So many current office spaces are being designed with the ideas of “casual work, loose furnishings and a ‘resi-mercial’ feel”. Modern day offices are beginning to feel more like you’re at home on your sofa with your pets than at work with business colleagues. The goal is to achieve a more informal and dynamic environment to increase employee satisfaction and productivity. However, after significant investment in these casual shared spaces, and a reduction in the overall floor area dedicated to individual workstations, many of these casual and fun workspaces sit empty, while others are constantly busy. Thanks to research done by Steelcase’s Global Study of Informal Workspaces, we can learn how designers can help organizations get it right the first time.
As included in Steelcase’s 360* Magazine Issue 76, Office Remix, their Applications Design Manager Mary Elaine Roush says that “When we conducted experiments to learn more about the types of spaces people actually wanted, we discovered they may like the aesthetics and the coffee shop vibe, but they’ll only use spaces that are functional and help them get their work done.” As identified during this study, there are six main drivers that contribute to a space’s success or failure: Task-Oriented Amenities, Working Surfaces, Access to Power, Privacy, Permission, and Context.
As designers tasked with creating these informal but effective spaces, it is crucial that we learn from our own designs, but also draw from research conducted by agencies with more tools and access than we ourselves could ever have. Designing with the ideas of privacy, posture, proximity and personality of modern workspaces in mind will lead to great environments that help teams and individuals work more productively.
Looking for a way to give back to your community, to engage with other like-minded people and to help build teams and leadership skills among staff – not to mention develop your carpentry and building skills. Working with the local affiliate of Rebuilding Together is a great way to do it all.
Nearly every community, if not all, in the San Francisco Bay Area have adopted development standards codifed in their municipal codes as site development regulations and guidelines, precise plans or specific plans. Typically drafted by a team of design consultants, city boards and community stakeholders, these development standards are viewed as the map or blueprint for the shape of the community’s built environment and vary from community to community.
Exploring how apps/mobile devices have affected architecture profession. EX: VR, Morpholio, live sketching on images, etc.
Listen to firm founder Ken Hayes in conversation with Tom Dioro, host of the Architecture and Innovation podcast, as they discuss architectural style and the complex social, political, and economic dynamics that give form to the Bay Area’s urban fabric.
AIA Silicon Valley has honored Ken Hayes with its prestigious award for lifetime achievement.
California’s building codes can be difficult to parse. Go ‘beyond the code’ with the right reference material to clarify the intent of the new rules and devise clever solutions.
We’re excited to announce that 636 Waverley has been selected as the winner in the Multifamily Residence category for the Andersen 2021 Bright Ideas Awards and will be featured in the Oct/Nov issue of Dwell Magazine!