Workspace Design Show Amsterdam

Empowering Marginalised Youth: Redefining Workspaces Through Technology and Innovation

Urban MBA aims to create a world where no marginalised youth are disengaged and excluded from the latest innovations. Traditional schooling needs to be equipped to train young people in groundbreaking technologies, leading to a booming demand for TechEd hubs like their brand new 4,600 sq ft Young Makers Hub.

At Urban MBA, they’ve identified nine transformative industries, including quantum computing and the metaverse, that are shaping the working and workspace design trajectory. Rapid technological advancements in these fields necessitate adaptable workspaces that can accommodate the evolving needs of businesses. For instance, quantum computers can decode any encryption in seconds, making cybersecurity measures key to building a working and trusting community. The rise of maker spaces and fab labs within traditional office settings indicates that the tech industry will continue to drastically restructure how they work, and this should be embraced instead of feared.

Urban MBA is perfectly positioned to teach young people how to work with technology instead of against it. This is proven by that 90% of their graduates are hugely successful and have accessed over £300,000 in startup funding. This achievement is crucial for promoting more significant racial equity in the tech industry, as only 0.24% of venture capital is currently invested in BAME businesses.

They understand the necessity of fostering collaboration between technology, business, and creative industries. By partnering with interior designers and architects, they create successful workspaces that support businesses from a functional perspective and promote creative collaboration. The success of the London Coworking Assembly epitomises how affordable workspaces bring together professionals from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds, leading to more innovative workspace solutions.

A workspace must be flexible and diverse and cultivate a sense of community to foster different working styles, creative problem-solving, and experimentation. Diversity of people and spaces exposes individuals to new perspectives, ideas, and methods. Makerspaces like Makers Hub, for example, provide access to a wide range of tools and technologies that can spark creativity. Most importantly, a strong community identity encourages risk-taking. When employees feel connected to their colleagues and the broader community, they are likelier to think outside the box and push boundaries.

As technology evolves, we will see a significant shift in the design and functionality of working environments. Integrating artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the metaverse will blur the lines between physical and digital spaces. Businesses will need high-speed internet, advanced security systems, and immersive digital environments with virtual collaboration tools to accommodate in-person and remote workers. Additionally, 3D printing and robotics advancements may revolutionise how we create and interact with physical objects within the workspace, leading to more efficient and customisable environments.

By leveraging their expertise in the nine transformative industries, they can help organisations create workspaces that support their employees’ functional needs and promote mental and physical well-being. For example, they can work with interior designers and architects to incorporate biophilic design elements, such as natural light, plants, and organic materials, which have been shown to reduce stress and improve cognitive function. They further promote greater physical comfort by implementing adjustable desks and chairs, intelligent lighting systems, and air quality monitors. Prioritising employee well-being can improve retention, boost productivity, and create a more positive and engaging work culture.

The central challenge to transforming the workplace will be resistance to change. Employees often need help to embrace new technology if they are accustomed to traditional office setups or perceive these changes as threatening their job security. Businesses must invest in training and management programmes to enable workers to adapt to new environments successfully. Furthermore, implementing cutting-edge technologies and redesigning workspaces is costly. However, this allows organisations to differentiate themselves and attract the highest-skilled workers. The London Coworking Assembly and Makers Hub are great examples of how organisations can leverage collaborative, technology-driven workspaces to build strong communities, foster a culture of creativity, and position themselves as industry leaders.

Urban MBA’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering inclusive, collaborative workspaces positions them as leaders in the tech education landscape. Join Urban MBA in shaping the future of work and empowering the next generation of innovators: https://urbanmba.co.uk/