An office’s reception area makes the first contact with clients/visitors and their first experience; it is the first chance to build a good impression. Therefore, the design of a reception area should reflect the professional image of a business, represent the organisation’s Brand and initiate a focus on detail.
Today’s modern offices define how they will be portrayed and used. Without hindrance to movement, visibility and comfort, the reception area is a transitional and design area. The purpose of a reception area is to create aesthetically pleasing design and functional environment.
Movement, visibility and comfort should dictate the layout of the Reception Area. The reception desk must have unobstructed lines of sight from all areas of circulation, and sufficient seating should be available for visitors while waiting for their appointment.
Planning Considerations for the Reception Area
The reception desk should naturally and intuitively flow from the layout of the area related to circulation, movement and function. It is essential to ensure sufficient space between the reception counter and the doorway, which allows for easy communication and movement between the reception desk and the receiving area, and to create designated areas for staff and visitor interaction. There should also be ample seating for visitors while waiting.
The Reception Area should be designed to give an open feeling; however, the design should be structured and logical.
Importance of the Reception Desk
The Reception Desk is the most significant aspect of the Reception Area and needs to evoke a sense of authority and elegance. Elegant finish, modern desk design and integrated storage create a more sophisticated reception area. Elegant finishes with clean lines and visually rich textures add visual appeal without overwhelming visual distractions to visitors. Light must also enhance visual clarity and provide an enhanced definition and visual reference of the Reception Desk.
Using the Reception as a Branding Tool
Often the wall directly behind the reception desk serves as a branding element for the Organisation. A textured, neutral or subtle patterned wall will create an opportunity to establish a Brand Identity without being overly intrusive on the Reception Area. Signage, logo graphics, or soft illumination can encourage a Brand Identity and increase Brand Recognition and Visual Interest.
Wall Treatments for a Professional Reception Area
The wall directly behind the reception desk can serve as a branding element. Elegant textures, neutral colors, or understated patterns on a feature wall can enhance and create formality in a reception area. Signage, logo graphics, or soft light can enhance and create visual appeal through branding, increasing visual interest and connection with the brand identity of the Organisation.
A clearly defined wall element will create a sense of intentionality and professionalism.
Designing for Visitor Comfort
The Seating Areas are meant to provide comfort for visitors while waiting for a short time. In a typical modern office environment, seating is designed to ensure that visitors have a comfortable experience while waiting to receive services.
Design Characteristics to Consider:
- Space saving seating arrangements
- Neutral or muted upholstery materials
- Cleanable and durable materials to withstand frequent visitor use
Creating a Welcoming and Balanced Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere of the Reception Area is created by lighting types. To achieve a balanced and welcoming environment in the Reception Area, a combination of ambient, accent and task lighting should be utilized. Warm ambient lighting near seat areas provides comfort; whereas cooler and more functional lighting creates functional workspaces around the Reception Desk.
Creating a Cohesive Interior Design Experience
The Reception Area is connected visually to the rest of the Office Space to create a seamless transition through the office space. The same finishes, color palette and material types for the Reception Area and Office Space will create a cohesive visitor design experience, with the same design themes as the rest of the Office.
Royale Touche Premium Laminate Collections create a refined design for the Reception Area to provide durability and visual connection through all Laminates used in Reception Areas.
Conclusion
Modern Office Reception Areas have developed into more than an entry point into an Office; they are vital components of Office Design that convey an organisation’s professionalism and Brand Values. Planning, recognition and implementation of refined materials, Balanced Lighting and Continuous Mixing will all create Reception Areas that are inviting and efficient and create a positive work environment.
