Sustainability is considered in the design of almost
everything today and the focus on workplace interiors is increasing because of
the significant part that workplaces play in modern life. Workplace interior designs
that aim to achieve sustainability often focus on things like…
- using local materials in conjunction with local
construction and manufacturing skills
- selecting materials that have a low impact on
the environment
- re-purposing or re-using materials and products
- specifying appliances and devices that minimise
energy consumption
Schemes like these are increasingly successful in achieving
their aim of minimising environmental impact but there are often other requirements
such as budget and availability of skilled workers in the locale that limit the
ability of the design team to implement these measures as fully as they may
wish.
Is it possible that there is an opportunity at the concept
design stage of workplace interiors to make a bigger difference by
incorporating a sustainable approach right from the start?
By planning and organising workplaces in a way that
minimises environmental impact a design team may be able to establish far
reaching sustainability credentials before tackling the details such as
materials and construction techniques. Here are some ideas for integrating
sustainable design thinking into the early design activities…
Get user buy-in to
concept design decisions:
Involve user representatives in the design process as early
as possible and keep them involved. Interactive workshops, mock-ups,
simulations and other techniques help to engage people in the process. Users
will treat workplaces with more respect if they feel that they took part in the
design process. In turn, less maintenance will be required and the useful life
of the space will be extended.
Employ a truly iterative
design process to get it right first time:
Follow an iterative process to identify all potential issues,
avoiding modifications that might otherwise be required during or after the
implementation stage. Using interactive 2D models and 3D visualisations (even
low fidelity ones), can be a great way of getting all of the stakeholders to
first understand and then to think carefully about the design to identify any
pitfalls. Disruption and costs associated with changes that occur at or after
implementation can be very difficult for a business to cope with in addition to
the existing pressures of moving to a new or refurbished workplace. So a very
thorough design process to prevent problems of this nature can be a very worthwhile
investment.
Develop a layout
design that uses space as effectively as possible:
Arrange rooms, furniture and equipment so that the best
compromise is made between the competing requirements for access, circulation,
informal work areas, etc. Lo-fi modelling of footfall and movement through
spaces can be a good way of visualising where the priorities lie when there are
several circulation routes needed. Also consider what changes might occur over
time. For instance, consider how work tasks may vary and in what way staff working
patterns may alter. Using interactive 2D models can be a good way of testing
how well the space will cope with future changes. Make a sustained effort to build
in extra capacity for expansion in the areas where it is most likely to be of
use. Workplaces with built in expansion space are more resilient to change and
easier to modify
incrementally, when the business need arises.
Plan for flexible for
use of space and resources:
Gain an in-depth understanding of how spaces in the
workplace will be used initially and could be used in the future. Often, the
most effective way of getting the full picture is to interview both management
and staff so that all the different perspectives are considered. Use the
information that has been gathered to create opportunities for flexible use of
space and resources such as informal areas, video conferencing facilities and
meeting spaces. Technological advancements mean that the nature of the workplace
is changing rapidly and spaces that can be used in a variety of ways facilitate
different methods of working without the need for significant changes.
Design the environment
to keep users comfortable at all times:
Consider environment design carefully to create workplaces
that have a positive influence on the health and wellbeing of the people who
use them. Ask the users how they will use each area in their workplace; what tasks
they will carry out in them, what times of day they will use them and how long
for, and ask them what their expectations are for the interior design. Create
places that are warm and dry with sufficient natural daylight, fresh air and
sound insulation and include some private, relaxing spaces and even facilities
for exercise. People spend a lot of their time in their workplaces and good
environment design will help them to be as productive as possible as well as
making them feel satisfied with their workplace. If staff comfort is well
considered in a workplace then the staff turnover rate is more likely to be
low, reducing potential costs to businesses and crucially making them more
sustainable.
Labels: environment, interior design, sustainability