IDC Architects

Challenge

For its new three-building corporate campus, this global engineering, procurement, construction, and operations firm required a work office environment that fostered collaboration between corporate and regional employees, facilitated transition from a 30/70 open/closed work environment to a 70/30 open/closed environment, and increased employee productivity.

Investigation

Approaching the challenge from a holistic point of view, IDCA investigated a broad range of issues. We examined solutions regarding work space cubicles and office functionality, meeting and collaborative space characteristics, and work patterns. We explored common space interaction such as copy/coffee/break/mail support functions and cafeteria seating configurations. We looked at wireless networking technology and ways to facilitate the three-acre courtyard for employee business use.

Solution

Design solutions included developing a single, standard open office cubicle footprint with three different interior functional arrangements. Employees selected the type of workstation best suited to their needs and work styles. Similarly, we designed a single size for the closed offices and provided two functional options for occupants.

We met needs for employee interaction space by crafting six different configurations, ranging from traditional closed conference rooms to informal lounge seating interspersed throughout the work environment. Support functions, including the areas for photocopying, coffee service, break rooms, and mail rooms, were grouped together and centralized to encourage informal communication. Solutions for the cafeteria included five different seating configurations, ranging from individual tables to six-person booths with power and data connections. To accommodate informal lunch meetings, other areas were partially segregated with moveable wood space dividers.

Campus-wide wireless networking technology extends to the exterior courtyard, allowing employees to work individually or conduct meetings while enjoying the many sunny days in Colorado. As a result of the new design, employee satisfaction has exceeded expectations, collaboration occurs throughout normal activities, and productivity has increased company-wide.