Liquid spaces for a more human way of working

Liquid spaces for a more human way of working
Flexibility in the office is no longer about choosing a desk. Liquid spaces turn the workplace into a living environment that shifts according to the team’s needs.
Offices are being reinvented through a simple question: what does each task — and each person — need at every moment of the day? From here emerges the idea of the liquid space : an office organised not by hierarchies or square metres, but by the rhythm of those who spend their working day within it. Beyond architectural design, it represents a new, more human way of understanding work — one that adapts to the reality of employees.
In this article, we explore how this new concept of workspace is redefining the way we work, creating environments that not only aim for efficiency but also place people at the centre.
What will you read about in this article?
What do we mean by “liquid space”?
Wellbeing designed with people in mind
Adaptability: the key to success
These are offices designed for continuous change — of activity, of team, of mood. In contrast to the rigid layout of cubicles, the liquid space introduces ecosystems of use that intertwine throughout the day . This approach aligns with the principles of Activity-Based Working (ABW) : different environments for different tasks, supported by an organisational culture and technology that make it possible to choose where and how to work at any given moment.
We’re talking, for example, about zones designed to encourage concentration , where privacy is prioritised and acoustic insulation becomes a key tool for individual focus. Or open collaboration areas, where modular tables, interactive screens, and informal settings combine to promote spontaneous interaction and creativity.
There are also spaces dedicated to physical and mental wellbeing — gyms, rest areas or even indoor gardens — allowing people to disconnect and recharge. And we must not forget social areas such as cafés or terraces, created to foster relaxed and natural exchanges among colleagues.
But a liquid space is not only flexible . It is, above all, human . This is where the evidence gathered by the WELL Building Standard comes in, placing health, sustainability, and wellbeing at the heart of design through criteria involving air, light, acoustics, materials, nutrition, and movement. When design prioritises these factors, it not only enhances the daily experience but also strengthens performance and reinforces the connection with the organisation’s purpose.
Moreover, the presence of vegetation in these spaces is not merely an aesthetic choice. Research on biophilic design and the Attention Restoration Theory suggests that contact with natural elements supports attentional recovery and emotional wellbeing — something especially valuable during cognitively demanding workdays.
Beyond the theory, the data tell a clear story: when design supports activity, effectiveness improves — but there is no universal formula. The person–task–space fit is crucial. As this study highlights, there are three main levers to make it truly work:
1. Design around the tasks that matter
Before moving furniture, it’s worth observing what actually happens on a typical day : when do we need deep silence? when do we gather for brainstorming? where does creativity or negotiation emerge? With that map, it may make sense to test simple “sets” for each need and label them clearly (both physically and digitally). Not to restrict, but to guide. If practice later suggests something else, it can be adjusted.
2. Culture and shared agreements
Organisational culture is the “operating system” that makes liquid workspaces possible. It defines the norms and expectations — trust, autonomy, accountability by objectives — that allow flexibility without losing alignment. It also establishes rituals and communication channels that keep teams synchronised and sets clear rules on how to use office spaces and tools.
3. Evaluate and improve
From occupancy sensors to satisfaction surveys, various tools can help measure the real impact of liquid spaces in the day-to-day office experience. As mentioned earlier, adaptability is the core principle of this type of workplace. Understanding what works for each team — and when adjustments are needed — is essential. Perhaps the most useful question isn’t “are we maximising the space?”, but rather “how does it feel to work here, and what truly makes our work easier?”.
In short, liquid spaces aren’t a “new office look” — they are a way of working that adapts to different tasks, rhythms, and people. And when the environment flows with the team, work becomes clearer, more sustainable, and more human.
Journalist and content manager specialising in sustainability . Trained at the Carlos III University of Madrid, she works at the intersection between the environmental, the human and the organisational from a conscious and committed point of view.
Her texts seek to provide clarity and perspective, integrating a critical, conscious and documented look at the challenges of the present.
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