1 minute read
RESEARCH + COMPETITIONS
MASTER’S THESIS
HARRINGTON COLLEGE OF DESIGN, MASTER’S THESIS: CONVERGENCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE WORKSPLACE
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DATE COMPLETED : 2015
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For the master’s thesis at Harrington College of Design, students were asked to develop a thesis hypothesis and then complete a highly robust project on it. The thesis project required that we build a theoretical framework on the topic, complete research to support it, and write a report that summarized our findings and conclusions. We were then asked to complete a case study project to apply our thesis to.
THESIS SYNOPSIS: As advancements in technology and mobility continue to change our lifestyles and work methods, the way we use space is directly affected. As people can do anything anywhere, space must be designed so that it can provide for any number of functions taking place in them. Hospitality environments (and particularly hotels and coffee shops) have become an alternate place for people to work in, as they provide a much sought-after ambiance, and an escape from constricting offices and isolating home offices. However, these environments typically do not provide for the functionality needed for efficient working. On the flip side, traditional offices typically do not provide for the needs of individuals, providing “one size fits all” solutions and little personal comfort.
Taking inspiration from the technology driving this need for change, space must become more customizable and enabling of mobility. Both hospitality and workplace environments can take inspiration from one another and converge, providing spaces that are both functional and experiential. To provide better environments for people to work in, we must adapt to a convergence of spaces that provide more choice in where and how people work.
My thesis case study used the 320 N Morgan Street building in Fulton Market, which had been recently built at the time. The program included a boutique hotel, corporate office building, community spaces, and numerous building amentities, such as a coffee shop, a coworking space, and outdoor roof spaces.
