The majority of architects feel frustrated by the constraints
of data privacy when designing office spaces, a study has
found: 72% of architects find data security considerations
inconvenient when creating an office plan.
Research1 commissioned by Glass Films, distributors of glass
films for office spaces, asked UK architects whether data
privacy laws - such as GDPR - have impacted their ability to
create aesthetically pleasing open-plan offices. As lockdown
begins to lift and workers begin to return to offices the research
suggests that architects want change, finding that 71% agree
or strongly agree that factoring in privacy compromised their
designs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURITY IN DESIGN
Architects do not view security as a top priority in the design
process: when questioned they said data security was the
fourth most important design consideration after accessibility,
lighting and open-plan design.
However, over two thirds (69%) agreed, or strongly agreed,
that a good architect always considers data security when
designing office space and meeting rooms. Additionally, 68%
agreed, or strongly agreed, that data security should be of high
importance to the architect.
WHOSE DATA IS IT ANYWAY?
The increased demand for physical data protection appears to
be driven by businesses. The survey found that 70% of those
questioned agreed or strongly agreed that clients increasingly
ask them to consider data security when designing space.
It’s no surprise that businesses are concerned, with one in three
(34%) data breaches involving internal employees. Coinciding
with a significant rise in coworking spaces, open-plan offices
and hotdesking, architects are being asked to deliver privacy in
offices while ensuring the design remains visually appealing.
OFFICE DESIGN
“ Acting as smart shield, it obscures light
emitted from digital screens only, making
the display appear as a black screen to
outside viewers
Chris Gould, Commercial Director of Glass Films said:
“Decorative films such as patterned or frosted glass are
commonplace and can be a useful tool in ensuring privacy through
a glass partition. However, they aren’t always effective at keeping
digital data confidential, plus can make the environment feel
claustrophobic, less all-inclusive and ruin the open plan feel, which
we know is a top priority for architects.
“How businesses protect sensitive data has never been under
so much scrutiny, but we believe that with effective internal
measures, much of this risk can be mitigated through simple
and unobtrusive changes to office space design, offices can be
beautiful and functional. A glass film that does not affect light,
or the feeling of spaciousness, but protects sensitive digital
information in internal or client presentations, staff or board
meetings is the ideal solution.”
AVOIDING COMPROMISE BETWEEN DESIGN AND DATA
PROTECTION
With minor changes to the appearance of the glass, groundbreaking
Casper™ Cloaking Technology by Designtex – allows for
the best of both worlds. Acting as smart shield, it obscures light
emitted from digital screens only, making the display appear as a
black screen to outside viewers, while helping to retain the sense
of space and light that comes from glass walled-meeting rooms.
Find out more at www.caspercloaking.eu
To see the full range of decorative films and to find out more
about Glass Films go to: www.glassfilms.eu
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