Initial Visual Research

In this post, I will do a visual research to gather some images to develop my project idea. I will do this research in  many areas such as, materials, space planning, furniture, colour palette. This research will help me to learn more about designing and combining different elements together. 

First, I will look different office break out designs and I will analyse the usage of different furniture, colour, pattern and materials in area.  In these two images different vibrant colours attracts attention and using vibrant colours in these areas adds vitality into that space.  As we can see in the images there are many different seating options with more comfortable sofas and high chairs and picnic benches in the same place. Putting these different seating areas all together without separation increases the social atmosphere in that space. 

Taking some rest and break, clearing your head with games and fun improves focus in lectures because of this the break out spaces should also include some entertainment like recreation areas. Moffitt (2010) proposed that students who participate in university student recreation centre activities are more likely to “demonstrate a sense of belonging in the community, have more interactions with peers, have increased emotional health, and increased leadership potential at the university”. So I looked some examples of recreation areas in offices and campuses and find some inspiration about what to put in the space and how to place it. I found some table games that I can place in recreation area. As I can see in the examples, they choose benches and pouffes to place around the games. This seating options save space and give more space to sit people. This is a good seating options for place that people gather around in groups. 

Then I looked some materials that I can use in my break out space design. I found the PET felt material which is made from recycled plastic bottles and this makes the material sustainable, eco-friendly and durable. PET felt is a sound-absorbing material that can be used for ceiling, walls, room dividers, furniture and decorative objects. Almost everything can be covered with PET felt, just not the floor. PET felt sheets can be provided with a self-adhesive backing, making them easy to attach. (easyfelt,2023). With these features PET felt is a good material for crowded spaces. It also provides a design flexibility with its wide range of colours, styles and thicknesses allows different creative design ideas. 

One of the most important thing in break out space is seating area. It is important to give some options for seating in public areas. I looked some different seating options that can be used in break out spaces. First of all, it has to be comfortable and have a place where more people can sit. Large L or U shaped sofas can be good to place corner and it will allow many people to sit. On the other hand, booth seating is allows more privacy with groups. For more comfortable and relaxed seating , bean bag is a good option in break out spaces. Since people are coming to break out space to have rest and have fun, it can be useful in space. It can placed near to bookshelves so people can read their book and in comfortable seating. Another good thing about bean bag is moveable and light so people can changed the place and it will not take up much space because it can be stored in corner or in a small storage. Besides their comfort and versatility, bean bag chairs effortlessly add a touch of trendiness and style to any dorm room decor (Gunsell, 2025)

I did some background  research to use in my project. I will keep researching to find best way to design and decorate the break out spaces and I will keep adding my researches in this post.

REFERENCES

Ben Johnson. (2025). Workplace Design, Transformation & Refurbishment Consultants, Commercial Office Interior Design & Fit-Out - Ben Johnson. [online] Available at: https://benjohnson.co.uk/?_gl=1%2A1p220xz%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMTU5MTY5MTEwOS4xNzUyNDQxODE3%2A_ga_S2YXNQ1G1N%2AczE3NTI0NDE4MTYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTI0NDE4MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw (Accessed: 8 July 2025)

Miller, J.J. and Croft, J.C. (2022). The Influence of University Recreation Centers on Student Return and Retention during COVID-19. Recreational Sports Journal, [online]  Available at:   p.15588661221097701. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/15588661221097701.  (Accessed: 8 July 2025) 

Aimée (2023). What is PET felt and what can it be used for? | EASYfelt. [online] Easyfelt.co.uk. Available at: https://www.easyfelt.co.uk/blogs/what-is-pet-felt-and-what-can-it-be-used-for (Accessed: 9 July 2025)

Leedings.com. (2025). Go to GoGuardian App. [online] Available at: https://www.leedings.com/industry-news/reduce-noise-with-this-amazing-trick-install-a-pet-felt-panel/ (Accessed: 9 July 2025)

Gunsell, M. (2025). College Comfort: Why Bean Bags Are In! [online] Big Joe. Available at: https://buybigjoe.com/blogs/big-thoughts/college-comfort-why-bean-bags-are-in?srsltid=AfmBOopLubPnhM2JYewdWAxW8cb28MT3NpPGB0l5BEOGI79PeCAlpHsa (Accessed 8 July 2025)

Rap Interiors (2025). 20 Office Breakout Room Ideas for Your Workspace - Rap Interiors. [online] Rap Interiors. Available at: https://www.rapinteriors.co.uk/inspiration/news/20-office-breakout-room-ideas-for-your-workspace/ (Accessed: 9 July 2025)

Isitt, P. (2024). Breakout Spaces in Offices: 6 Designs for Modern Workplaces in 2025. [online] Oktra. Available at: https://www.oktra.co.uk/insights/breakout-spaces-for-modern-workplaces/. (Accessed: 9 July 2025)