International design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman and furniture designer Three H recently announced the publication of the joint white paper “The Effect of Individualized Work Settings on Productivity and Well-Being.” This paper is the first in a planned three-part series of studies on the evolution of diverse office environments and how the contemporary activity-based workplace (ABW) can be uniquely tailored to support a range of employee personalities, tasks and work modes. And while the premise of ABWs is based on the practice of allowing workers to remain mobile and flexible within the workplace, this paper argues that up until now, little attention and scant resources have been paid toward looking at the importance of individualizing such environments.
In examining the various topics that relate to the physical workplace, the paper’s authors open with a historical overview of modern-day office design, followed by summaries of studies that examine emerging trends in workplace design (including organization case studies), and most importantly, take an in-depth investigative look at the complex and evolving relationship that exists between common personality types—including individual strengths and shortcomings—and the physical conditions of the workplace. Throughout this study, the authors’ findings are informed by the existing variety of ABW types, from open bar-height workstations and semi-partitioned areas with modular walls to more traditional enclosed spaces fitted with mobile and customizable furnishings.
According to the authors, “The importance of creating a work environment that satisfies an individual’s specifications and preferences has been well-documented; the activity-based work environment begins to address this need by offering a variety of settings suited to various tasks and working styles. Why not take this a step further by leveraging available data (i.e. employee preferences, working habits, activity patterns, and personality type) in order to provide an optimal work environment?” Further, in the white paper’s overview of ABW types, the authors offer, “Uncovering how people’s needs and potential success in an office differs based on their personality can arguably help overcome some of the current shortcomings in ABWs, and in office design in general.”
According to Gary Hierlihy, Three H’s VP of Sales and Marketing, based in Toronto, “The notions of personalization and customization are a perfect fit for us at a time when Three H is undertaking its two-year ‘Diversity’ program, in which we’re developing new approaches to office furniture design for evolving workplaces … The integration of the finding of this joint study represent a crucial component to how we design and shape workplace environments of the future.”
The white paper’s primary authors comprise Perkins Eastman Associates Rebecca Milne, Scott Fallick, and Katherine Gluckselig, based in New York, and Designer Danya Hakky, based in Washington, DC. The second phase of this joint Perkins Eastman-Three H study will examine a host of personality and intelligence types, using subjects in an office setting, and study how the physical environment may be shaped to support both the employee and organization as a whole.
The entire white paper is available for free download here.
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Office Sector Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. office building sector
Gensler, Jacobs, and STO Building Group head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest office building sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Government Buildings | Nov 25, 2020
New Indiana Toll Road headquarters creates unified environment for staff
New LEED Gold facility consolidates operations for tollway authority.
Smart Buildings | Nov 20, 2020
The Weekly show: SPIRE smart building rating system, and pickleball court design tips
The November 19 episode of BD+C's The Weekly is available for viewing on demand.
Office Buildings | Nov 17, 2020
Former elementary school becomes modern office space in North Charleston
The Middleton Group is designing the project.
Government Buildings | Nov 13, 2020
Tax shortfalls nip government projects in the bud
Federal contracts are proceeding, but states and cities are delaying, deferring, and looking for private investment.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Office Buildings | Nov 9, 2020
HWKN unveils Bushwick Generator office campus
The building will become a new hub for innovative companies in Brooklyn.
Building Team Awards | Nov 2, 2020
It's back to the future for this contractor
Poettker Construction’s new headquarters in rural Breese, Ill., is recognized with a Bronze Award in BD+C’s 2020 Building Team Awards.
Smart Buildings | Oct 26, 2020
World’s first smart building assessment and rating program released
The SPIRE Smart Building Program will help building owners and operators make better investment decisions, improve tenant satisfaction, and increase asset value.
Office Buildings | Oct 14, 2020
Chicago’s Bank of America Tower completes, opens
Goettsch Partners designed the project.