︎ Office on Demand
A response to improve workspace environment with more flexibility for multi-generation and special needs.
By Wan-yu (Risa) Hung ︎
People are spending more and more time in their office workspace during different stages of life. However, office designs are very generic and are not flexible enough for accommodating individuals’ demands and comfort, especially as people age and have special needs. According to Capital One’s latest annual Work Environment Survey (2019), adaptability and flexibility are the two key elements in the survey that employees desire most. 85% of employees say a flexible design is important to them, and 77% of respondents said they perform better at work when they have flexible spaces available. Therefore, having a high degree of flexibility workspace is not only meeting the individual’s demand and wellbeing, but also boosting the working productivity for the company.
The research and evidence used for this project were both qualitative and quantitative data. Personas were produced from a “Multi-Generational Workforce” of diverse ages and needs. In addition to case studies, there was an analysis of workspace features and preferences indicated among five different generations. More information on the results can be found in the Compendium.
Definitions of workspace features:
- Engaging Workplace- How well the overall office provides an engaging workplace (feeling of belonging, ability to connect with others, appropriate image of the company, welcoming environment).
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Support for Casual Interaction- How well the design and layout of the overall office facilitates casual interaction and communication throughout space.
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Quality of Meeting Space- The right number, size and location of meeting spaces, and ability to reserve and occupy meeting space when needed.
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Physical Comfort- Engaging Workspace Safety & Security Support for Casual Interaction Physical Comfort- Comfort provided by the furniture and equipment within the primary workspace.
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Acoustic Privacy- Ability to assess spaces that provide privacy from being overheard when needed.
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Safety and Security- How safe and secure the employee feels in the building and within his or her primary workspace.
Design Outcome 01: Customized Workspace From the user interface that can let employee choose their own preference to create their own office based on their needs. The information will be sent to the factory for manufacturing.
Design Outcome 02: Individual Facade/Mechanical System— Micro Environment Control
Moreover, with the same application employees can change their micro environment for thermal comfort (such as temperature and humidity), light, sound ,and privacy easily.
In addition, the Individual facade and mechanical system can also benefit from the special needs and situation like the Pandemic (COVID-19). With the individual ventilation can provide great and safe air quality and the movable facade can contain the micro environment quickly and provide protection to prevent the virus to spread to others and cause cluster spreading in the office.
A customized module serving the whole system to meet health needs / 2020
Design to Outcomes
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Works Cited
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2. Nicola Gillen, Future Office: Next Generation Workplace Design, (London, RIBA Publishing, 2019)
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12. Davenport, L., Allisey, A., Page, K., LaMontagne, A. and Reavley, N. (2016), "How can organisations help employees thrive? The development of guidelines for promoting positive mental health at work", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 411-427. https://doi.org/ 10.1108/IJWHM-01-2016-0001 13. Generational Preferences: A Glimpse into the Future Office. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:// www.knoll.com/knollnewsdetail/generational-preferences-a-glimpse-into-the-future-office Customized Workspace Individual Mechanical System Individual Facade System Flexibility and Adaptability for Employees Micro Environment Control Preventing Pandemic Cluster Spreading Employees’ Mental Health and Well-being Improve Overall Working Environment
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