Workplace Design Thoughts - Part 2 of 2

Workplace Space Organization & Collaboration: Thoroughly examine work processes and interdependencies, workplace demographics, cultural attitudes and organizational preferences. Examine the continuum of open versus closed offices, collaborative workspaces and common areas. Gather information from users and team leaders, provide presentations to educate users about alternative workplace spatial organizations and how different ways of working, teaming and interacting increase effectiveness.

Consider LEED or other Third Party Rating System Usage: Select a LEED Rating Systems or another system more appropriate to the project type to assist in measuring project performance against environmental design goals. Doing so reinforces organizational and project specific environmental, social, financial goals and objectives. Helps create a common roadmap with benchmarks to identify and reach. (Do this whether or not going ahead with certification.)

Establish a Design Brief: As an outcome of the design charette and early goal setting, establish together as a team the project design brief and design intent early in the process. The Brief should reinforce overarching project strategic values, goals and objectives. And revisit the Brief again at beginnings of each successive phase of work for continuing resonance to core values. create a simple statement summarizing the best intentions of the project. Keep it simple and flexible and it will help everyone stay on focus throughout the project life.

Integrated Design Thinking/ Action: Think and act collaboratively in an integrative and inclusionary manner rather than sticking to tried and true rules of thumb and silos of disconnected expertise. Encourage client staff and key stakeholder participation in the process to support design team efforts and increase organizational acceptance.

Living Systems & Art Integration: Examine key natural systems and regional ecologies for adaptability in exterior and interior applications such as living walls, planted areas and water features. Integrate with critical thinking art / environmental design strategy and building design to reinforce corporate values and principles.