Office Workplace Proposal.
Client: OMG Advertising, Pyrmont. Author: Sophie Taylor. TaylorMade Interiors
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Executive Summary Purpose: To achieve a workspace which boasts originality - encouraging and enhancing creativity amongst employees.
Recommendations: This report provides a number of innovative, unique and creative features to enhance an existing creative office. This workspace provides an open-space plan with few walls, allowing fresh air and creativity to flow amongst the different areas. It is important to have an open plan layout to enhance and encourage communication among employees, improving efficiency, productivity and of course creativity. This proposal presents personal, interactive and support spaces with the suggestion of the use of lighting, this is important in all work spaces so will be a key feature throughout the area, the use of Smart Glass to turn public areas into more private areas, a Harbour Room for reflection, numerous Lounge and Liaise spaces with a novelty component to every area you enter to help you get energised and get thinking! The Think Tank is the ‘wow’ factor in this workplace – it is a suspended circular mezzanine, surrounded by an aquarium wall which will ultimately transport your mind into another world.
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Contents Executive Summary.................................................................................................................... 2 Purpose: ................................................................................................................................. 2 Recommendations: ................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 4 The Situation: ......................................................................................................................... 4 Why Change? ......................................................................................................................... 4 The Aim?................................................................................................................................. 4 Body ........................................................................................................................................... 5 New Ways of Working ............................................................................................................ 5 A Safe Design .......................................................................................................................... 5 An Innovative Approach ......................................................................................................... 5 Office Components and Design Features .............................................................................. 5 Feature (1): ‘Think Tank’ ........................................................................................................ 5 Feature (2): ‘Smart Glass’ ....................................................................................................... 6 Feature (3): ‘Harbour Room’ .................................................................................................. 7 Feature (4): ‘Hammock Hood’ ................................................................................................ 7 Office Components: ............................................................................................................... 7 Floor Layout Options ............................................................................................................ 10 Conclusion & Recommendations ............................................................................................. 11 References ............................................................................................................................... 12 Appendix .................................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 1.1 Think Tank, pg 5.
Figure 1.2(i)/(ii) Smart Glass, pg 6/7. Figure 1.3 Hammock Hood, pg 7
Figure 1.4 Hot Desks, pg 8.
Figure 1.5 Reception/Entrance, pg 9. 3
Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Introduction The Situation: To give a ‘face-lift’ to an original work space, that inspires and promotes a high level of interaction and communication among employees.
Why Change? Change is inevitable in the modern workplace and it is believed that change lifts the aura of a workplace. The use of new technology and new office layouts creates a positive effect among employees and should be done to increase effectiveness and work flow. ‘The traditional cellular office layout is fast being replaced by open plan layout and the use of flexible workstation furniture, to enhance communication among employees, improve efficiency and productivity and respond to organisational change.’(02 Workbook) Over the past few years, a number of new ways of working have emerged.
The Aim? • •
To improve productivity. Provide greater flexibility for employers and staff. (Hot desking, desk sharing and telecommuting).
Change is required to boost workplace productivity - Staff account for 80% of expenses in most businesses, it’s essential to keep them productive and inspired with the right office interior solutions for your workplace. And remember, happy workers are productive workers!
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Body New Ways of Working.
The creation of team environments encouraging easy interaction with other colleagues and technology. The features recommended in this proposal explore many fresh ways of working (See office components and design features below).
A Safe Design.
Office safety is imperative in the workplace and all features must abide by the OH&S guidelines for 2010. All technology which has been used in this new office design has been approved and provided with ergonomic office chairs. There is a high level of ventilation throughout the office with access to a number of windows and all electrical points/wiring are protected and concealed to eliminate exposure to walkways and collection of dust.
An Innovative Approach.
The use of modern practices allows this office plan to provide employees with a pleasurable and exciting environment to bounce ideas off one another and the option to enter into different areas escaping their current situation. Using stimulating colours, wall features, different shaping furniture, lighting and texture and just some exciting features which makes any office stand out from others. A change in design is essential for the functional requirements of the agency.
Office Components and Design Features. Feature (1): ‘Think Tank’
Figure 1.1 Replicating a shape similar to the cylinder the ‘Think Tank’, see aquarium example in Figure 1.1, will reach from floor to ceiling. Ground level in the ‘Think Tank’ will be an 5
Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
area for relaxation, sketching, day dreaming, casual conversations/small meetings and discussions. This level with provide employees with bean bags, cushions, a tower of stress balls, oversized crayons, notebooks, butchers paper, yo yo’s, a laptop and markers to scribble on glass panels. Up the built-in wire suspended staircase, is the mezzanine which overlooks the entire office space. This circular space has a round table and hub chairs (See Appendix (a)) in vibrant colours complementing the array of fish swimming in the aquarium beside. Markers and stationary are always kept up here for impromptu meetings and mind mapping.
Feature (2): ‘Smart Glass’
Smart glass, EGlass, or switchable glass, also called smart windows or switchable windows in its application to windows or skylights, refers to electrically switchable glass or glazing which changes light transmission properties when voltage is applied. Why Use This?
The use of ‘Smart Glass’ can save costs for heating, air-conditioning and lighting and avoid the cost of installing and maintaining motorized light screens or blinds or curtains. When opaque, liquid crystal or electrochromic smart glass blocks most UV, thereby reducing fabric fading. Critical aspects of smart glass include installation costs, the use of electricity, durability, as well as functional features such as the speed of control, possibilities for dimming, and the degree of transparency of the glass.
Figure 1.2(i) – Before.
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Figure 1.2(ii) – After. This feature creates once public areas into more private ones and vice versa. This is to be used for the ‘Meeting Room’ and’ Harbour Room’.
Feature (3): ‘Harbour Room’
a.k.a. ‘Quiet Room’, is essential in every office. This is an area where employees can access any time of the day and have complete silence (smart glass with double glazing to ensure maximum thought). It is circular in shape and all ergonomically designed reclining chairs are positioned facing the window. This room also features a water cooler, etch-a-sketchers and side tables with all kinds of stationary.
Feature (4): ‘Hammock Hood’
The back corner of this office space is designated as the ‘Hammock Hood’, an area for creative’s to sit (or swing) and laze in a hammock with their any technology they require.
Figure 1.3
Office Components: 7
Hot Desks
Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
A place allocated to those staff who are out of the office regularly and do not have a fixed work space, for freelancers or consultants. Reservations are required for a hot desk at reception.
Figure 1.4
Meeting Room
The ‘Togetherness Room’. Has the option for the room to be public or private (with the use of ‘Smart Glass’) which facilitates formal sessions and planning sessions. A long rectangular table seats ten people, with the option for more and can also be used for interviews and counselling with customers, clients and staff. Kitchen
An environment created for casual socialising and coffee dates with work colleagues. This area includes an espresso coffee machine, bar bench top with bar stools and lounge with coffee tables situated on the front end of the floor plan. Pinball Machine
Located next to the kitchen is a pre or post lunch activity available to all employees or day visitors. It allows a mental escape before getting back into work. This is suggested that it is kept off limits before 11:00am (due to noise).
Gum Ball & Gobstopper Machine 8
Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Located next to the pinball machine, next to the kitchen, the gum ball and gobstopper machine gives ‘big kids’ a flash back into their past and provides adequate sugar for when 3:30itis hits (See Appendix (b)). Stationary Cupboard and Storage Cupboards (swipe card access)
Stationary Cupboard provides all employees with pencils through to USB’s, and is located at the far rear wall of the level and the central storage cupboard contains filing cabinets which are modular in both width and height and USB backup ports. Cloak Room
This is essential for any office as visitors and clients come and go and there needs to be an organised space where they can have their coats hung, umbrellas put and any other belongings placed safely. This room is located left to the entrance next to reception. Reception & Entrance
Two sliding doors open up to the reception desk. The stain glass window is a stunning feature behind the desk with light peering through from the office behind. A chandelier is located right of reception in the lounge area, again catching light and creating a gorgeous effect for the entrance of the office.
Figure 1.5
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Pod’s (x3 large, x1 small)
Pod’s (group or team work stations) are located in three main areas in the floor plan which provide the employee with all technology that they require, along with spiral note holders, giant magna-doodles (See Appendix (c)) and movable draws for personalised storage. Ladies Washroom
Located at the rear of the floor, the washroom brags a chandelier in the centre of the room, a cream lounge matching the carpeted floor with a long marble bench with two end chairs. The wall mirror has Hollywood spot lighting which brings together the luxe feel of the bathroom. Men’s Washroom (Vintage feel)
Located at the rear of the floor also, the washroom is very slick and provides a more vintage feel with a hat rack on entrance and a light feature falling from the centre of the room. The quirky feature to this room however is the Fish Tank Basin (See Appendix (d)).
Floor Layout Options Sketch ONE: Four main features, open space plan, uses new ways of working, suspended creative thinking level, lighting features with open windows surrounding workstations. (See Appendix (e))
*** Recommended choice.
Sketch TWO: Four main features (modified), creative thinking level split into two on single level, uses new ways of working, open windows with lighting features. See Appendix (f))
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Conclusion & Recommendations Having a safe, innovative, interesting and open office workplace promoting interactivity is key to having an efficient and functional environment. Using new features which support what the employees do will only benefit the work in which they produce. The new ways of working such as hot desking and incorporating stylish and interesting design features such as the use of an original centralised ‘Think Tank’ for creative thought, the use of ‘Smart Glass’ to convert public into private or private into public spaces and of course the areas of the ‘Harbour Room’ and ‘Hammock Hood’ enables escapism into small worlds within this small office space. All of these ideas have been given great thought and are recommended for use in this office space, as each and every one of them provides the key components of a great workspace.
They are safe, space effective, provide ultimate social interaction and communication, mobile furniture, technologically advanced, aesthetically pleasing and provides a perfect environment for thought – which when it comes down to it, thoughts are what matters in the creative world!
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
References Office Accommodation Guidelines, 02 Workbook. Web
URL: http://www.humanresourcesmagazine.com.au/articles/51/0C025151.asp?Type =60&Category=871, Date Viewed: 10/04/10. URL: http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/leadwithin.htm, Date Viewed: 14/04/10. URL: http://www.improvemybusiness.com.au/manage-staff/professionalservices/office-interior-solutions-that-boost-workplace-productivity, Date Viewed 14/04/10.
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
Appendix (a)
Hub Chairs.
(b)
Gum Ball & Gobstopper Machine.
(c)
Magna Doodle.
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
(d)
Fish Tank Basin.
(e)
Draft Floor Sketch/Plan One.
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Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10
(f)
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Draft Floor Sketch/Plan Two.
Office Workplace Proposal | Client: OMG | Author: ST: TaylorMade Interiors. 20/04/10