Structures within Learning and Development continue to evolve and become more complex.

It is stated that 69% of L&D professionals are looking at talent development as a number one priority. As the class-room setting still remains as the number one method for training, trainers are continually searching for environments that are conducive to curating modern learning experiences.

Part residential, part commercial

Domestic designed office-space has slowly started to enter the workplace environment, and we see the need for additional comfort into working environments translating into the external training environment. The industry are now calling these 'Resimercial spaces', where the design reflects features that are part residential, part commercial.

The Living Space has been designed to emulate a lounge-style comfort, ideal for relaxed catch ups or briefings. The architects of these spaces were briefed around the conceptualisation of human engagement and interaction, on an understanding that the space should not dictate how individuals perceive or operate.

Rather, they should explore and experience the environment themselves; this space has proven extremely effective in self-awareness modules within learning and development schedules.

Think differently

Delegates are able to simply relax into the comfortable seating, and as a result this shortens the initial tension of any group, creates fluency and removes any formalities

The adaptability and flexibility of these spaces are popular amongst the facilitators, within seconds they can recreate a whole new layout and alignment, without facing the same restrictions of the conventional meeting room.

DHL's 'relationship essentials' programme benefitted from using the lounge style armchairs and sofas within the Kitchen environment. Delegates found this set up innovative, and this is what sets people up to think differently in the ideal adult learning environment.

Transformative learning

As the average shelf-life of skills is supposed to be less than five years, this has disrupted traditional corporate learning environments and encouraged a need for 'transformative learning'. This is a process of tapping into the unconscious that encourages learners to change how they see and do things.

The arm chairs and sofas situated in The Living Space automatically sets delegates into a different mind-set, to the extent where they are naturally more curious and therefore more engaged and involved.

As mass customization is forming one of the largest trends within the learning and training industry for 2018, the flexibility of these spaces allow learning leaders to tailor their programmes to the dedicated learning path of each individual.

Peer-to-peer coaching is reported as the second most popular way L&D professionals train their employees, so this informal environment feels casual, whilst providing comfort. This creates a constructive atmosphere where boundaries can be broken down between the peers.

As technology continues to outgrow human interaction in business, there is a growing need for trainers to emphasise on 'soft skills' within the training agenda. 'Homefulness' is a feeling that encompasses more than just comfort, but also captures a deep sense of belonging.

The fact this space has been designed to inspire community, well-being, hospitality and flexibility. This as a result encourages emotional intelligence, collaboration and negotiation, which creates a learning experience that enables learners to reach proficiency in the shortest amount of time.