Office space in Denver has become more open and creative in recent years, but only a fraction of it. A lot of space has been left behind and will increasingly need to update as tenants demand it.

Shift Workspaces founder Grant Barnhill said he is seeing a huge change in how people want to work — in practice, design and in the amenities they expect in office buildings. "We're moving away from traditionally designed office spaces, and the ramifications of a paradigm shift of this magnitude are staggering."

He cited a CBRE study that estimated 88% of all office space in Denver’s central business district is functionally obsolete. That means it does not support the way current tenants want to work, mechanically, structurally or functionally.

What will take the place of older space? "We are moving towards office buildings/shared workspaces that have an appropriate mix of private, public, meeting and event spaces incorporated in the design of the facility," Barnhill said.

Also, space will need to be amenity-rich, with workout rooms, yoga studios, outdoor workspaces, meditation rooms, massage rooms, sleeping rooms, bars and ergonomic office furniture. "The office of the future will also have a lot of natural light, spaces to meet others in the community, event programming that supports professional and personal growth, and the experience of art and culture."

Find out more from Barnhill and our other expert speakers about what is next in office space at the Denver Office of the Future event, beginning at 7:30 a.m. March 23 at 17th Street Plaza.