The call for flexible working spaces is continuing to pick up speed in the design world. Offices no longer want employees cooped up in individual rooms, working alone. Instead, there is an ever-increasing demand for areas that encourage collaboration, discussion, boost creativity, develop innovative ideas and help with group problem-solving. It’s proven that collaboration comes more naturally in an office where there are no barriers, so it is believed that breaking down the physical walls between colleagues, will, in turn, help break down the social ones. It is ever-apparent that office design has gone through a progression of marked change over the last decade.

But how do you put these findings into practice and create the perfect interior scheme for this workplace revolution that is happening far and wide? This month, Laura Light, Concept Designer at Interface, explores how designers can use zoned flooring techniques to encourage creativity and co-working. Turn to page 75 to read her advice.

Elsewhere in the issue, Daniel Swannack, UK Retail Sales and Marketing Director at Fagerhult, examines what we can expect from retail lighting in the future and discusses why it’s ludicrous to have a one-size-fits-all attitude when it comes to lighting. Turn to page 60 to find out more.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of Inex’s features and product inspiration at your fingertips via the magazine’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘Inex-online’ on the App Store or Google play.