Developers Hack Conventional Office Spaces to Attract Corporate America

"Cutting out chunks of an office building's interior to create an atrium or theater, adding loft-like mezzanines on floors with high ceilings or grafting on outdoor staircases" are examples of the "more compact, playful designs" landlords will need to introduce into conventional office spaces to meet the changing tastes of Corporate America, observes Roger Vincent.

"Big changes in conventional offices are eventually going to be needed because formal workplaces where men and women arrive 'dressed for success' in tailored suits after long drives from suburbia are dying out, said Peter Miscovich, managing director of strategy and innovation and real estate brokerage Jones Lang LaSalle."

"The 1980s work-style model and lifestyle model is over," he said. "I don't think people enjoy commuting two hours each way every day. Young people in particular do not want to sacrifice their lifestyle for their work style."