For my project I designed a collaborative office space, primarily for designers. I wanted designer’s of all kinds to be able to use this space. It would be a space to collaborate, meet, showcase, present or simply just a space to work on their designs. I wanted the space to be a place to inspire creativity. I have chosen to create this collaborative space for a range of designers, as I believe it is important for all designer’s to meet up and express their ideas and gain or give feedback on their works. My design has been created to allow for several different spaces in which may benefit designers differently. The space contains a conference room, showcase / movie room, working desks and lounges. The inclusion of many different spaces allows for designers or teams of different sizes to come in and showcase or work on their designs in a range of ways.
My project was inspired by current trends and office spaces in which I have found to be increasingly popular as of late. Many old factories and garage spaces are being transformed into open, rustic and beautiful offices. I wanted to work with this theory in mind. When researching and designing I tried to use materials, colour schemes and lighting in which reflect an old garage or factory space. Materials in which came to mind included concrete, dark or rusted steel, red bricks and timber. Colours I imagined in this space were neutral tones, dark tones and pops of colour. I envisioned a space full of raw and exposed materials, neutral tones with pops of colour and natural lighting. I also wanted to make this a modern look, by doing so I decided to include greenery and keep it a clean and clutter free design. I believe a clean, open and modern space will encourage creativity to its highest.
Whilst developing my creative project I followed Stanford’s Design Thinking Process (Stanford, 2019). I worked through all five stages including; empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test (Dam & Siang, 2019). Within the empathise stage I researched current work spaces and current trends particularly within Perth. I found that it is becoming fairly popular for old garage and factory spaces to be transformed into work spaces (Perry, 2018). Next in the define stage I began to research how different types of designers use their space to create their work and whether or not there were any radical differences or similarities between them all. In the ideation stage I looked at how a clean and open space can allow for creativity and collaborative work (Spence, 2019). As I was designing a space for designers to create and collaborate I wanted to ensure the space radiated positive and encouraging energy to enhance their work. The prototyping stage consisted of designing different spaces, trying to create one flowing area in which catered for several different needs. I found this the most difficult stage as I wanted to add more to the design however every time I did I felt it became too cluttered and I was made to restart. The final stage, testing, I asked a few design students to look at my design and give me feedback on whether the space would work for them and their work or not. I feel as though Stanfords Design Thinking Process (Stanford, 2019), was very appropriate for this project and allowed me to create a space for the which caters for the needs of its audience.
I have designed a collaborative office space for designers. The design inspiration I focused closely upon was an a modern industrial look. I have created the design using a long and narrow structure to reflect an old factory or garage layout. The space has been created with walls that stretch 3 metres high, which is much higher then a usual commercial or residential structure however not high enough to build a second story on. Inside I have decided to keep to a minimalistic design working with only a few different materials, textures and tones. Both the walls and flooring have been designed using a raw concrete, which is polished on the flooring however not the walls. This allows for a clean and smooth look throughout the space. The windows and doors within the space are made of glass with black steel framing. There is a feature wall made of raw timer slates which extend from the floor to the roof. The showcase / movie area has been sectioned off with long, narrow black steel poles. The showcase / movie room has been furnished with one large tufty time lounge in a grey cotton. This room has been designed specifically in a minimalistic way to encourage and enhance the designs or work in which is being showcased on the screen. This structure allows for natural light however is also very efficient in dividing the two sections. The working stations contain a black stained timber high table, big enough to allow 8 people to gather around and work off. I have used a high table as many people like to stand whilst working or take a break from sitting, having the height of the desk as it is allows for the person to work without having to bend over. These tables have also been furnished with 8 emerald green velvet high chairs with black steel framing, which adds a magnificent and elegant pop of colour to the space. I have included to lounge areas both containing 2 mustard velvet arm chairs and a side table with a polished concrete surface and black steel framing. The final area, the conference room has been kept as minimal as possible to encourage work with as little distractions as possible. It has been furnished with grey cotton desk chairs with black steel framing and a long neutral table. The room also holds a smart screen and whiteboard to encourage team meetings and collaboration. I have furnished the space with a few pieces of art and greenery, in hope to add a pop of colour and inspire creativity. I have also added these in hope to enhance good vibes and energy within the space.
I have found this project to be very fun and engaging. When given the task to design anything I became quite worried and unsure as to what I would do. I believe I have picked up on many skills in which allow me to be more creative and to think outside of the square. I also have never designed an office space and believe this opportunity has made me intrigued and interested to explore this space more deeply in the future.
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