# Creative Spaces: Tangram Teams with Microsoft and Steelcase to Perform the Ultimate Physical and Digital Balancing Act
*By Paul Smith, Tangram CMO*
The modern workplace has reached a turning point. Technology isn't just supplementing our work environment—it's fundamentally reshaping how we think, create, and collaborate. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for commercial interior designers who must now balance the physical and digital elements of workspace design.
## The Digital Revolution Meets Physical Space
Today's professionals need more than just desks and chairs. They require environments that seamlessly integrate mobile devices, digital displays, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. As Millennials continue entering the workforce, the demand for tech-enabled workspaces has never been higher.
The traditional office model—with its static whiteboards, paper notepads, and isolated workstations—simply doesn't meet the needs of today's creative workforce. Workers now move fluidly between individual focus time and collaborative sessions, requiring furniture and technology that can adapt just as quickly.
## Introducing Creative Spaces: A Partnership That Matters
Recognizing this transformation, furniture leader Steelcase and technology giant Microsoft launched the **Creative Spaces initiative**. This partnership addresses a critical need: creating flexible, collaborative workspaces that enhance both individual productivity and team creativity through smart technology integration.
Tangram Interiors is proud to be one of just 12 Steelcase dealers nationwide selected to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. This selection reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation.
## Why This Partnership Makes Sense
The collaboration between Steelcase—a company with over a century of office furniture expertise—and Microsoft signals the growing intersection of physical and digital workplace design. Research conducted by both companies reveals a compelling trend: **76% of workers believe their creativity is more valuable than ever** as technology automates routine administrative tasks.
This shift means professionals are increasingly focused on creative problem-solving, ideation, and innovation. Their workspace must support these higher-level cognitive functions while providing the technological tools necessary for digital collaboration.
## Technology That Transforms Collaboration
As a participant in the Microsoft Partner Network, Tangram Interiors can now integrate Microsoft Surface products directly into our furniture solutions. The standout addition is the **Surface Hub**—a next-generation collaboration tool that replaces traditional whiteboards with multitouch-enabled screens.
Imagine brainstorming sessions where team members can draw, swipe, sketch, and display their work simultaneously. Ideas no longer disappear when the whiteboard is erased; they're saved, shared, and built upon. This technology doesn't just improve meetings—it transforms how teams think together.
## Tangram's Integrated Approach
Our partnership with Microsoft and Steelcase aligns perfectly with Tangram's comprehensive approach to workspace design. Through our **Tangram Technology division**, we handle complex tech integration, while **Tangram Studio** focuses on custom workspace design.
This multifaceted approach recognizes that modern office workers don't remain stationary. Throughout their day, they:
- Shift between individual focus and collaborative work - Move from private workstations to team spaces - Transition from formal conference rooms to casual lounge areas - Adapt their posture and position based on their current task
The Creative Spaces initiative embraces this reality, providing solutions that support the dynamic nature of contemporary work.
## Looking Forward: The Future of Workplace Design
The integration of advanced technology into office furniture isn't just a trend—it's the new standard. As IoT connectivity becomes ubiquitous and digital collaboration tools become more sophisticated, the line between furniture and technology will continue to blur.
For commercial interior designers, this evolution presents exciting opportunities to create spaces that truly enhance human performance and creativity. The key is understanding that successful integration requires more than simply adding screens to existing furniture. It demands a thoughtful approach that considers how technology and physical space work together to support human behavior and organizational goals.
## What This Means for Your Next Project
As workplace expectations continue evolving, the Creative Spaces initiative offers a glimpse into the future of office design. Successful projects will be those that:
- **Prioritize flexibility** over fixed layouts - **Integrate technology seamlessly** rather than as an afterthought - **Support multiple work modes** throughout the day - **Foster creativity** through thoughtful design and smart tools
The partnership between Tangram, Microsoft, and Steelcase represents more than just product collaboration—it's a commitment to helping organizations create environments where their people can do their best work. In a world where creativity is increasingly valued, shouldn't our workspaces reflect that priority?
As we continue implementing Creative Spaces solutions, we're excited to help our clients navigate this balance between physical and digital, creating workspaces that are both technologically advanced and fundamentally human.
