work merge into an inspiring environment that optimally supports concentration, creativity, and social interaction.

The world of work is undergoing a transformation: wellbeing, hospitality, and community are becoming central to modern workplace design. These elements are no longer optional extras but essential pillars for creating satisfied, motivated, and high-performing employees. How can companies address these needs through their office and space concepts? With inspiring insights and practical examples, this article explores innovative solutions for the future of work. Discover how hybrid spaces can enhance wellbeing, foster a sense of community, and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Libraries preserve the world’s knowledge. The first libraries were established more than 5000 years ago. Since then, they have evolved from places of peace and solitude to genuine community
spaces where people come together to learn, exchange ideas and work. They have become an integral part of “Great Good Places” – somewhere strangers can become friends. The Norwegian transdisciplinary architecture and design studio Snøhetta recently planned and realised the world’s largest library in Beijing. We spoke to Kjetil Trædal Thorsen about the evolution of libraries.

This blog post sheds light on how libraries are constantly reinventing themselves as ‘cathedrals of the mind’ and what role they play in today's flexible working and living environment.

In the modern working world, we are often faced with the question: How can we work together effectively? Whether via screens or face-to-face contact - the type of interaction shapes our team dynamics and ultimately the team's success. A closer look at the neuroscientific background and the advantages and disadvantages of the various forms of collaboration reveals that work is not just a means to an end: Work is not just a means to an end - it is lived interaction and shared experience.