For my design, I focused on four key words:
Transparency – Technology – Biophilia – Coworking
After researching the lead thinkers on the futures of workspaces like Lynda Grattin and Jeremy Myerson, I thought about creating a workspace that merges the two latter ‘waves of an office space’ Jeremy refers to these as the Social Democratic state and the Networked state.
I tried to create a link from the two, with reference to their key themes that included – a pleasant & friendly environment – where effectiveness is marked over efficiency – a flexible workspace – work can take place any where/place/time – and staff aren’t tied to one desk.
Scottish Futures Trust gave a talk about smarter offices where they encourage behaviours that reduce owned workspace and increased shared workspace – nicely tying in with the path I was taking designing my own space.
The biolphilic element is important because there is a lot of research that proves it is an advantage to office space design. These include: -reduction of stress -increased productivity -cleaner air to breathe as well as being able to absorb and reduce ambient noise which in turn creates a quieter and more peaceful environment for concentrating.
Each zone is platformed, to give an indication of a work space without the barrier of walls and subdivisions. The openness creates transparency, each zone can be easily seen from all areas of the office. Where privacy is needed, glass insertions are placed – to emphasise the transparency.
A study by Young Entrepreneur revealed that 1/4 employees do not trust their employer. They went on to say that transparency in a workplace (which they define is made up of five characteristics: communication, honesty, respect, regular feedback and admitting wrong) creates better relationships, better alignment, better solutions and better engagement.
Below you can listen to my presentation, created on Adobe Voice.
design by anonymous 