Designing to influence how people interact within a space is extremely important, especially when people must work together. Many companies are beginning to design corporate offices that will enhance positive behaviors or attitudes of employees and help them to embody company values. One example of this at the Yahoo! corporate office in Switzerland. Being a more free-thinking, open-minded, and casual place to work, they have developed an office that strongly supports these characteristics. As shown in the pictures above, most of the meeting areas within the space have been designed and decorated to resemble outdoor settings, including a rocky waterfront, a dairy farm pasture, and the exterior of a log cabin. They not only have seating that follows these themes, but also have murals depicting sprawling natural environments adorning the walls. Natural environments have been proven to support productivity and help to boost the morale and positive attitudes, so this could be very important in helping Yahoo! employees work together. The casual spaces supportive of productivity and optimism inspires workers to think more freely and openly collaborate with one another to get things accomplished. It not only inspires creativity, but also influences their creative minds. A fun, interactive, and informal environment like this is much more conducive to the creative process than a formal, more sterile office setting.What are some other companies that have used this tactic? How could a work environment that is much more structured and strict be conveyed through the interior design? Which type of work environment could you see yourself working in and why?
I love this concept of creating inspiring work environments. I believe it completely makes work more creative and full of excitement. I feel like if there is a work environment that is more creative, employees are much more likely to have positive attitudes and therefore have much more success. Some companies have Picnics, which in my opinion is a step in the right direction, but still doesn't quite solve the problem of boredom at work. When the simple design of the interior can effect the overall moral of an entire company, I am surprised it has not become more important. I have seen simple steps being taken, like putting pong pong ball tables inside offices to provide a break, or games like basketball nets. Simple tools to provide a break from the monotony. Inspirational images on the walls become boring after weeks of looking at them, but something that can change would be interesting. I believe environment that change keep people's minds learning, which can keep interest. I would love to work in an environment like this, for example Google has cars you can sit in and brainstorm, and they are among the most successful companies in the world. Or Disney and their creative imagineers.
ReplyDeleteThis type of work environment requires a structurally and creatively enhanced space that truly heightens productivity and the creative process of each employee. This space achieves this particular environment through the use of themed design, which is a unique approach to design that can truly affect the feel of the space itself.
ReplyDeleteI believe the most successful aspect of the Yahoo themed design is the fact that the space extends beyond the restrictions of the actual walls. For example, one of the office rooms clearly represents a rocky waterfront through the furniture shapes and the various textures. The design could have stopped there while still representing a natural environment, however, with a surrounding wall mural, the space now seems to be in a separate location. Therefore, employees are presented with a space that acts as a sort of escape, and without the distraction of a confined space, employees can concentrate and expand their creative thoughts.
Because my major also consists of artistic and imaginative thinking, I can truly relate to this work environment. I often find myself distracted due to the fact that I am bored of the space that I am working in, and I tend to move around quite a bit. So, when I saw the variation of the Yahoo offices, I knew that I would be able to work well there.
I really can appreciate the design strives that Yahoo! is taking within their office environments. The concept of taking a work space and making it into a completely different environment really has positive effects on the creative mind. Especially since Yahoo! has taken the theme of a more naturalistic feel, it puts people right where they belong--within nature. It creates a relaxing environment which takes the mind away and outside of the box, thus bringing employees to more creative thinking and ideas.
ReplyDeleteI think that a more straight forward, and strict business environment would find relief in a space like this one. No matter how strict a work force may be, everyone needs a break every once in a while.
I think that because my profession choice relies much on creativity and imaginative thinking, that I personally would work much better in an environment similar to this one. Because the Yahoo! offices vary so much, it is hard to become bored in such an environment, and this is just what I need in a working space.
The Google office is a great example of a creative way to design a work building. Their spaces are set up in a fun way while still enforcing working. It allows workers to be interactive and enjoy the space. I feel like this produces a work environment that releases tension and doesn't force or resistrict workers. WOrkers are allowed to behave in such a way that will produce a better result from the company becuase the company is catering to their needs and realizing a work environment that is inviting will allow workers to want to work.
ReplyDeleteI would love to work in the Google office. I want to strive to work in an office like this when I search for a job. I cannot see myself in a boring, tight office with cubicals and drab colors. I want my desk to be a surf board and walk out of my room to an office with lots of windows and bright colors to excite and bring out my creativity.
A company with a less loose corporate approach as compared to Yahoo! and Google can still effectively change their office atmosphere through a branded space with interior design. Although they may be unable to have a pool table in the center of their conference room or a completely open office due to issues of confidentiality, an office can still communicate efficiency, productivity, and pleasure in less distractive means. For example, a stricter office environment may use varying areas in order to clearly distinguish between private lounge areas for employees, private office spaces, and corporate conference rooms meant for employees and clients. These varying spaces will use furniture arrangements that dictate a particular style of conversation, ceiling heights that communicate intimacy over publicity, and architectural placement of divisions that lock down immensely private spaces. By giving employees comfortable spaces where they can have intimate conversations and relax from the daily hard work of the office, corporate structures are creating a more efficient office space that will eventually increase overall productivity. By providing for one’s employee, headquarters always win.
ReplyDeleteLike most everyone has said, I would want to work in an environment where creativity is virtually blossoming from every corner. However, I would rather my office be less “themed” and more abstract than shown in the Yahoo! office. Although they are images and objects representing the natural environment, I think they would begin to get old after a few months of working in the office. Like someone said earlier, I would better enjoy an ever-changing environment. Maybe the lighting effects could change with the weather or the partitions could change with the time of year. Something to liven up the space to increase arousal, yet still increase productivity. This is where I would want to work.