Workspaces: Multipurpose workspaces enhance and encourage collaboration within and between environments in different locations. Companies have realized that group work is central to success, yet they struggle to provide collaborative spaces. In addition, employees now seek social connection and engagement as part of their work experience, and companies are aiming to accommodate this demand.

Flexible workspaces are also on the rise as a result of the advancement and maturity of technology and network availability. Trends that seem to be surfacing include tenants downsizing their offices as they increasingly adopt policies for sharing non-dedicated offices, while implementing technology to support their employees to work at their own place and time. By promoting this method and encouraging employees to use their own devices, the workplace adopts a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) atmosphere, which is yet another generational advancement that affects the office sector.

Intelligent Buildings: Though the term 'intelligent buildings' has been used for decades, companies are finally getting closer to establishing a universal definition that can be recognized globally. These buildings aim to integrate technology while providing an advantageous and cost-effective work place.

For example, buildings are becoming more intelligent with the integration of smart devices such as those that can provide building 'health checks' in a dashboard format. These inspections can identify and optimize energy usage, analyze energy consumption data, and reduce operational costs that will benefit the company. We will continue to see the implementation of intelligent buildings grow in the office sector.

Internet of Things (IoT): On a basic level, the IoT is a giant network of connected 'things,' including people and devices. This is a concept that considers any device with an on-and-off switch to have the potential to connect to the Internet (i.e. cell phones, coffee makers, lamps, radios and more). The concept also applies to buildings, engines and components of machinery, and is specifically affecting office product. With this concept in mind, more workplace objects that are designed in the engineering system will be embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity that will enable these objects to collect and exchange data.

GlobeSt.com: Your firm works throughout the globe. Are today's office technology trends different by region? If so, how?

Passanante: Technology in general seems to be adopting across regions at a faster pace than ever before. In previous years, it was common to see some regions adopting technology at a slower rate, especially if the local business culture or regulations slowed that progress. However, now that the trends are being set by technology companies, a standard has been set and companies must adopt new technologies faster than ever before. If they don't, today's companies risk quickly falling behind, which could result in losing talent and not having the ability to keep up with competitors.

GlobeSt.com: Can you provide some examples of innovative technology your firm is working on in the office sector in Los Angeles?

Passanante: Syska is involved in projects across the country, including Los Angeles, for an international developer. This project is an alternate workplace strategy initiative that focuses on deviating from assigned workspaces and instead aims to expand employee collaboration and productivity through various outlets including sustainability, mobility, and enhanced flexibility. The technology implemented must support employee mobility along with an electronic environment that is paperless. By creating more open and inviting environments, companies are required to administer a more robust and pervasive wireless network infrastructure.

Important technology changes are also happening outside of the office sector. For example, Syska is working on a project with a large shopping center in Los Angeles. We have enhanced security with license plate readers located at vehicle entrances and exits, and installed intelligent parking systems for visitors. We've also installed a 100-foot by 12-foot. video display on the property, complete with applications to enhance the customer experience.

GlobeSt.com: What challenges should office owners and developers look out for when planning for technology and ICT solutions in their properties?

Passanante: Having a data center strategy in-place is essential in office projects and developments. If this strategy is not developed prior to the start of a project or very early in the development process, huge challenges can arise.

Office design elements can also become challenging if they aren't planned accordingly, as these elements can affect workflow of the entire space, especially when it comes to technology. Having adequate pathways and technology spaces in a building is extremely important. Determining the proper room size, space required for utility services and power & cooling requirements, as it pertains to these technology spaces, can have a significant impact on an office project.

Another challenge arises with wireless networks and Internet—something we can all relate to. Data demand is driving the development of the wireless industry, and today's companies need to meet these increasing demands.

Office owners and developers should make certain they have access to telecommunication service providers as well as sufficient bandwidth in the area, and that they have a handful to choose from. For existing buildings, it's crucial to have an infrastructure than can support a large Wi-Fi capacity. Although a distributed antenna system (DAS) is certainly the most effective way to enhance coverage, some providers may effectively cover a building if the area contains strong coverage from that provider. Regardless of the provider chosen, this capacity is critical when it comes to crowded workspace and congested office buildings where data demand is an ongoing concern.

LOS ANGELES—For the first time, workplaces are beginning to adopt technology as fast as technology is being invented. According to John Passanante, senior principal and board member at Syska Hennessy Group, workplaces are now incorporating technology into several aspects of the workspace and as a result new workspaces are emerging. To find out how technology is making its way into workplaces and what types of technologies are now being adopted, we sat down with Passanante for an exclusive interview.

GlobeSt.com: What major technology and ICT trends are you seeing in the office sector?

John Passanante: The gap between what technology companies are producing and what businesses are physically implementing into their workspace is becoming narrower, and we can see how this shift is being integrated in several areas:

Wireless: Employees are progressively going wireless, untethering from desks and becoming more connected through devices like phones or tablets. The demand for mobile device access is rising and driving the wireless movement to new heights. As the transition from 'less wired' network infrastructure to pervasive wireless infrastructure grows, more and more office spaces are becoming more adaptive and open to change. This sits well with employees because they are now able to work from home, their corporate office, or even at a local coffee shop. The trend of increased wireless connectivity promotes enhanced collaboration, and makes for cleaner office solutions.

Workspaces: Multipurpose workspaces enhance and encourage collaboration within and between environments in different locations. Companies have realized that group work is central to success, yet they struggle to provide collaborative spaces. In addition, employees now seek social connection and engagement as part of their work experience, and companies are aiming to accommodate this demand.

Flexible workspaces are also on the rise as a result of the advancement and maturity of technology and network availability. Trends that seem to be surfacing include tenants downsizing their offices as they increasingly adopt policies for sharing non-dedicated offices, while implementing technology to support their employees to work at their own place and time. By promoting this method and encouraging employees to use their own devices, the workplace adopts a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) atmosphere, which is yet another generational advancement that affects the office sector.

Intelligent Buildings: Though the term 'intelligent buildings' has been used for decades, companies are finally getting closer to establishing a universal definition that can be recognized globally. These buildings aim to integrate technology while providing an advantageous and cost-effective work place.

For example, buildings are becoming more intelligent with the integration of smart devices such as those that can provide building 'health checks' in a dashboard format. These inspections can identify and optimize energy usage, analyze energy consumption data, and reduce operational costs that will benefit the company. We will continue to see the implementation of intelligent buildings grow in the office sector.

Internet of Things (IoT): On a basic level, the IoT is a giant network of connected 'things,' including people and devices. This is a concept that considers any device with an on-and-off switch to have the potential to connect to the Internet (i.e. cell phones, coffee makers, lamps, radios and more). The concept also applies to buildings, engines and components of machinery, and is specifically affecting office product. With this concept in mind, more workplace objects that are designed in the engineering system will be embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity that will enable these objects to collect and exchange data.

GlobeSt.com: Your firm works throughout the globe. Are today's office technology trends different by region? If so, how?

Passanante: Technology in general seems to be adopting across regions at a faster pace than ever before. In previous years, it was common to see some regions adopting technology at a slower rate, especially if the local business culture or regulations slowed that progress. However, now that the trends are being set by technology companies, a standard has been set and companies must adopt new technologies faster than ever before. If they don't, today's companies risk quickly falling behind, which could result in losing talent and not having the ability to keep up with competitors.

GlobeSt.com: Can you provide some examples of innovative technology your firm is working on in the office sector in Los Angeles?

Passanante: Syska is involved in projects across the country, including Los Angeles, for an international developer. This project is an alternate workplace strategy initiative that focuses on deviating from assigned workspaces and instead aims to expand employee collaboration and productivity through various outlets including sustainability, mobility, and enhanced flexibility. The technology implemented must support employee mobility along with an electronic environment that is paperless. By creating more open and inviting environments, companies are required to administer a more robust and pervasive wireless network infrastructure.

Important technology changes are also happening outside of the office sector. For example, Syska is working on a project with a large shopping center in Los Angeles. We have enhanced security with license plate readers located at vehicle entrances and exits, and installed intelligent parking systems for visitors. We've also installed a 100-foot by 12-foot. video display on the property, complete with applications to enhance the customer experience.

GlobeSt.com: What challenges should office owners and developers look out for when planning for technology and ICT solutions in their properties?

Passanante: Having a data center strategy in-place is essential in office projects and developments. If this strategy is not developed prior to the start of a project or very early in the development process, huge challenges can arise.

Office design elements can also become challenging if they aren't planned accordingly, as these elements can affect workflow of the entire space, especially when it comes to technology. Having adequate pathways and technology spaces in a building is extremely important. Determining the proper room size, space required for utility services and power & cooling requirements, as it pertains to these technology spaces, can have a significant impact on an office project.

Another challenge arises with wireless networks and Internet—something we can all relate to. Data demand is driving the development of the wireless industry, and today's companies need to meet these increasing demands.

Office owners and developers should make certain they have access to telecommunication service providers as well as sufficient bandwidth in the area, and that they have a handful to choose from. For existing buildings, it's crucial to have an infrastructure than can support a large Wi-Fi capacity. Although a distributed antenna system (DAS) is certainly the most effective way to enhance coverage, some providers may effectively cover a building if the area contains strong coverage from that provider. Regardless of the provider chosen, this capacity is critical when it comes to crowded workspace and congested office buildings where data demand is an ongoing concern.