When designing a high choice environment, less is definitely more

In the recent Leesman Review Issue 17, Peggie Rothe shared some insights around what they call “high choice” workplace environments. Where a high choice workplace is defined as a flexible work environment with a wide variety of different work settings. This gives employees the ability to choose which setting suits them best and therefore offers more personalisation in how you work (as per ABW environments). This sparked me to share:

• Why is a high choice environment good?
• When it comes to design, why is less more?

Why is a high choice environment good?

Interestingly, Leesman’s current research suggests these high choice environments result in increased satisfaction levels across a range of indoor environment factors (as compared to low choice flexible environments). This includes temperature control, air quality, natural light and noise levels. Reinforcing a fact that architects have known for some time; when people can control their environment they are more satisfied with it.

So when it comes to design, why is less more?

Well this brings me to a common problem I see designers faced with, when tasked with designing a “high choice” workplace environment:

How to achieve consistency in look and feel, and avoid the end result looking like a furniture showroom?

More often than not, designers and clients push back on the level of variation in a flexible workplace brief. The push back comes mainly from an aesthetic concern from designers, and often a cost perspective from clients.

Therefore I thought I should share with you a few design principles that can be followed to create a more cohesive fit-out design for a high choice environment. Some of these approaches can be more costly, however based on the impact on satisfaction levels this should be justified.

Principles for designing a cohesive fit-out for a high choice environment:

• Limit the colour and materials palette - this will have the biggest impact.

• Use more built-in custom furniture - this helps create more defined edges to the flout.

• Choose furniture which is consistent or complimentary in style and materials

• Don’t be afraid to break the workplace down into smaller scaled areas, by introducing some screening to reduce visual clutter (even in small fit-outs)

• Connect different furniture settings through consistent ceiling and floor treatments.

In conclusion...

If you follow these principles the end result will maintain a high level of choice for the users of the space but should also satisfy Mies’s old rule for design “Less is more”.

If you would like to find out how your workplace design supports your workplace preferences read more here. Or have a read at some recent posts such as How to find our real place in the workplace.

- Antoinette Trimble | Guest Blogger

Antoinette Trimble is an Architect and Strategic Consultant practicing in Sydney, Australia.

antoinette@atrimble.com

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