The way we work, how we use technology in the workplace and the drive to conserve energy have dramatically affected the way environments have been designed over the past decade across all sectors, from health and education to commercial offices.

Those design trends have also changed the way in which balustrades are used to enhance the space in terms of both visual impact and safety.

The impetus to enhance collaborative working, often on an interdepartmental or interdisciplinary basis, has led to greater use of open plan spaces where clear lines of sight between teams are an important feature of the layout.

Central atriums and feature staircases connecting different levels of a building are both ways in which this trend has developed the use of balustrades, with glass panels securely fixed using bolt through lugs providing a robust safety solution without creating a visual barrier or reducing natural light.

The need to maximise natural light is another key trend of the contemporary workplace to enhance productivity and wellbeing while reducing the need for electric lighting. The use of central atriums that allow light to flood into the centre of a large floorplate in addition to the perimeter windows is a common approach, requiring the installation of a suitable balustrade system on each level.

Glass balustrades complement the extensive use of glass in curtain-walled façades and office partitioning, all of which help to create an impression of space and openness within a coherent design.

The way in which technology is used to enable collaborative projects, hot desking, informal meetings and home working has also impacted on workplace design, encouraging a more flexible approach to spaces that can adapt to future change.

Technology is now helping to revolutionise the building design process too, with the advent of BIM (Building Information Management) and 3D modelling software. Delta’s BIM-ready range of products can be incorporated into a BIM project and the data will be available in the model throughout the lifecycle of the building, a design trend that will help ensure that design decisions are integrated with ongoing facilities management best practice.

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