Page 17 - From space to place

between. Different companies promote different types of working, so it is clear that we cannot only provide one solution. We need to compose multiple configurations in order to suit the multiplicity of people’s needs. We also think that, if you engage the employees in the process and make sure they have a say in making decisions, this will not only be the first step towards creating the right mix, but a way to empower the employees, foster the engagement and create the bases for amaz- ing teams.
The “evolution model” concept brings an emotional dimension to the office space: how does this element provide value and meaning in the creation of a space designed to engage the employees? How do you evaluate the emotional impact of your projects?
T.R. _We think a sense of “belonging” is one of the fundamental needs of everyone. This is why people do not just look for interesting jobs or for a salary.
The research strongly focuses on belonging to a group of people, to a company and people want to be proud of their workplace and identify with their work.
All these are emotional elements the space can express showing what people are passionate about, creating the identity of the company and representing the values and the vision it shares with the employees. This creates engagement, and research shows that people who are engaged and emotionally connected to the workplace perform much better. They are less ill, they have fewer accidents and make fewer mis- takes. Any company able to engage its employees better will have a huge advantage in today’s global market.
Is there a “golden rule” in balancing the need to focus and to col- laborate in the agile office? If so how do you calibrate this rule to the specific needs of each company?
S.C. _ No, we have not found a golden rule yet, to be honest, and every time we discuss the topic of balance between focus and collaboration with our employees get a different result. This is because focus and
collaboration - not to mention all the other modalities in between of course - are “the” elements that define the workplace. We come togeth- er in places because we want to work in teams, but, at the same time, we need to find places to focus and think. In order to work and gener- ate new ideas, it takes the right balance between being able to think and reflect and being able to exchange with and inspire others. This is why research is crucial. It helps understand how the company works, how many different types of work it promotes and how to create the right mix: selecting the right ingredients and combining them in the right way, with the right amount and in the right architecture.
In your projects, it is quite common to see everyday objects replac- ing traditional office solutions: boats and cable cars used as seating or meeting rooms, vintage household furniture to characterize more informal spaces. What is the role of industrial office furniture in the social areas of your projects?
T.R. _ Indeed, you can find quite unusual objects in many of our pro- jects.
The reason is very simple: we are trying to create identity. And identity is based on symbols and objects that reflect and stand for the company culture, its values and spirit. This, however, is only one side of the coin. We also use these objects to create emotional spaces to promote a cer- tain mind set. When we design a workshop space, we like to think of people feeling relaxed, open and interested in other people’s ideas. Therefore, we create a stage combining functional furniture from of- fice suppliers and emotional components we might find anywhere. However, since people might have to change their working modalities quickly, we always design spaces to facilitate such mindshifts as much as possible.
Only a combination of different solutions, i.e. home furniture, home accessories and office furniture can really help people use the work- space to perform to the best of their ability.
Further Information about Evolution Design approaches are available in the "Case study" section (p.23)
THE EXPERTS’S TALK | 17