Leading in times of change – spaces as a strategic management tool

Traditional conference rooms were designed with one main purpose: to symbolize power. Seating arrangements reflected hierarchy. The setup was rigid. Communication tended to be one-sided.

Today, we need spaces that foster openness, adaptability, and equality – especially at the top management level. Modern leadership is agile, collaborative, and accountable. And the space itself needs to embody those values.

The transformation begins with the right equipment – functional, modular and high-quality design. The Confair Next programm exemplifies how rooms can become an active part of a modern management culture:

1. Round tables for greater equality

Instead of hierarchical arrangements, rounded tables promote exchange on an equal footing – whether in strategy meetings or crisis management.

2. Modular table configurations

Flexible table systems can be enlarged or reduced in size depending on the team size and meeting format. This ensures that the room always remains harmonious – without feeling empty or cramped.

3. Mobile, ergonomic seating

Swivel chairs on castors or comfortably designed armchairs allow for mobility in the room – and symbolise mental agility in thinking.

4. Writable surfaces as part of the architecture

Whether Whiteboards, Mix-Boards or Pinnable Acoustic Wallls: visualisation is at the heart of agile decision-making processes today – even at management level. It should therefore be of high quality and integrated accordingly.

5. Modular workshop tools with sophisticated design

Tools such as mobile whiteboards, liteboards, material servers and board servers must not only be functional – they must also blend in aesthetically with the room. This makes agile working a matter of course.

6. Harmonious overall appearance thanks to choice of materials

The contrast between the past, present and future is made visible through materials and colours. Different design options make it possible to bring a company's identity and management's attitude to life in a spatial way.

• Dark tones & muted colours: Black, walnut and earthy textiles convey seriousness, stability and commitment. Ideal for rooms that should radiate calm and confidence.
• Light surfaces & natural wood: White, natural oak and beige represent openness, transparency and approachability. This design supports a dialogue-oriented management style.
• Colourful accents & contrasts: Emerald green, sage and polished metal surfaces bring dynamism and innovative spirit to the room – perfect for forward-thinking, creative teams.
• Monochrome reduction: Matte, uniform tones promote concentration and clarity – ideal for strategic work and confidential discussions.

7. Flexible multimedia technology for hybrid teams

Hybrid meetings are part of the new normal. That's why you need mobile displays and media walls that can be placed where they are needed – without annoying cables or complicated installations.

8. Hybrid avatars bridge the gap to the online world

Solutions such as Confair-Buddy ensure that remote participants are also seamlessly integrated. This keeps the team connected, regardless of where they work.

Today, a modern boardroom is more than just a conference room. It is a space for ideas, for decisions, for transformation. The right furniture enables different modes:

• Formal meeting at the table
• Interactive collaboration while standing
• Informal chats in lounge settings

With flexible elements, any office space can be adapted to new requirements in no time at all.

The transformation of leadership culture is evident not only in methods and mindsets, but also in the architecture and furnishings of our working environments. 

Those who design spaces also shape behaviour.

This presents an exciting opportunity for architects, interior designers and planners: to create spaces that not only enable leadership behaviour, but also shape it.

With solutions such as Confair Next the office becomes a stage for a new, agile and future-oriented management style.

You can find further insights, inspiration and practical planning examples for future-proof working environments in our Office on Stage magazine. Find out how human needs, new forms of work, technological developments and spatial concepts can be intelligently combined - so that agile collaboration becomes the standard.