Introduction This module further develops research methodologies established within Level 5. Building upon the notion that research can be used to gather and organise the insights that are at the heart of an effective design brief, thus providing an underlying rationale for the creative process. The work produced during this module will provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design directions within the Negotiated Major Project. A range of appropriately selected traditional, digital and ethnographic research methods will be employed.
Objectives -Identify and research - how might new ways of working and other factors impact on workplace environment with the potential to generate design outcomes. -Produce a body of research and subsequent findings/conclusions which demonstrate their ability to select and apply a range of research methods. -This will culminate in a design brief specification, concepts and a project plan which will then be followed in the Negotiated Major Project module
INVESTIGATING Methodologies
In this journal, I have attempted to demonstrate my advanced level of investigative capabilities. I will be looking at current issues and demands in the working environment.
To help analyse my research topic I selected a range of particular research methods, which I think are the most effective ways of finding information I need to progress the study in the best possible way.
By having experienced office work myself at a fashion company in the past and now working at Urbansuite furniture designer, it has given me ideas of bad experiences such as noise pollution, compact working space and no natural lighting causing headaches.
I will be looking at a range of research showing connection between wellbeing, human health and productivity. As well as history of office workplace and present existing co-working businesses such as Google, WeWork and SkyScanner.
Personal experiences and researches on existing issues at office space will lead me to design and develop on how to make a positive impact for working environments. On the other hand I will also focus on growing connections within the design world and integrating nature into workplace which will lead to successful businesses and increase psychological and physical health benefits for office workers.
Design is not just what is looks like and feels like. Design is how it works - Steve Jobs, American entrepreneur and inventor (19952011)
For my primary research, I will be undertaking an online survey filled by 40 people, visiting existing office spaces gathering photo evidences. Also include literature reviews past and current situation in the work environment. My project will conclude a detailed design brief which will be inspired and informed by the statistics and research investigations gathered above. My passion as a designer is to find design problems in interior spaces and brining new concepts to make a better change creating healthy lives for people and environment, which is why it was I chose this theme for my negotiated major project.
UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE STATEGY
Workplace strategy
encompasses an organization’s goals and values
what is it trying to achieve and how is it trying to achieve it?
Henry Ford was quoted as saying, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” According to a 2013 Gallup survey, only about 60% percent of employees in the U.S. are actively engaged in their work & Almost 50% of Americans have gained weight at their current job. 13% gained over 20 lbs - Work Design (2014)
60%
of employees in the U.S. are actively engaged in their work
137
Many researches have proven and Organisations are starting to understand their primary Workers killed at work goal is to enhance the performance of their people. In a knowledge work economy, people are the engine that keep companies growing, adapting, improving and innovating. Not surprisingly, thoughtful workplace design estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2015/16) can be a powerful tool for supporting employee performance.
£14.9 billion
Given the nature of today’s work processes, how can the workplace better support human performance? – things like collaboration, creativity and innovation. First of all understand the nature of human performance through research it is believed a blend of ability, motivation and opportunity. Looking at statistics and surveys I have found out that my project topic is a big issue globally however looking closely into American and British workers has reached widespread issues.
1.3 Million
working people suffering from a work-related illness (Great Britain, 2016/17)
50%
of Americans have gained weight at their current job
DID YOU KNOW
?
Japan’s professional culture of working arduously long office hours has fuelled a surge in the number of “death from overworking” compensation claims. Legal claims relating to “karoshi” – the Japanese word for death from overworking - rose to a record high of 1,456 last financial year, according to government figures. - Danielle Demetriou, 2016
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) – is a range of symptoms caused while spending time in a certain building, most often a office workplace. Noise pollution - Noise is a portion of everyday life, however if the noise is too much it can cause permanent and disabling hearing damage. It is caused by repetitive noise tinnitus, sudden extreme loud noises.
Ergonomic injuries are those caused by the presence of ergonomic risk factors such as high task repetition, awkward and sutained posture, forceful extortion or strain and even compact work space. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) at workplace is one of the main subject of attention. Having bad indoor air quality can profoundly affect health comfort and productivity.
Lighting Quality - Artificial lighting is one of the important aspects on performance at workplace bad lighting can cause many health issues such as eye strain, headaches, tiredness and other longer term health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
SICK BUILDING SYMDROME Risk Factors
-Indoor Air Quality Statistics, 2017
INDOOR AIR QUALITY Risk Factors
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been tied to symptoms such as asthma, headaches, trouble concentrating irritation of eyes, nose, throat and even lungs.
- Poor ventilation - Low humidity - High room temperature - Airborne particles – such as carpet fibres and dust - Airborne chemicals pollutants such as cleaning materials and furniture - Poor cleanliness standards - Poor lighting - Improper use of display screens - Physical factors such as stress or low staff morale
Solution -properly operated and maintained heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems -Make office as a no smoking zone inside -Let in fresh air -Bring nature indoors -Throw trash out regularly
‘Ergon’ m ‘work’ and meaning ‘ law’
ERGONOMIC
Bureau of Labor Sta
Risk Factors
-Source: Labour Force Survey - Office for National Statistics
Solution Open windows to let fresh air in Organise and prioritise workload to help prevent stress Take regular screen breaks Exercise regularly Eat healthy
-High Task Repetiti -Forceful Exertions -Lifting -Lighting -Repetitive/Sustain awkward Postures -Insufficient rest br -Wrong furniture su unadjusted chairs and wrong height o
meaning d ‘nomos’ ‘natural
C INJURIES
atistics (BLS), 2013
ion s
Risk Factors The drawback on artificial lighting – Dim lighting can cause eye strain, headache, drowsiness, lack of focus which would have a negative impact on employee motivation. On the other hand harsh lighting can also cause severe headache and eye strain especially florescent lighting, this will also make employees lose focus at work.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, more than half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress costing industry about £9.6bn every year (HSE, 2005)
LIGHTING QUALITY Colour - Studies have been found
that the colour of the lighting can have an effect on a persons mood and work perfornamce (Kuller, 2006)
20,000
Estimated number of workers with work-related hearing problems
-Health and Safety Executive Uk
90 New claims for work-related deafness in 2016
-Health and Safety Executive Uk
Risk Factors
- Headache - Elevated blood pressure - Digestive disorders - Deafness - Irritability and Infections
NOISE POLUTION
ned
reaks uch as
of desk
Natural Lighting -Studies of
lighting in the workplace have consistently shown that sunlight has positive effects on workers’subjective well-being; and that employees prefer to work near windows or in workplaces with natural lighting (Leather, Pyrgas, Beale & Lawrence, 1998; Oldham & Fried, 1987; Wang & Boubekri, 2009; Yildirim et al. 2007).However, the nature of modern working means that for many workers access to natural lighting is not always possible
Solution Conduct a Noise Assessment Acoustics panels (There is a wide range of acoustic solutions available) Control exposure to noise Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the measures
COWORKING WHERE WORKING TOGETHER WITH OTHERS IS A PART OF JOB
Coworking hubs are home to collaborative communities of like minded freelancers, start-ups and SMEs. Even Global organisations such as Google have embraced coworking to reduce office costs whilst similarly boosting employee performance & satisfaction. - Business Centre Assosiation, (2016)
In today’s world the spread of information and collaborating technologies in workplace creates a global economic change and sociability have made a need for flexible offices that supports collaborative and productive work. Co- working is present and growing phenomenon globally. In this study I will be investigating the development and benefits of co-working places. An analysis of the academic literature establishing the evolution of co-working spaces. The main focus of this concept is new ways of working, sustainability, work-life balance and productivity.
The aim is to give designers, service providers, and managers who are working in both private and public sectors when developing new collaborative workplace concept. The development of technology and its broad deployment in economic life have enabled more flexible and mobile working habitats. As Michael (2002) says ‘Digital technologies allow people to change the workplace in a fundamental way. The connectivity enabled by these technologies has opened new opportunities for how, when, and where people work.’ This procedure demonstrates how work creates value. Co-working makers should also understand the relationship between work and workplace and the way which they interact. According to Baim, C. (2014) Great working will have a huge impact on the ‘bottom line’ of worker performance and organisational effectiveness. Across the entire working spectrum, co-working is a crucial factor in job satisfaction and effectiveness at work.
A 2002 study funded by the European Union found that almost 100 percent of responders said that co-working and communication skills are an important part of their job. – Oskarsdottir, G., Busetta, P., Ginestie, J. and Papoutsakis, H. (2002) Co-working spaces acts as a source of inspiration for corporate and facility managers when creating eye-catching and sustainable workplaces. The results of this research is drawn from a combination of new ways of working and several difficulties faced at past to present co-working spaces. The focus of the study was on references to new ways of co working spaces. Co-working place is defined as ‘Where two or more colleagues collaborate to deliver their work or accomplish a task or common goal.’ Baim, C. (2014).
Benefits of Co-working Networking and collaborating – co working allows you to network and collaborate with a huge range of bright minds. You will be making new connections and even friends in this process. It gives you the chance to find great mind of professionals in your specific field of career. Freelance writers might choose to work with graphic designers, web designers, programmers and other writers whose work will help shape new perspectives Breaking out of your comfort zone- working besides someone with a completely different skill set will help you discover a whole range of new ideas. You might start finding out different ways of approaching your project.
As Anderson, J. (2017) puts it - Taking the risk to invite others to work alongside you breathes new life into the creation process and shows in the finished product, as well. Working at your own pace – one of the main benefits about co-working is that it creates some space between you and your clients, which allows managing time to work on other projects and move at your own pace. This also stop you from constantly working 9-5 in an office desk every day. Why not work in a new surrounding with new people? Be your own boss! Making full use of your co-working space – this is a great opportunity for a freelancer or small start-up businesses to have a co-working space which allows you to maintain an address for receiving packages and mails. It allows you to rent small working suites where you can meet up clients and have a calm environment. Avoiding loneliness and working with people with the same passion. – Working at home makes people feel isolated after a period of time. Co-working is an easy fix. Working along with others can lend a good support, even when working alongside new people.
To create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living – WeWork, (2017)
THE RISE OF CO-WORKING
Co-working allows people from a variety of backgrounds to work together in a shared space. It is the fastest- growing workplace movement of the last decade. The number of co-working spaces has increased dramatically by nearly 700percent since 2011 and globally, it’s estimated as half a million people work in more than 7,800 shared workspaces today.
Evolution of Co-working The global co-working movement can trace its origins to the emergence of ‘hackerspaces’ in the mid 1990’s. This open work space provided where people with common digital technology interest to gather and work on projects while sharing ideas and knowledge. 2005 emerged the launch of the first official collaborative workspace: the San Francisco Co-working space, located in Mission District. By 2008, there were 70 co-working spaces across North America and Europe. In 2011, the movement has expanded across the globe.
Today, a wide range of businesses form a growing ecosystem that identifies the value of flexibility, community and shared resources. Ranging from small start-ups to global enterprises choose to locate employees shared work environments
Figure 1: Worldwide, the number of co-working spaces and co-working members has risen dramatically over the last decade. (Source: Knoll, 2018)
Figure 2: Hackerspaces.(Source: Digital Economy,(1996)
Figure 3: Co-working Global Growth. (Source: Coherent, 2017)
Wikipedia
Figure 7: ‘Coworking’ trending on Wikipedia. (Source: Deskmag, 2017 Wikipedia offers articles about ‘Coworking’ in 23 languages
Google Searches How often is the word Coworking searched online? Google searches show a growth in awareness of the term ‘Coworking’
Figure 6: Interest in ‘coworking’ on google. (Source: Deskmag, 2017) Despite Coworking originating in USA and UK, according to Google Trends, the majority of searches for ‘Coworking’ comes out of Spain and Russia.
Figure 5: Growth of ‘coworking’ on google. (Source: Deskmag, 2017)
Figure 4: Rise of Co-working. (Source: Huffpost, 2018) The 2002 intuit report starts with: “Imagine a world where companies motivate and manage employees who never set foot in their corporate office.” This is a huge possibility in coming years. Technology is growing and empowering a progressive mobile workforce. Statistics today suggests that 33% of the workforce is independent or freelance and as the infographic suggests, this number is projected to be 40% by 2020.
Why Embrace Coworking Spaces? More Productive -Co-working spaces without a
doubt makes co-workers highly productive. 84% of individual’s surveys in a 2015 study of 1,500 co-workers in 52 countries reported they were more engaged and motivated since joining their co-working community, 82 per cent cited an increase in the size of their business network and 83 per cent reported a decrease in their sense of isolation. Many mention that a built-in peer accountability, a fast-paced environment and flexible amenities as key elements which contribute to their productivity. Because of the amount of people and resources available in co-working spaces, they are effective learning environments. Knowledge-sharing opportunities include traditional workshops and presentations as well as online coursework, peer-to-peer exchanges and mentoring programs.
Lower Costs - Co-working spaces are very low cost-
ing compared to renting an entire office space. Most companies require a monthly fee which includes a wide range of facilities including food, office space, personal locker, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi and also covers other costs such as electricity and printing.
Better Well Being - Having a relaxed environment
where you work at your own time space allows you to work in peace which makes it less stressful. Working in a shared space allows remote workers a chance to meet new friends and get a better balance of their social lives with work.
Build Community-At its core, co-working seeks
to create strong communities, adding greater value to everyone who contributes in the scheme. The dynamic energy of these spaces helps people to feel like they are part of something larger than themselves and that others care about their success and want to help drive their ideas forward. A 2014 survey of more than 200 US coworkers conducted by researchers at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan confirmed that belonging to a community was the most common reason for people to seek out a co-working space. Eighty-four per cent of respondents cited interaction with people, followed by random discoveries and opportunities (82 per cent) and knowledge sharing (77 per cent) Additionally, a growing body of research supports the link between positive social connections at work and beneficial health and productivity outcomes. In studies conducted by Gallup, it was concluded that close work friendships boost employee satisfaction by 50 per cent, and people with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to engage fully in their work.
Added Support-Many people will find a point when
they need additional support from a person who might be better qualified in a certain area of work. This allows co-working spaces best because you can always get help easily. By networking at co-working spaces allows user to gain additional skills and even more work. It is not new to hear that many companies reach out to co-working spaces just to employ freelancers for projects.
Figure 8: Advantages and benefits of coworking. (Source: Nawferdeen, 2017)
Conclusion In my research findings I believe co working spaces are beneficial to both workers and businesses. There are many advantages to balance a healthy professional and private life. Networking and collaborating allows to build individuals skills and social circle also ensuring a successful businesses growth, which is not achievable in any other situation. Co-working will be the main focal interest in the next coming years.
On my primary research report, I have collected information from visiting existing office space (photographic evidence), visiting current office spaces relating to my project and online survey including opinions from office workers experience.
INFOGRAPHICS ONLINE SURVEY This information was gathered from an online survey I created which was completed by 40 office workers.
92.5%said that their working enviroment is dull and unattractive
Time spent at work
72.5% of the workers are full time where most of them work for a company which they cover about 35-45 hours per week and 27.5% part time workers who are generally freelancers. For many of us a large portion of our day is spent at work, in fact, on an average people spend 90,000 hours at work over a life time. Andrew Naber 2007 has dedicated his career to researching different factors that can make a positive impact on people’s work lives. I as a interior designer belive that we spend alot of time at work and it reallt effects workers general happiness and life outcomes on a daily basis. What percentage of the time is spent working in teams? It is not a big suprise to see that 30 to 50% of people work in teams, as today team work is in every business unlike in the past you’d be working in a cubed office space and that about it. From the research I understood that effective team work and communication is priority. Wheather its working on projects or having a conversation with another individual with the a similar interest, a clear way to communicate with each other is vital to a team’s success.
Teamwork provides improved efficiency and productivity!
This is because it allows the workload to be shared, reduce the pressure on individuals, and ensure tasks are completed within a set time. Do you like interacting with your collegues?
Many businesses most important hiring criteria is the ability to work as a team player, yet there are some who dont play well with others. Even thou it is amazing to work toegther, sometimes we all need our pricvacy at work places where we might need to be in a quiet and calm space to concerntate and focus but can we gurantee that our co-worker will undersatnd this or even be in the same frame of mind? In my design concept I want to include some private office spaces to minimise noise and other distractions that can break concentration and inhibit the ability to focus. Also allow workers to have a closed space to protect and manage access to their personal belongings and information.
Lack of Fresh Air
97% said lack of fresh air in ther office space.When I asked workers about the fresh air levels at their workplace it wasnt a pleasent answer and was worrying to see how we dont consider many important aspects of an office environment . We should have natural ventilation, from doors, windows etc or controlled, where air is supplied and/or removed by a powered fan. Also introducing plants to an office environment benefits both physically and psychologically. In a study conducted in 2010, plant at work environment reduces stress - Tension/Anxiety – 37% reduction Depression– 58% reduction & Anger – 44% reduction
95% said that having a fun creative workplace will make them more productive
I asked workers what they would like at a workplace to make them more productive
Break out Have a canteen Gym for with healthy space food options workers Many office walls are painted in a dull off white which is boring and brings your mood down as soon as you walk in. As you can see 78% of the survey research proves that colours make an effect on their interior settings.
77.5% would like to have an outside greenery view from work space.
Angela’s research has shown that while a person’s personality affects how they interpret colour, colour influences everyone universally, and on a very basic level, colour is deeply scientific.
Colours make an effect when it comes to interior settings
78%
Colours and light both should be used to balance out in the design process. Depending on the location and nature of the ailment a specific colour may ease it.
84%
Lighting effects
Colours can affect our feelings, emotions and mood
mood at work
Lighting can decrease depression and improve mood, energy, alertness, and productivity. 84% of my survey responses proved that lighting effects mood at work. When working in the confines of an office, an element of daylight is essential for employee well-being, engagement and productivity. We all know the annoying feeling of being stuck in a windowless room under fluorescent lights.
Having some natural lighting is a key factor to improve workplace performance.
Visit to
Neo Manchester
Based in Manchester city centre with collaborative workspace ideally designed for a contemporary work culture. For start-ups, SMEs and corporates. Neo is home to forward-thinking businesses who want more out of their workplace. They creates space for collaboration, helping businesses to grow as part of a vibrant community of creators. They offer • Serviced office & managed office options • Coworking space • A prime Manchester office address • Flexible office rental agreement terms • Inclusive monthly billing • ‘Plug & Play’ Internet & telecom options • Staffed reception & on-site business centre manager • Telephone call answering service • Mail forwarding and collation services • Meeting rooms & boardrooms to hire at Neo Manchester • 24/7 secure access to your workspace • Protected by the BCA Code of Conduct and Consumer Charte By visitng Neo and talking to the business owners, I realised the market for co-working spaces are quiet high and are now in trend demand. The idea of changing nature of work, creates a home for a contemporary work culture. Its very interesting and exiciting to see how I can incoporate them to my design project.
Hilson Moran Hilson Moran is an international multi‑disciplinary practice offering design consultancy services for the built environment. This office space provides the team with an expansion of space as well as facilities designed to address the common health and well-being issues that impact on staff in the workplace. New office hilson moran in Neo building on the way to (WELL GOLD SKA RATING) WELL is a newly released standard rating for businesses addresses health and well-being issues in commercial premises and focuses on the 7 concepts.
On my secondary research report, I have collected information from existing research through the use of various resources that has helped me to gain better understanding of the analysis being discussed. Evidence of this can be found on the following pages-
The Evolution of Work Place Design
I started looking into the history of workplace designto gain full knowledge of the developing relationship between office environment and workers.
1900’s: The Birth of the Office
1920: European Modern Movement Modern countries in Europe began to compete American innovations in office building. Offices were built to Fredrick Taylor style and small skyscrapers appeared in some cities. Many of these were built with high windows so that it will allow more spaces for filing cabinets, which also meant that workers couldn’t see outside.
1950’S: Open Plan Offices ‘Sealed Glass Boxes In the 1950s offices developed from being inside factories to having their own specific location. The steel and glass architecture was used in the modern movement, and a number of these ‘sealed glass boxes’ were built in New York. This increased the use of fluorescent lighting and air conditioning, which meant that natural light and open window to let fresh air is wasn’t necessary. Instead suspended ceilings controlled temperature and light levels
Figure 12: Industrial Turn (Source: EQ Work, 2017) With the huge spread of Industrial revolution around the world it then firmly set its influences in business, many companies grew to private firms in the 19th century, having precise duties creating a lot of job opportunities by doing simple and repetitive tasks. The factories also works with the way offices were designed, as employees desk were lined in rows and columns so it would allow easy supervision by the management and straight communication between workers when they required to pass documents.
In 1904 Understanding Taylorism The American engineer Fredrick Taylor is recognised for being one of the first people ever to design and office space. Taylor was obsessed with efficiency and believed that all workers were motivated by money, so he promoted the idea of “a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.” In other words, if a worker didn’t achieve enough in a day, he didn’t deserve to be paid as much as another worker who was highly productive. It seems as it was ‘Dehumanizing’ workers doing nothing more than something specific. Which certainly restricted opportunities for innovation, as the individuals had no privacy of flexibility.
Figure 13: Open Plan (Source: Morgan Lovell, 2017)
1960’s: Burolandschaft The 60s were a period that had many exiting and confusing events, witnessing social upheavals that certainly rippled across the commercial sphere, affecting the way people did business. In Germany, Quickborner team management consultants came up with a new office layout known as Bürolandschaft. The design consisted of a large undivided space with an open plan, office partitions and plants created separation areas and some privacy. The Quickborner team recognized for the first time that there were a diverse number of types of office work, and they designed different layouts for different types of business. A careful balance of independence and cooperation for more ground breaking yet still productive work was achieved.
British And American Offices 1970s
In Britain and America there was a different response to the rejection of the Bürolandschaft model. The open plan layout was retained, as well as aspects of Taylorism such as a mixture of cellular offices for managers and open plan for other workers. Due to the popularity of renting, offices were often designed to be a large flexible space, rather than with a specific business in mind. To beat high-rental prices in the big cities, out-of-town business parks became an increasingly popular location for businesses.
Figure 14: Technology’s influence on worker productivity (Source: Getty Images, 2013)
Office workers ‘twice as productive’ as in the 1970s, claims study - The Telegraph, 2013 1980’s and 90’s – The cube farm
Whilst open plan, organic spaces had emerged by the 1960s, many organisations eventually reacted to this new model by looking to gain back a degree of privacy on the office floor. The cubicle was implemented across many businesses – a way to stay open but also to have some personal space. It became widespread, particularly in the US, although now is increasingly looked on as an anachronism which provides neither open space nor privacy.
2000’s: The Virtual Office The backlash to the cube farm was quick, as the trendiest companies tore down those walls to facilitate the human connection that would spark a great many innovations through collaboration and technology.
Figure 16: Century Cool and Collaboration (Source: EQ Work, 2017) The development of digital technology has by far had the biggest impact on changes on office design in the 21stcentury. Widespread use of the internet and mobile phones meant that work became far more flexible, and could be carried out in more locations.
2010’s : The office community and sustainability One of the most interesting developments in modern office design is that layout is no longer designed with the employer in mind, instead the needs of the employee. Research has found 88% workers want to work for a company that’s socially responsible and ethical. As a result, modern offices incorporate sustainable design and take energy-reducing measures such as going paperless to ensure their building is as eco-friendly as possible- (Open Workspace Design, 2016).
Biophilia and Collaboration Figure 15: Cube Farm (Source: Crew, 2014) In the 1980’s, profit-hungry corporations saw the rewards gained from squeezing as many workers into a space as possible. This resulted in the ‘cubicle farm’ layout, where lined rows of cubes were considered most efficient to focus on work. The first computers were introduced and staff became connected virtually rather than physically, calling from one cube to another instead of meeting in person
Many businesses realised that there is more to well-designed offices. Modern workplaces mostly encourages a sense of community, productivity, health and wellbeing. Biophilic design that complements all these ideas, it has great impacts on employees health and performance. Workplaces are being designed with nature in mind, like leading companies Google and Apple. This idea has been embraces across the working world.
The term biophilia was used by German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness (1973), which described biophilia as:
“the passionate love of life and of all that is alive.�
BIOPHILIC DESIGN Biophilia (meaning love of nature) focuses
on human’s inborn attraction to nature and natural processes, But in the developing world buildings and cities slowly created a barrier between is and the outdoors. Biophilic design tries to break down barriers and reverse the tent by connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The phenomena that is biophilic design, is one of a well-known design tool. An innovative and rapidly growing method of designing the spaces within which we live, work, learn, play and heal, the benefits of biophilia can be harnessed nature to promote wellbeing. As a designer, I was asking myself how can we use natural environment to enhance our lives without destroying it?
“The Only Way to Preserve Nature is to Integrate it into Our Built Environment” – Interview with Woha,2016 Incorporating direct or indirect elements of nature into the work space environment have been proven through researches to reduce stress, blood pressure levels and heart reates while increasing productivity, creativity and self-reported rates of well-being.
Our second home is at work for some of us, so it’s no surprise that we want our working environment to look attracting and appealing as we spend a lot of time at work space. Not just for pleasing look but the environment becomes cleaner, we feel comfortable and at ease, a space where we can enjoy and be more creative. When designing workspaces, businesses are turning to the ‘biophilia hypothesis’ – the theory that has proven to make workers healthier and increases productivity. As recent report from Human Space states European workers value the peace and quiet, the textures, sights and colors of the natural world, as well. Employers need to take these desires into account to ensure that their entire workspace delivers an environment that fosters creativity and productivity, not just a small section of it. Plants in office spaces will give two of my research issues a way of solution.
The Indoor Environment Dept at Berkeley, California has found that ‘increases in the ventilation rates per person among typical office buildings will, on average, significantly reduce the prevalence of SBS symptoms Odours can be either detrimental or beneficial depending on the type and origin of the odour e.g. some natural scents can invigorate or relax the occupants of a space whereas noxious smells (from construction and furnishing materials or people) can have adverse effects. The amount of dust can be reduced using air-filtration and cleaning methods that do not raise the dust into the air. High humidity environments have a lot of vapour in the air, which prevents the evaporation of sweat from the skin and therefore the body regulating its temperature to cool down. Too much humidity can also encourage mould fungus growth and have negative health effects.
Sick building syndrome and Poor air qualAccording to the Health and Safety Executive ity at workplace. (Human Space. 2015) According to Finnish researchers there is a significant increase in sick building symptoms when room temperatures are raised from 20 to 24 degrees centigrade in offices
both air and radiant temperature need to be considered as it could cause headaches, tight chest and other SBS effects
How can we combat the effects of poor indoor air quality? (Human Spaces,2015) It has been found that the effect of sick building syndrome is reduced when workers are able to influence the air quality at their workplace improving air-filtering techniques can also be beneficial and this can be approached in a Biophilic manner by incorporating plants and green walls. NASA reports that houseplants requiring low-lighting and carbon plant filters can improve indoor air quality; they remove trace organic pollutants and exposing the root-soil zone removes volatile organic chemicals effectively. If including several plants or improving the ventilation aren’t options there are some interesting new products that are tackling the issue of air quality such as: Bluecher’s Saratech Permasorb – a sheet material you can line the walls with that is filled with tiny spherical balls that suck up and lock in toxins.
The Andrea air purifier – an acrylic capsule filtering device which has a plant contained inside claims to be 100% more effective than a single plant at improving air quality, so if you cannot introduce many plants into your space this one plant could do all the work. Air quality is one of those areas that many are aware of but few seem to consciously tackle at the design stage, however the implications of poor air quality are clear. After my research I belive biophilic design promotes positive interaction between people and nature, it encourages sustaibanle design and its wide possibilies. I will be taking this into consideration while designing my co-working space.
Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction - E.O Wilson
Looking at most modern workplaces that are current existing, was a great advantage because I can consider and convert all elements into my project. It also allowed me to look at the pros and cons to take into attention while planning my design. My inspiration for this project are world’s leading organisations co-working spaces. These companies are currently the most valuable and successful brands. They encourage creative workspaces, bringing together diverse industries, disciplines, sense of community, productivity, health and wellbeing.
Google Office At Google, office culture promotes “casual collision” between employees. This is paramount in demonstrating how collaboration promotes creativity and drives production, reinforces that all employees are there to work and help one another To ensure that Google creates the perfect workspaces for their employees, everything from the corridors and ornaments to the colours of paint are carefully analysed
Each workspace is designed to stimulate originality and ultimately encourage social interaction with members from structurally separate teams. The design of an office has to reflect today’s evolving work environment, and collaborative working is becoming increasingly popular. The world’s number one search engine, Google must be doing something right!
“In our design practice we are fundamentally trying to address psychological issues,”
- Clark Wilkinson, 2014
Splunk - San Francisco Splunk, a tech company that provides the leading platform for operational intelligence, recently reached out to NicholsBooth Architects to design its new headquarters in San Francisco, California. The open floorplan and huddle spaces with white boards foster their collaborative culture and creativity, and different workspaces can be changed in order to accommodate future growth Each of the seven floors has a unique theme based on San Francisco through the Ages.
“We were able to create acoustics that suit their particular needs, and design conference rooms and other spaces in the ways their employees like to use them.� -NicholsBooth Architect 2017
Second Home It is a place where “fast-growing creative companies” can move in and, if they wish and at short notice, move out. It consists of two deep floors, going from one side of the block to the other, where boundaries between working areas are defined by curving transparent walls, which dissolve into reflections the distinction between one company and another.
Second Home describes itself as “a new type of workspace and creative hub” 80% of our members are chosen because they contribute to the diversity of our community – by being at the intersect of different fields, or belong to an underrepresented industry or demographic. The remaining 20% are picked because the work they do is helpful for companies as they scale, and so contribute to the success of the overall ecosystem. Examples include venture capital funds, graphic designers and growth-hacking agencies
KPMG Ignition Engages clients with cross-firm collaboration, flexible design and development techniques to deliver business transformation, large-scale organizational change and complex program and implementation management. Teams work to develop game-changing solutions that drive greater performance potential and address complex business issues.
Ignition locations are unique environments that encourage technological creativity. With project-focused workspaces that foster inventive technology driven solutions, these environments empower and inspire. Technology Solutions at KPMG Ignition unites collaborators, dreamers, designers and doers in integrated work environments, surrounded by cutting-edge technology, to jump-start creativity and accelerate innovation. Teams have all the tools they need to share, think, work - and invent - they create more forward-thinking technology solutions
Moving and Connecting People:
Ofiice Staircases
I have been researching new ways to connect workers that will allow them to have discussions and find new communications. I found out that a rising concept in office designs are featured staircases. As an interior designer I believe staircases can be the defining feature as it allows culture and collaboration which is a highly used objective in businesses today.
Office stairs used to take you to one of two places: up or down. Today’s stairs can also take you across departments, into conversations or even a break out walk. Interior stair will likely be a defining feature as organizations are taking more interest in culture and collaboration. Forward-thinking—or upward-thinking— tech companies, corporations, non-profits and professional services firms are falling in love with modern stair designs.
Case Study Nixon Peabody Washington, D.C.
Nixon Peabody is committed to designing a contemporary office space that is highly efficient and flexible to meet the evolving demands of a global law practice. The design integrates Nixon Peabody’s new branding strategy and include concepts that promote communication, collaboration, and crossover between practice groups. Key goal is to promote human health and wellbeing by achieving the highest standards for indoor environmental quality and natural light penetration. The space includes a three-story living wall with an interconnecting stair. The project received LEED certification at the Platinum level. Also another strategy includes the decision to locate the cafe space adjacent to the reception in order to promote it as an “activity hub” that will be activated by the staff, visitors, and clients alike. The design features an abundance of transparency with glass fronts on all offices, universal office sizes for both equity partners and associates, and a floor-to-ceiling video wall in the client reception area, a variety of collaboration areas, an internal art gallery space, and the potential for on-site renewable energy.
LOCATION 799 9th Street NW Washington, DC YEAR COMPLETED 2015 ARCHITECT Perkins+Will FEATURES 75,000 SF LEED Platinum Law Firm 100% LED Lighting 35% Connected Lighting Load Reduction 35% Water Use Reduction 21% HVAC Energy Cost Reduction
Demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, and promote the wellbeing of its employees!
Case Study Macquarie Group Ropemaker
Macquarie’s Ropemaker Place was designed as a model for a new transparency in banking services revolving around an open atrium and connecting staircase. Stacked floors in office buildings present an innate barrier to business connectivity. In an effort to facilitate a clear and open connection between the corporate divisions, worked with Macquarie to carve out a new vertical opening in the form of an Atrium. Working between the existing structural steel bays, a six-story organically shaped volume was created. Planned along desire lines connecting the different functions, a new continuous staircase traverses the Atrium and has become the visible banner of connectivity. To stress its importance in connectivity, the stair was painted red, with LED lights illuminating the treads.
LOCATION Ropemaker Place, London YEAR COMPLETED 2011 ARCHITECT Clive Wilkinson Architects EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT Pringle Brandon AREA 217.500 SF (20.207 SM)
The brand becomes more animated and informal, with the building structure exposed and the clear message that this is a modern factory for work.
Advantages of moving and connecting people through staircases The workplace plays a huge role enabling employee health and wellbeing.
Connecting
Health Benefits
In addition to wellness, open staircase designs also promote connection and collaboration within an office. Often working on a specific floor really feels like working in a different building, because you’re shut off from co-workers on other levels. Open staircases and strategic layouts can fix this though. By putting different amenities on different floors, employees have more opportunities to connect with co-workers through casual collisions.
Open staircases provide dual benefits. First, they increase natural light, a feature all offices need to mindful of. Secondly, bringing a staircase to a forefront and making it more easily accessible provides increased incentive for employees to use it when walking between floors or to different meeting areas.
Did you know?
The average worker is mobile and in meetings throughout the day. Moving around and up and down staircases between floors can be enough to get blood flowing again after desk work and provide greater alertness.
Stair climbing helps protect against high blood pressure, weight gain and clogged arteries. It also exercises our bones and muscles, improving strength, bone density and muscle tone. Stair climbing are also associated with improved mental health. They cause our bodies to release endorphins, the so-called feel-good hormones. They also provide time think and reflect, managing everyday stress and tensions.
ARTICLES
There are many articles and current news on co-working as its a rising subject. I was keen to find out what is out there on articles and how people are looking reading on this suject matter.
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Co-working is not only beneficial to the workers but also beneficial to employees at it allows businesses to grow and profit. I found out how businesses have used co-working strategies to raise their brands positively. This shows how my project has a lot of opportunities to be successful