Without cookie cutter cubicle rows or coveted corner offices, today’s contemporary workspaces allow employees to collaborate in ways they could have never dreamed of just a decade ago. But, this open work environment also brings its own set of challenges, namely the ability to get online securely and high speed robust wireless networks are now leading the charge.
The open work environment has allowed owners to house more employees in smaller spaces, minimizing the required real estate and capital costs. But, what about all of their wireless devices? If each member of a 500-person staff brings an iPad, a smartphone and a laptop to their office on a daily basis, how can they all get safe and secure online access when needed?
Here are seven ways to enhance workplace mobility:
1. Understand your client’s business. First and foremost, understanding how the company operates on a daily basis, including their corporate culture will determine how the mobility and collaboration spaces are designed from a wireless perspective. For example, a law firm or government agency whose client privacy is a number one priority may require different wire-less availability and security, which may differ from that of a more collaborative market such as a technology company or design firm.
2. Engage IT early. If IT is engaged early in the design process, it will ensure the network platforms are strong, robust and secure enough to support the user’s needs, allowing them to bring in their own wireless devices. Some questions to ask internally include: Does your company have an overall wireless device strategy in place? What is the company policy for employees to bring their own devices into the office? How will the company balance personal and business use of the wireless devices?
3. More wireless infrastructure. An open workspace may require more wireless access points to ensure robust network access and reliability for all. Both functionally and architecturally, the wireless design team will need to understand the architectural elements of the space to ensure strong connectivity for all employees. Is there a ceiling? How is the ceiling constructed? What is above the ceiling? Ductwork and other building infrastructure elements typically found above an office ceiling can interfere with the propagation of signals from wireless access points and hinder the overall effectiveness of the wireless network. Again, engaging the IT team with the consultants and architect early on will ensure proper coordination and that the right quantity of access points are specified in the right locations.
4. Integrate AV when possible. Sending a wireless digital signal to a display in an open work area could make all the difference in successful collaboration. While not every building owner or operator will want to invest in AV infrastructure from day one, specifying the requirements for a base AV wireless infrastructure will allow AV equipment to be added later with little or no infrastructure expense or major disruption.
5. Understand the layout of collaboration spaces. Make sure that the collaboration spaces and wireless access points you’re designing fit well with the intended office floor plan. Which groups within the company will be situated near the collaboration spaces? Will private areas be located nearby? Where will the IT department be located? Will any departments require additional local wireless access points? Where needed, sound masking can be employed to help subdue the noise from a collaboration space for those working in private offices
6. Even wireless is wired. Wireless infrastructure still requires wires. Access Points (APs) that propagate the wireless signals are connected to and powered by the local area network via regular infrastructure cabling. Also, it is still good and common practice to implement a compliment of a wired infrastructure to cater to devices that are not WiFi enabled and to address some user’s reliability and security concerns that still accompany a wireless network. While this will undoubtedly change, as wireless speeds and security have made tremendous strides over the last few years, most owners still want the comfort of a base wired infrastructure.
7. Coordinate telecom rooms and pathways. Whether the office is open, closed, collaborative or non-collaborative, telecom rooms still require proper size and placement. Working together, the IT consultant and architect will need to determine the architectural layout, distance limitations, density of wireless and wired infrastructure in order to meet the requirements of the telecom rooms and their pathways. Ensuring that the pathways for wiring are well coordinated, especially with today’s common open ceiling office look, is critical. How are the wires from the end devices, including to the wireless access points, getting to the telecom room? Keeping the office aesthetically pleasing while still maintaining the integrity of the wires will take some creative engineering and proper coordination with all trades.
Conclusion
As wireless/mobile technologies continues to advance and the open workspace evolves over time, a company that develops formal IT policies, coordinates between the disciplines early on in the design process and considers their corporate layout and future IT requirements will be the company that meets the wireless needs of both its employees and clients down the road.
About the Author
John Passanante, PE, RCDD, is a Senior Vice President with Syska Hennessy Group, New York
Related Stories
| Jun 7, 2012
Waterline exhibition displays visions for re-thinking the Chicago River
The designs of Waterline showcase why the Chicago River should once again be considered the city’s most important asset and sets the stage for increased awareness, education and reinvention of the River.
| Jun 7, 2012
WDMA and FMA to affiliate and integrate operations
Over the coming months both organizations will begin the process of formalizing the details of the agreement for final approval by both organizations, with the formal change expected to take effect in January 2015.
| Jun 7, 2012
Craig joins Cannon Design as associate principal
Craig will work closely with the firm's Corporate/Commercial Interiors leadership to help facilitate initiatives that strengthen awareness around workplace innovation and offer counsel on strategic workplace decisions.
| Jun 7, 2012
Stantec publishes 2011 corporate Sustainability Report
Stantec's fifth annual Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the internationally recognized G3.1 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, developed by the Global Reporting Initiative.
| Jun 6, 2012
KPF designs tower for Yongsan IBD
The master plan, created by Studio Daniel Libeskind, is a dynamic urban environment containing contributions from 19 different architects practicing in diverse locations around the globe.
| Jun 6, 2012
SOM urges Chicago tenants to partner with landlords to cut energy use
Tenants can exceed building energy challenge targets recently announced by Mayor Emanuel.
| Jun 6, 2012
KLMK Group awarded contract with Parkland Health & Hospital System in Texas
KLMK will also provide planning guidance in all aspects of the project related to facility activation.
| Jun 5, 2012
Cannon Design joins forces with Peter Ellis New Cities
Peter Ellis will now lead Cannon Design's urban planning and city design practice in collaboration with the firm's executive leadership.
| Jun 5, 2012
Walker Parking opens office in Abu Dhabi
Walker has been in Abu Dhabi since May 2011 but in a temporary office suite.
| Jun 5, 2012
Glumac hires Drit Shoemaker as new director of business development
Shoemaker will research, connect, and forge new client relationships with architects, developers, owners and brokers while strengthening relationships with current clients.