Shaping Tomorrow: A Vision for Future Workspaces in the Post-Pandemic World
Sponsored by:
The SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement)
Presented by:
Jae Bin Lee
Environmental and Interior Design (EDI) | College of Visual and Performing Arts - School of Design
Minor in Architecture | School of Architecture
Minor in Information Technology, Design and Startups (IDS) | School of Information Studies
Afton Serviss
Environmental and Interior Design (EDI) | College of Visual and Performing Arts - School of Design
Minor in Architecture | School of Architecture
Fashion and Beauty Communications Milestone | Newhouse School of Communications
Daniel Cohen
Industrial and Interactive Design (IID) | College of Visual and Performing Arts - School of Design
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic not only pushed people outside the office, but introduced and refined a new digital workspace. During the COVID-19 pandemic the number of people working exclusively from home rose from 4% in 2019 to 43% by May 2020. This unprecedented rise in remote work led to extreme investment in creating an online infrastructure that could support online and hybrid work. As a result, more workers now prefer hybrid work; as of 2021 54% of currently remote workers prefer hybrid work for their future work arrangements. The COVID-19 pandemic has now made online space inseparable from the overall workspace. The hybrid workplace is now a reality; however, the built environment has not yet caught up with current technologies. This presents an opportunity to redesign the workspace, focusing on creating a healthy work environment for both hybrid and in- person workers.
Hybrid work depends greatly on electronic interfaces, which presents many unique challenges for creating a cohesive workspace. The current work environment can be thought of as a tech stack, in which workers must first interact with an electronic interface before having a sense of space or larger social environment. The interface can create a sense of isolation within a work environment, which can negatively impact mental health. This sense of isolation can be overcome by designing workspaces to have a defined atmosphere which encourages communication and collaboration. This is why it is important for interior designers, architects, and creative professions to lead the redesigning of the workspace.
Why Austin, Texas?
Texas has been named the “best place for business” for 19 consecutive years. The state has the 9th largest economy in the world with the fastest economic expansion, with the addition of the most jobs this past year.[1] Also, the state has 0% corporate income tax, 0% personal income tax, and an 8.25% average combined state and local sales tax rate.[2] On top of this, almost half of Austin’s adults have a degree, meaning that the city has an educated workforce to choose from. The city’s proximity to highly regarded universities such as the University of Texas at Austin, known for its engineering and computer science programs, adds even further to this great talent pool.[3] The reasons stated above are what led our team to decide that Austin, the capital of Texas, would be the most realistic and ideal location for our fictitious client’s headquarters to be located.
According to LinkedIn and various business reviews, Austin, Texas is becoming a Tech hub, and some even say that it’s the “new Silicon Valley.” A wide range of big-name tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Apple, and Oracle have added offices in the city, and it is not a surprise as to why. Compared to Silicon Valley, the affordability of Austin is something that companies are not looking past. There has even been an “Austin.AI hub” launched by the city in 2017 to better the experience of Austin. The local government of Austin recognizes the magnitude of this situation and has implemented policies such as “tax incentives specifically tailored for technology companies” and streamlined permit processes.”[4]
[1] “Texas Named Best State for Business for Record-Shattering 19 Years in a Row,” Office of the Governor | Greg Abbott, accessed December 5, 2023, https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/texas-named-best-state-for-business-for-record-shattering-19-years-in-a-row.
[2] “Texas Tax Data Explorer,” Tax Foundation, December 4, 2023, https://taxfoundation.org/location/texas/#:~:text=Texas%20does%20not%20have%20an,tax%20rate%20of%208.20%20percent.
[3] Unnanu | Hire & Talent, “How Has Austin Texas Become a Tech Hub?,” LinkedIn, July 11, 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-has-austin-texas-become-tech-hub-unnanu/.
[4] 1. Unnanu | Hire & Talent, “How Has Austin Texas Become a Tech Hub?,” LinkedIn, July 11, 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-has-austin-texas-become-tech-hub-unnanu/.
Fictional Client - StellarTech
StellarTech Solutions is a fictional cutting-edge technology company specializing in advanced software development and artificial intelligence. With over 400 employees, they have established themselves as industry leaders in creating innovative solutions for a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation.
Values:
Innovation: StellarTech Solutions prides itself on pushing the boundaries of technological advancements and constantly seeking new ways to improve the world through their software solutions.
Collaboration: They foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork, recognizing that great ideas are often born through diverse perspectives and collective effort.
Excellence: StellarTech Solutions sets high standards for the quality of their work, aiming to deliver exceptional software solutions that exceed client expectations.
Social Responsibility: They are committed to using their technological expertise to make a positive impact on society and address critical challenges faced by communities worldwide.
Reason for Moving to Austin, Texas:
After careful consideration, StellarTech Solutions has made the decision to move its headquarters to Austin, Texas. The company has recognized the vibrant and dynamic ecosystem that Austin offers for technology companies.
Talent Pool: Austin has a thriving tech scene and a rich talent pool, with top-notch universities and a history of attracting skilled professionals from around the world. StellarTech Solutions aims to tap into this talent pool to expand its workforce and foster further innovation.
Collaborative Environment: Austin is renowned for its collaborative and supportive tech community. The city fosters an environment that encourages networking, knowledge sharing, and partnerships among companies, startups, and individuals. StellarTech Solutions sees immense value in being part of this ecosystem to drive further growth and innovation.
Quality of Life: Austin offers a high quality of life, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse cuisine, and a range of outdoor recreational activities. The city's emphasis on work-life balance aligns with StellarTech Solutions' values, making it an attractive location for both current and future employees.
Pro-Business Environment: Texas has a reputation for being business-friendly, with favorable tax structures and regulations. StellarTech Solutions aims to leverage these advantages to enhance its competitive position and drive sustainable growth.
Design Requirements for the Team
Open and Flexible Spaces: The design should incorporate open floor plans, flexible workstations, and collaborative areas to facilitate communication and teamwork among employees.
Technology Integration: Cutting-edge technology should be seamlessly integrated into the workspace, enabling employees to leverage the latest tools and platforms to enhance their productivity and innovation.
Inspiring Environment: The design should reflect StellarTech Solutions' commitment to innovation and excellence. It should incorporate inspiring elements, such as innovative architectural features, natural lighting, and creative work zones.
Sustainable Features: Environmental sustainability is important to StellarTech Solutions. The design should incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and green spaces to promote a healthy and eco-friendly work environment.
What Hybrid Working / Return to Office Means
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major shift in the workplace. Offices began having employees work from home at the height of the pandemic, and eventually employees began to return to work in-person a few days per week. This return to the office has had a severe impact on the daily routines of people who work in offices, and “it is likely that firms were reluctant to trust their employees with full freedom to manage their own time.”[1] This proves to us that companies and employers are more likely to continue this shift of having most of all employees back in the office. Due to the physical and mental health struggles experienced by most during the pandemic, this office space that is being returned to must be ideal for human wellness and go above and beyond to cater to employees’ needs. Our world is still healing, and our hope is that our proposed office space will help with that process.
[1] . J. Scott Marcus, “Covid-19 and the Shift to Remote Work,” Beyond the Pandemic? Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Telecommunications and the Internet, 2023, 71–102, https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-049-820231003.
Team’s Knowledge Prior to Travel-Based Studies
The Interior Design Team had a slight introduction to workplace design in their EDI 351 (Studio) course during the completion of the NEXT Student Design Competition in the fall of 2022. The particular year that the Interior Design Team completed this project, students were tasked with designing a hybrid office space that would support a fictitious company based in Boston Seaport, Massachusetts. They completed research of the Boston Seaport area and the fictional client created by the NEXT competition. By the end of the semester, they had individually completed a 13,000 square foot single-floor office space that supported a diverse range of people. While the interior design team had this introduction to workplace design in this course, they became highly interested in the subject and wanted to dive even deeper into the post-pandemic world of workplace design, designing for wellness, and designing for the future. The Interior Design Team also had some prior knowledge regarding the influence of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, on design in general through their DES 248 (Design Issues) course, instructed by Professor Dennis Earle in the spring of 2022.
The Industrial Designer used many experiences during his time in Japan to influence his design of the pumping chair. While staying in Kyoto for a month, the industrial designer learned about the beauty and seamlessness of Japanese design. What stood out specifically was the wood joinery. Much of what made Japanese design so unique was the importance of natural joinery. Very rarely were nails, screws, or glue used to join parts of structures. While the lactation chair requires electric tools to get put together, the industrial designer recognized the beauty of clean presentation, making sure that no evidence of screws or nails is visible for the user to see. The back of the chair was designed to look as if it is floating, especially from the side view. The armrests are inspired by the natural and organic qualities found in Japanese culture. The industrial designer also took DES 561 with Professor Zeke Leonard. In this class, the industrial designer learned the basics of chair design, working in the woodshop and practicing joinery techniques.
Collected Data from Academic Research Prior to Travel-Based Studies
Perceived Sensory Dimension (PSD)
A summary of a comprehensive study, conducted since the early 1980s, with the intention to identify the most important perceived qualities of urban green spaces. Compiled evidence collected between 1984 and 2018 suggesting eight key qualities, or perceived sensory dimensions, as particularly important to support people’s needs. A summary interpretation of our collected evidence suggests that they can be related to each other in a model with four axes of opposing qualities.
Creating a Multisensory Environment: Implement elements in the community center that cater to various sensory experiences - visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and even taste. For instance, incorporating artwork, calming color schemes, ambient music, soothing scents, and textured surfaces can engage the senses of the visitors and enhance their overall experience.
Reproductive Health Program: Utilize the PSD concept to design spaces within the center that provide a comfortable and non-intimidating environment for reproductive health programs. Consider incorporating soft lighting, calming colors, and natural textures to create a soothing atmosphere, which can help individuals feel at ease during sensitive discussions and consultations.
Literacy and Art Education: Utilize the principles of PSD to design interactive learning spaces. Visual elements like vibrant artwork, interactive educational displays, and ergonomic furniture can enhance the learning experience. Employing a variety of textures and materials can also engage the sense of touch and enrich the educational environment.
Art Therapy: Tailor specific spaces for art therapy sessions following the PSD concept. Integrate natural lighting, soothing colors, and different textures to encourage relaxation and creativity. Implement flexible seating arrangements and a layout that allows for both group activities and individual expression, keeping in mind the diverse sensory preferences of participants.
Community Engagement and Participation: Involve the local community in the design process, ensuring that their diverse sensory needs and preferences are considered.
Accessible and Inclusive Design: Prioritize universal design principles to ensure that the center is accessible to all individuals, including those with sensory impairments or disabilities. Incorporate features such as braille signage, auditory cues, and textured pathways to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
Holistic Well-being: Integrate natural elements like plants, water features, and greenery to enhance the sensory experience and promote a sense of tranquility and well-being. These natural elements can positively influence the perceived sensory dimensions and contribute to a more holistic and rejuvenating environment.
Designing for Wellness
Paevere, Phillip J. “IMPACT OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENT QUALITY ON OCCUPANT PRODUCTIVITY AND WELL-BEING IN OFFICE BUILDINGS.” Environment Design Guide, 2008, 1–9. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26151865. According to "IMPACT OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENT QUALITY ON OCCUPANT PRODUCTIVITY AND WELL-BEING IN OFFICE BUILDINGS", we can reference multiple IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality)* factors related to office design that promote the wellbeing of employees and provide reasoning for choices we will make within the design. This article introduces the reasonings behind specific choices interior designers make regarding thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting and glare, air quality, flexible workspaces, electrical delivery, and the process of responding to occupant feedback.
* Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ): term used to describe the “physical and perceptual attributes of indoor spaces” such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustical comfort (noise reduction), visual characteristics, and characteristics of furniture.
Adapting WELL AP
WELL AP
The International WELL Building Institute is a non-profit organization that created a standard for interiors to achieve the highest form of wellness for inhabitants. After studying the WELL Building Standard v2, we want our design to have the following to reach “good” IEQ, all aspects of this future office space should meet the standards of WELL.
AIR: Through effective mechanical ventilation and human behavioral interventions, air quality within the space should be of high quality, with a lack of exposure to air pollutants such as smoke and particulate matter.
WATER: The quality, distribution, and control of water within the building should meet the standards of lacking contaminents. Management of the building’s water should avoid damage to the building.
NOURISHMENT: Providing access to fruit and vegetables and having nutritional transparency when food is offered will encourage healthy eating.
LIGHT: Increasing the exposure to light through daylight and electric light strategies will positively impact our circadian rhythm as light affects digestion and the release of certain hormones.
MOVEMENT: Promoting physical activity within the space and avoiding sedentary behavior will improve the health of all occupants.
THERMAL COMFORT: Improved HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system design and control as well as having a secure building envelope will enhance the thermal comfort of occupants.
SOUND: The built environment should be treated acoustically to reduce excess noise and improve occupant experience.
MATERIALS: In order to reduce the exposure to harsh chemicals and avoid physical injury within the built environment, materials and finishes chosen to be applied to the space should lack toxic pollutants and have an end-of-life plan.
MIND: The mental health of occupants must be a priority. This can be achieved through policy and design strategies that promote mental wellbeing.
COMMUNITY: The office space should support access to healthcare, accommodate a diverse group of occupants, and foster an inclusive environment for all.[1]
[1] The WELL Building Standard™
Biophilic Design
Genexis theatre, Singapore, by WOHA (Image: Patrick Bingham-Hall)
In Greek, “bio” translates to “life” and “philia” translates to “love of.” Biophilia is a design concept “from which we integrate the love of life into our environments through design.”[1] Many great designers and architects have incorporated biophilia into their designs, with the design style’s popularity beginning in the 1980s. Physically, this style of design can be translated through environmental features such as earth tones, the inclusion of water, air, sunlight, plants, and natural materials. It can also manifest through natural shapes and forms, such as curvilinear geometry and biomimicry, and natural patterns seen in nature.7 Humans for all of time have had connection to nature, and as our societies progressed towards the built environment, this connection became harder to foster. Biophilic design works to combat this disconnect, and the inclusion of natural elements within our design is more than necessary.
[1] Martin, Rory, and Stephen Choi. “Biophilic Design: An Introduction for Designers.” Environment Design Guide, 2018, 1–15. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26496280.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Physiological Needs:
Provide comfortable and ergonomic workstations, chairs, and furniture that support proper posture and physical health.
Ensure proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature control to create a healthy and comfortable environment.
Design accessible and well-equipped restrooms, break rooms, and dining areas to meet basic needs.
Safety and Security:
Implement advanced security systems and protocols to ensure the safety of employees and protect the building.
Design spaces with clear emergency exits, fire safety measures, and adequate lighting for a secure and reassuring environment.
Consider the psychological aspect of safety by minimizing potential hazards and creating a sense of physical and emotional security.
Love and Belonging:
Foster a sense of community by designing spaces that promote social interaction, collaboration, and teamwork, such as open lounges, communal areas, or shared spaces.
Create designated areas for team-building activities, social events, or informal gatherings to strengthen relationships among employees.
Incorporate flexible and inviting spaces that encourage connection and belonging.
Esteem:
Design spaces that promote employee recognition and appreciation, such as dedicated areas for displaying achievements, awards, or employee spotlights.
Provide opportunities for personal growth and professional development, such as quiet areas for focused work, training rooms, or libraries.
Incorporate elements of privacy and autonomy, such as private workstations or breakout rooms, to support individuality and self-confidence.
Self-Actualization:
Create inspiring and innovative spaces that encourage creativity, innovation, and self-expression.
Incorporate areas for brainstorming, ideation, and collaborative work that stimulate problem-solving and personal growth.
Offer opportunities for skill development, learning, and self-improvement through dedicated spaces or programs.
Design Trends
Trends in design must be studied and documented. Trends can change yearly, especially through color, form, and materiality. Our trend research for 2023 resulted in the findings of earth tones becoming increasingly popular due to their calming effects, especially the incorporation of red-earth ceramics and the terracotta color, so the color palette for our office space reflects this.[1] We were especially drawn to the use of the terracotta color in order to respect the desert-like climate of Austin, Texas. The Pantone Color of the Year 2023 was Viva Magenta[2], and this further proved to us that people are becoming drawn to these warm, comforting, inviting tones.
In terms of form, circles and ovals have become increasingly popular in recent years and rounded shapes are proven to “send a positive emotional message of harmony and protection.”[3] General interior design trends also included retro-geometric patterns, arches, curved furniture, the return of the mid-century modern, brutalism, surrealism, and neoclassicism styles. Materiality consisted not only of ceramics, but also of terrazzo, mosaics, silver and iron accents, stone trims, statement glass, monotone and “mono-room fabrics” and textured tiles.
Trends within the office space specifically included a shift towards more flexible working spaces. This can include various desk shapes that are height-adjustable with alternating amounts of privacy. There has been a major push for increased comfort within the office as well. As people return to work, they are seeking the same level of comfort that they experience at home. Comfort within the office can be translated through increased lounge spaces with couches and comfortable seating, and providing more amenities for employees than they can find at home (for example, through a high-end coffee bar). Further office trends included increased company branding throughout the space through prints on walls and a cohesive color scheme. Office fixtures once popular in the 1960s such as brass, industrial metal, and stone became loved once again, and of course, biophilic design has made its comeback through live plants, living walls, and designs that mimic nature. On top of this, as a reaction to the pandemic, employees are seeking improved office technology for safety. This can include improved cleaning technologies as well as the incorporation of contactless payment.
[1] 1. Elise Taylor, “Interior Design Trends to Know in 2022-and What’s on Its Way Out,” Vogue, January 13, 2023, https://www.vogue.com/article/interior-design-trends-to-know-in-2023-and-whats-on-its-way-out.
[2] 1. Pantone, Pantone, accessed December 6, 2023, https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year/2023.
[3] 1. Debbie O’Connor, “How to Use the Psychology of Shapes in Your Branding,” Kochie’s Business Builders, December 20, 2022, https://www.kochiesbusinessbuilders.com.au/how-to-use-the-psychology-of-shapes-in-your-branding/#:~:text=Rounded%20shapes%20tend%20to%20send,lined%20shapes%20are%20more%20masculine.
Precedent Studies in Austin, Texas
New Google Building
The currently unnamed building is being designed by a renowned firm, Pelli Clarke Pelli. The glass walls in the sides creates the effect of a “sail eternally catching the breeze.” The tower will have 793,883 square feet of office space. It will include typical perks included at tech companies, such as a fitness center, recreation areas, lounges, kitchen and dining areas, conference centers, and bar/tavern. Additionally, it will include 1,327 parking spaces on lower floors and other spaces will be underground. The building will also relate to its surroundings in many different ways. “The open lobby provides access to the Second Street retail and the entertainment district. The building also has a plaza along the Shoal Creek with bicycle and pedestrian paths connecting to West Cesar Chavez and West Second streets.”
Indeed Austin Office
Indeed, is a global job search platform that allows for people to search for millions of jobs, research companies, and post resumes on computers and phones. Indeed’s primary concept for their Austin headquarters was to have a "linked sequence of spaces (lobby, lounges, etc) that was all tied together with large contiguous 'data walls'." The building is 220,000 square feet (about twice the area of a Manhattan city block) and was designed by STG Design, Specht Architects, Spector Group
Apple Austin Campus
Apple began its construction of the new $1 billion, 3-million-square-foot campus in Austin Texas in 2019. It is a campus that will house over 5,000 employees and is expected to grow to over 15,000 employees. Apple took the time to consider the location of the headquarters, learning about the historical and geographical significance of the area. They decided to use Austin-based firm, Bartlett Tree Experts to “preserve, increase, and diversify the native trees on the 133-acre property.” Additionally, Apple is planning to plant a variety of 20 trees native to the land. 60 percent of the land on the campus is green space. This includes 50 acres of nature and wildlife preserve. Like the other Apple facilities, it will run on 100% renewable energy.
Collected Data from the Team from Travel
SC Johnson Wax HQ – Racine, Wisconsin
Architecture:
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939 in Racine, WI
Used a warm red-brown shade of brick for both interior and exterior walls. Nearly 200 special shapes of brick were created. The trim is Kasota Stone of a color that compliments the bricks, and the mortar in the horizontal joints is raked out to give the entire building a flowing, streamlined effect.
Wright called the completed administration building an architectural interpretation of modern business at its best. He designed it to be "as inspiring a place to work in as any cathedral ever was to worship in."
The great workroom has no internal walls. The thin, white dendriform columns rise to circular "lily pad" tops that form the ceiling.
Lacks windows with a clear view to the exterior: FLW wanted to create a sense of nature within the interior that the exterior did not naturally reflect.
Interior Design
Glass Pyrex tubing forms windows (43 miles of it!)
Tree-shaped "dendriform" columns (base: 9" diameter, top: 18.5') that can withstand a load of 60 tons (10x the required amount)
Half-acre large Great Workroom.
One of the first buildings in the U.S. to be completely air conditioned - it was focused on wellness before it was cool.
Color scheme: warm red-brown shade cohesive between interior and exterior.
Over 40 different pieces of furniture were designed to "reflect the building's unique design and help get work done" - FLW was focussing on the connection between design and productivity
Circular open elevators from basement all the way to penthouse level that give a panoramic view of the interior
"an architectural interpretation of modern business at its best" -FLW.
People felt connected. Collaboration of work was strongly supported. Employee wellness and productivity were a priority.
"The result, Wright promised, would be like working in a pine forest glade, with fresh air and sunlight all of the time."
Workflow Interiors - Boston, Massachusetts
For the “return to the office,” many tech companies are looking for more social spaces. Offices should include a variety of workspaces, including focus, collaborative, meeting, and connection.
Modern employees are looking for flexibility, freedom, and autonomy. “we” spaces should be centralized and should be visible from the entrance. People want social cohesion. Employees will be more productive when they work well together.
The pandemic strengthened strong ties and weakened weak ties. This can be fixed by “cross-pollinating” between different job groups. Designers must think about the employee’s experience no matter where they are in the space.
Designers must consider how flexible the workspace is. Will desks be assigned? Ownership can be a challenge to get rid of. It is also important to not design for peak work hours. Creating an environment that can feel comfortable at any time of day is necessary.
Clarks USA Headquarters - Boston, Massachusetts
In late July, the team traveled to Needham, MA to visit the brand-new Clarks headquarters and speak with the CEO of the Americas, Jonathan Ram. Jon was able to enlighten us with a more business-oriented perspective on how a workplace should be designed. The most important aspect of the design process was ensuring the comfort and fulfilling the needs of all employees, regardless of the day of the week, time of day, and how many people are in the office. Clarks has created a schedule that requires employees to come into the office at least three times a week. This way, people can interact with their peers while also getting the opportunity to work from home during the week. Other important needs in an office include getting rid of boring design elements. The entire space should be inspiring and feel welcome. Additionally, emphasizing the need for bathrooms around the office is important. The team’s conversation helped us understand the importance of being able to take the language used by a more business-oriented client and transform it into visual design.
Apple Park - Cupertino, California
Apple Park, located in Cupertino, California, is the corporate headquarters of Apple Inc. The design of Apple Park, including both its architecture and interior design, reflects the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a seamless integration of nature and technology.
Architecture:
Foster + Partners: Apple Park's architecture was primarily designed by Foster + Partners, a renowned architectural firm. The firm worked closely with Apple's design team, led by Jony Ive, to create a cohesive vision for the campus.
The Ring-Shaped Building: The centerpiece of Apple Park is a massive circular building often referred to as "the spaceship." It spans approximately 2.8 million square feet and houses office spaces, research and development facilities, and the Steve Jobs Theater.
Open Design: The campus is designed to encourage collaboration and creativity. The circular shape of the building allows for easy communication and movement among employees. It features open workspaces, large glass panels, and numerous atriums that provide abundant natural light.
Sustainable Features: Apple Park incorporates several sustainable features, including one of the largest solar panel installations in the world. The rooftop solar panels generate a significant portion of the campus's energy needs. The building also utilizes passive cooling techniques and extensive landscaping to reduce energy consumption.
Interior Design:
Minimalistic Aesthetic: Apple Park's interior design follows Apple's signature minimalistic and clean aesthetic. The emphasis is on simplicity, functionality, and attention to detail. The interiors feature a blend of natural materials, including glass, wood, and stone.
Collaborative Spaces: The campus includes a range of collaborative spaces, such as open-plan work areas, meeting rooms, and informal lounges. These spaces are designed to foster interaction and teamwork among employees.
Environmental Integration: The interior design incorporates elements of nature to create a calming and inspiring work environment. Indoor gardens, landscaped courtyards, and large floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the surrounding green spaces.
Innovative Amenities: Apple Park offers various amenities to enhance employee well-being, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness center, and cafes. The design of these spaces focuses on functionality, comfort, and creating a sense of community.
Overall, Apple Park's design is a testament to Apple's commitment to creating a harmonious environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and sustainability. The architectural and interior design choices aim to blend technology seamlessly with nature while providing employees with a comfortable and inspiring workplace.
Golden Gate Park - San Fransisco, California
Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, California, is a popular feature of Golden Gate Park, originally built as part of a sprawling World's Fair, the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. Though many of its attractions are still a part of the garden today, there have been changes throughout the history of the garden that have shaped it into what it is today.
We visited and studied how urban design and landscape architecture shapes a city, affecting lifestyle of SF residents.
DeYoung Museum
The de Young, a fine arts museum located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, is one of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco along with the Legion of Honor. The de Young is named for its founder, early San Francisco newspaperman M. H. de Young. On March 22, 2016, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco announced the appointment of Max Hollein as its director, taking over from Colin Bailey who left for the Morgan Library & Museum after a two-year term. Hollein's tenure began on June 1, 2016.
This Museum is well known for its architecture - we did a site visit and performed several drawing exercises.
Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers is a greenhouse and botanical garden that houses a collection of rare and exotic plants in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. With construction having been completed in 1879, it is the oldest building in the park. It was one of the first municipal conservatories constructed in the United States and is the oldest remaining municipal wooden conservatory in the country.
We studied how landscape architecture defines a space and the importance of local plants when it comes to urban development.
Chinatown (Cultural Diversity)
The country's oldest and largest Chinatown is not only rich in history but culture. Stop by the fortune cooking bakery for a demonstration and sample! Most tourists stick to Grant Street and its shops but wandering off into the alleys and side streets will offer a glimpse into the authentic community. Try a little of both for a complete experience.
Strategies and Concept
Interior Design Overview:
The interior design team began their process through in-depth programming, which is the process of analyzing potential needs within the space and determining technical details such as adjacencies. Next, a material study was conducted through the selection of sustainable, appropriate interior finishes. Finally, the team collaborated in Revit to create initial spatial planning.
Interior Design / Programming:
After researching the site of Austin, Texas, the interior design team began the process of programming. The team first began deciding the proximity of spaces through bubble diagrams and square footage decisions were made. These diagrams help to provide a visual that can be used to later assign locations of spaces based on adjacency requirements and suggestions.
Furniture Design Overview (Dan Cohen)
As the industrial designer for this research project, I was tasked with finding a product that needed more than just a makeover but had genuine problems that needed fixing. During the first four months of research, we perused academic journals, essays, and studies. We traveled to Boston and interviewed the CEO of Clarks and Workflow interior designers. We flew out to Wisconsin for the S.C. Johnson headquarters and to Cupertino to see the Apple headquarters. What we found was that the social dynamics of the workplace changed dramatically after the pandemic. People needed a reason to come to the office. They needed perks, social gatherings, and face-to-face connection. People needed to feel productive but also comfortable, as if at home. While it was fascinating to learn of these changes, one aspect of the office had not changed. The CEO of Clarks, Jon Ram, mentioned the importance of lactation rooms in the office. These rooms were often overlooked and made to simply check off the boxes of guidelines and legal restrictions. After hearing this, we decided to look up the typical chairs that were in lactation rooms. None of the chairs had anything in common. Some were large and cushiony, some wooden. There were examples with reclining backs and others with backs that were upright. We could only find two chairs made specifically for pumping. It seemed like there could be a lot more done to aid women in need of pumping in the workplace.
Conclusion
As our journey through this comprehensive study of workplace design in the post-pandemic era comes to a close, we, the team, reflect on the profound insights and experiences garnered. The COVID-19 pandemic, a catalyst for unprecedented change, has reshaped the concept of the workplace, giving rise to hybrid environments that blend in-person and remote work. Our research, fueled by the rapid shift from traditional office spaces to digital realms, has led us to explore and reimagine the future of workspaces.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our collaborators and supporters – Workflow Interiors, Apple, Clarks, and many others – whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping our understanding and approach. Their expertise, resources, and innovative perspectives have not only enriched our research but also illuminated the path to creating more adaptive, inclusive, and human-centric work environments.
This study is not just an academic endeavor but a clarion call for a collective effort towards creating workspaces that are not only functional but also nurturing and inspiring. Our fictional client, StellarTech Solutions, embodies the synthesis of technological advancement and human-centric design, a beacon guiding us towards a future where workspaces are not just places of employment but cradles of creativity, collaboration, and well-being.
In conclusion, we, the team, share a hopeful vision. A vision where the lessons learned and strategies developed from this research ripple out into the world, fostering work environments that prioritize mental health, encourage social connectivity, and leverage technology for greater inclusivity and efficiency. It is our sincere hope that our work serves as a steppingstone towards a future where every workspace is a harmonious blend of comfort, innovation, and human connection, contributing to a healthier, more productive, and more connected world.
Sincerely,
Jae Bin Lee
Major in Environmental + Interior Design (BFA)
Minor in Architecture
Minor in Information Technology, Design, and Startups
Afton Serviss
Major in Environmental + Interior Design (BFA)
Minor in Architecture
Fashion and Beauty Communication Milestone
Daniel Cohen
Major in Industrial and Interactive Design (BID)
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