Smart Space Design

• Simplify space standards and size modules for workstations, offices and support spaces.
• Reduce churn with modular / universal planning ensuring interchangeable layouts and multiple uses of the environment.
• Strive for the goal of moving people – not the physical space or its connectivity.
• Promote space segmentation such as effective core and circulation design.
• Plan, when feasible, for compatible column grid spacing and window module spacing to correspond with size standards.
• Condense planning densities where appropriate.
• Plan for change – for that is the only “future-proofing” of the work environment that is possible.
• Define shared workstations and support spaces increasing daily occupancy and usage.
• Consider demountable walls, raised flooring and plug-and-play voice and data to maximize density.
• Provide daylight to reduce energy costs.
• Promote sustainability in terms of both the environment and adaptability.
• Study life-cycle costing as 60-80% of a building’s real costs are in its operation. 10% in initial costs based on a 30-40 year time span.

Promote Workplace Effectiveness

by Means of the Physical Space & the People to Encourage Interaction, Attract & Retain Top Staff and Foster Creativity – Supporting the Knowledge Base.

• Reduce absenteeism through a healthy work environment including fresh air, day lighting, ergonomically correct workstations and implementation of “non-institutional”, comfortable space (for the many hours that people work).
• Create circulation patterns that encourage serendipitous encounters for people.
• Plan non-hierchial layouts promoting team interaction and networking of ideas.
• Provide well-equipped project and team meeting spaces.
• Allow personalization of the workspaces including flexibility of mobile furniture to suit user’s needs.
• Consider indirect lighting and acoustical measures.

Achieve Organizational Effectiveness

by Means of the Physical Space, the People & Their Collaborative Efforts — Creating a Resource for Advanced Working Assists in innovation and a learning environment.

• Solidifies a culture of achievement.
• Good design conveys the message that people are an organization’s greatest asset.
• The physical environment becomes a tool in changing the organizational structure & culture.
• Net Future found 30% of workers stayed for the environment vs. 25% stayed because of their salary.
• In summary, design space as a resource or “working asset” and not just as a “sunk cost”- thereby not treating it simply as a commodity with cost reduction being the sole criteria for measurement of performance.