Steelcase Design Competition

Workspaces

2022
6 Weeks

Scope:

NEXT, a global consumer robot company, is designing a 12,000 SF Research & Development Hub in Boston’s Seaport District to reflect their brand, values, and local culture. The space must support hybrid work, enhance employee engagement and collaboration, and integrate advanced technologies like virtual reality for seamless connectivity. Key goals include creating multifunctional spaces, fostering inclusivity and innovation, and promoting well-being to attract and retain top talent.

Intent:

With hybrid work at the heart of the project, I wanted to inspire, calm, and support workers while in the office. Scientific studies have shown the marked benefit in stress reduction and sense of well-being nature has on the human psyche. Using biophilia to direct the design process, I developed four distinct biomes to support workers. From social discussion-based to heads-down work, each biome supports workers using biophilic design elements to inspire, calm, or energize.