NEXT
T E C H N O LO GY A N D W E L L N E S S
C O N C E P T S TAT E M E N T In recent months, individuals around the world have felt the absence of community and connection while social distancing. As a result, isolation has taken a toll on many individual’s mental and physical wellbeing. While the pandemic will not last forever, it has brought to the surface the importance of interaction and collaboration, in-person or through technology. The Atlanta NEXT office creates paths to wellbeing through community, connectivity, and inclusion. Through a neutral color palette, repetitive motifs, and organic forms, the space feels soothing and familiar while encouraging social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
I N S P I R AT I O N COMMUNITY
CONNECTIVITY
INCLUSION
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NEXT is committed to the wellbeing of their employees, customers, and community members. The Atlanta office partners with StandUp for Kids-Atlanta, a community program dedicated to mentoring and supporting high school students at risk for poverty and homelessness. NEXT lends part of their office space to students and their program leaders for cross-generational mentorship opportunities, career exploration, and access to technology. NEXT believes that success starts with wellbeing and is passionate about helping students attain it. Because of this, each student in the program is given access to the entire NEXT app suite.
RESEARCH: WELLNESS VS WELLBEING
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IF WELLBEING IS THE DESTINATION, THINK OF WELLNESS AS A WAY OF GETTING THERE.
Wellness and wellbeing are two similar concepts that both impact the overall health and happiness of an individual. According to Dr. Brandt, “if wellbeing is the destination, think of wellness as a way of getting there”. This is because wellness is considered “action-oriented” as it focuses on the physical body while wellbeing encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. In order to achieve wellbeing, one must also practice wellness.
Dr. Scott Brandt
Because of the close relationship, NEXT understands the need to focus on wellness in order to reach wellbeing. This is what inspired the creation of their apps as a way to offer their customers an opportunity to focus on their individual wellness. However, NEXT wants to go a step further in promoting wellbeing. With this new office, the company wants to expand their focus to other ways of achieving wellbeing in the built environment to improve the health of their employees.
R E S E A R C H : L A B Y R I N T H M E D I TAT I O N
The practice of Labyrinth meditation is a spiritual practice that dates back thousands of years and can be attributed to many cultures. The process involves walking along a path with a series of curves twisting back and forth, arriving at the center. The goal of the meditation is to “bring attention to the path of the moment” while shedding the problems of the day. Studies have shown that walking a labyrinth slows breathing and heart rate, lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and promotes
relaxation; ultimately increasing an individual's physical and mental wellbeing. NEXT’s logo abstracts the shape of a labyrinth into simple curving forms to emphasize the company’s concept of paths to wellbeing. This motif is reiterated throughout the design in both literal and implied paths. A functioning labyrinth is included on the patio to provide workers and visitors with an opportunity to refocus and meditate during the day as well as a chance to enjoy fresh air. Sources: An Introduction to Labyrinths, Helen Curry Meditation for Beginners, Stephanie Clement
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RESEARCH: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY AND HUMAN CONNECTION
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BEING CONNECTED TO OTHERS SOCIALLY IS WIDELY CONSIDERED A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN NEED, CRUCIAL TO BOTH WELLBEING AND SURVIVAL. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD
Humans are innately social animals, seeking out others for companionship and friendship. An individuals sense of community plays a significant role in their social, mental, and physical wellbeing. Being a part of a community has been shown to increase motivation, provide opportunities to learn, build relationships and bond with other like-minded individuals, create networking opportunities, and provide stress relief through social interaction. Being socially engaged helps to prevent and reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
NEXT understands the importance of community and connection for the overall health and wellbeing of individuals. Because of this, the company is dedicated to providing opportunities to foster a sense of community among their employees and want their new space to reflect that. Keeping this in mind, the Atlanta office features opportunities for easy collaboration and conversation with others. Meeting spaces are located throughout and positioned adjacent to major spaces in the office for easy access. Sight lines into these spaces allow for further inclusion and encourage others to join in.
M AT E R I A L PA L E T T E
SW 7035 AESTHETIC WHITE
SW 7035 RIVERWAY
INTERFACE LUXURY VINYL TILE
WHITE TERRAZZO
SW 6219 RAIN
INTERFACE CARPET TILE - ISOLATION
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
MIND MAP
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
WORK CAFE RECEPTION
TEAM SPACE
VIDEO CONFERENCE
COLLABORATION SPACE
PRIVATE OFFICES OPEN OFFICE
ENCLAVES
RESOURCE ROOM INSPIRATION ZONE
FORUM TEAM SPACE
N BLOCK DIAGRAMS
RENDERED FLOOR PLAN
PATIO RECEPTION
PRIVATE OFFICES
WORK CAFE
ENCLAVES
TEAM SPACE OPEN OFFICE
RESOURCE ROOM
INSPIRATION ZONE
PRIVATE OFFICES
IN BETWEEN SPACE
LEVEL THREE
N
RENDERED FLOOR PLAN
COLLABORATION SPACE
VIDEO CONFERENCE
TEAM SPACE
FORUM
N LEVEL ONE
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN 14’ 10” AFF
13’ AFF
14’ AFF
9’ 6” AFF 10’ AFF 9’ 6” AFF 13’ AFF 9’ 6” AFF
14’ AFF 9’ 6” AFF
13’ AFF
9’ 6” AFF
9’ 6” AFF
9’ 6” AFF
LEVEL THREE
N
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
13’ AFF
12’ AFF
13’ AFF
13’ AFF
13’ AFF
N LEVEL ONE
RECEPTION KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS Choice of paths to take Sight lines into inspiration zone Art work emphasizing paths Promote curiosity and exploration through the space
FURNITURE SELECTIONS
COALESSE VISALIA LOUNGE
STEELCASE SERIES 2
STEELCASE FLEX SCREEN
RECEPTION
RECEPTION
I N S P I R AT I O N ZO N E KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS Open layout promotes collaboration and inclusion Nestled between the private offices to form community Flexible seating provides adaptation Sight lines to adjacent spaces provides visual connections
FURNITURE SELECTIONS
STEELCASE MONTARA STOOL
STEELCASE FLEX TABLE
COALESSE BOB TABLE
INSPIRATION ZONE
I N S P I R AT I O N ZO N E
OPEN OFFICE E L E VAT I O N
KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS Central seating encourages community building Adjacent team space promotes collaboration Private enclaves offer opportunities for retreat Layout takes social distancing into consideration Custom ceiling detail abstracts the idea of pathways
FURNITURE SELECTIONS
STEELCASE SERIES 2
OLOGY ELECTRIC DESK
CIRCA WEDGE LOVE SEAT
STEELCASE HIGH DENSITY STORAGE
OPEN OFFICE
OPEN OFFICE
I N B E T W E E N S PA C E KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS Inviting space for others to join in and collaborate Convenient and accessible space Flexible, allows for various types of activities Offers alternative presentation space
FURNITURE SELECTIONS
COALESSE COLLABORATIVE LOUNGE
VIENNA LOW BOOKCASE
COALESSE TOPO LOUNGE JR
IN BETWEEN SPACE
I N B E T W E E N S PA C E
WORK CAFE E L E VAT I O N
KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS Variety of spaces Group think space for collaboration Smaller tables for individual work or partners Visual connection to the patio and inspiration zone Custom ceiling detail abstracts the idea of pathways
FURNITURE SELECTIONS
STEELCASE MONTARA STOOL
COALESSE LAGUNITAS LOUNGE
STEELCASE GROUPWORK
STEELCASE NOOI CHAIR
CIRCA WEDGE LOVE SEAT
WORK CAFE
WORK CAFE
C O L L A B O R AT I O N S PA C E KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS Central space for collaboration and community Flexible seating options Provides space for the Community Engagement program and mentorship opportunities
FURNITURE SELECTIONS
STEELCASE MONTARA STOOL
VICCARBE BURIN TABLE
CIRCA WEDGE LOVE SEAT
COLLABORATION SPACE
C O L L A B O R AT I O N S PA C E
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