Creating a dynamic workplace strategy to support growth, sustainability, and adaptability for the future.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Situated at 16 York Street, the building is steps away from Union Station and located in Toronto's dynamic business core. This 32-story Class A building, completed in 2020, is a prime example of sustainable and innovative architecture, boasting LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications. The building design incorporates open, flexible floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and raised flooring, offering an environment designed for both efficiency and well-being.
The client’s office suite, located on the 22nd floor, spans 15,546 sqft and offers stunning views of Lake Ontario on the south and southeast sides of the office. This workspace is a reflection of the energy company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, designed to embody their environmental values while supporting their future growth.
My role focused on space planning, developing workplace strategies, and proposing value engineering solutions on FF&E and construction methodologies to generate Class D estimates. I focused on planning a sustainable and adaptable layout that prioritized flexibility, collaboration, and employee well-being.
THE PROBLEM
The client, a leading Canadian energy company, aimed to transform their workplace to promote collaboration and employee well-being, while also accommodating for future growth. Their existing office environment, with ACT ceiling throughout and a traditional, fixed workstation setup, was not conducive to these goals. The move to the new building presented a prime opportunity to adopt an open concept design that could better support their objectives.
However, the open layout and open ceiling could introduce significant acoustical challenges. The design aimed to foster collaboration, but the open floor plan risked creating a noisy environment that could hinder productivity. Identifying and implementing effective tools and strategies to improve acoustics in the open workstation area was crucial to achieving the desired balance between openness and sound management.
Additionally, maximizing space utilization efficiency was a critical challenge to ensure the floor plan could support diverse functional areas and allow for adaptability as the organization evolves.
These challenges required a strategic space planning approach to create a flexible, sustainable design that met the client's current and future needs.
THE PROCESS
Understanding Client's Needs
The initial phase involved gaining a clear understanding of the client's needs and breaking down space usage, with a focus on creating a workspace that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and employee well-being. Specific space requirements included presentation room, wellness room, drawing review table, and hot desking for interns. This understanding guided the development of a layout that supports diverse work activities and future growth.
Site Evaluation
The building's floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning views of Lake Ontario, which needs to be leveraged by keeping the southeast side as open workstation to enhance employee well-being. The absence of obstructive columns provided flexibility in planning, while the raised flooring also allowed for flexibility of workstation placement without having the need to core drill.
Space Planning and Zoning
Given that the suite occupied the entire south portion of the floor and had main entry point in the middle, the central entry point naturally divided the suite into two distinct sides: one side with the meeting room zone and cafe zone, and other side with the workspace zone. Client-facing meeting rooms were placed in the southwest corner, where views are obstructed, as these rooms are not occupied 100% of the time. The cafe was strategically located near the reception so that the reception area can serve as a buffer zone to the workspace zone. The workspace area is open to the stunning views of Lake Ontario, enhancing employee well-being and fostering collaboration in the open space.
The workspace zone was designed as a blend of open workstations and enclosed breakout rooms, with workstations positioned along the open windows and breakout rooms along internal walls. This arrangement provides clear views from the workstations for ease of access and encourages collaboration. The workspace zone offers environments that support both teamwork and focused individual work.
Circulation
I planned the circulation to align seamlessly throughout the layout, connecting all areas to minimize circulation space. This approach maximizes space utilization and allows room for future growth planning. I designed a curved feature at the circulation corner to cleverly reflect the "wave" in the company's name.
THE SOLUTION
In addressing the challenges and requirements outlined by the client, we crafted a solution that embodies flexibility, sustainability, and innovation. The design harnesses the full potential of the new building while meeting the client's objectives for an adaptable and collaborative workspace.
Room LayoutThe meeting room layout includes benches along the window side for flexible extra seating, while the walls are equipped with TV and writable surfaces for functionality. The cafe is designed with foldable and movable furniture, providing the flexibility to transform the space into an event or town hall setting as needed. The presentation rooms are equipped with flexible furniture and mobile glassboard, allowing for a variety of seating arrangements to accommodate different needs.
Flexibility and Modularity
Modular workstations and furniture systems were implemented to allow the space to adapt to changing needs. Workstations can be adjusted from 48" to 72" wide, accommodating shifts in team size or project requirements. The modular design ensures that spaces can be reconfigured easily, maintaining the office's functionality and efficiency without incurring additional capital expenditures.
Acoustical Solutions
To address acoustical challenges, we integrated ceiling baffles and carpet in the open area, and sound masking systems to manage noise levels effectively. These solutions maintained a balance between openness and sound control, fostering a productive work environment.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing
From adaptable layouts to future-proofed workstations, the design reflects the company's commitment to sustainability. The office encourages creativity, collaboration, and productivity while ensuring it will continue to serve the organization for years to come, regardless of how its needs to change.
THE OUTCOME
The space planning achieved a circulation percentage of 15.8%, which is notably lower than the typical range of 20% to 30% found in most workplaces. This efficient use of space reflects a design that prioritizes maximizing workstation and functional areas without compromising comfort or accessibility. It ensures that every square foot is utilized effectively to meet the evolving needs of the organization, achieving the following outcomes:
🔸Open Concept Design
🔹Collaboration and Well-being
🔸Flexibility and Adaptability
🔹Acoustical Enhancements
🔸Sustainability Achievements
🔹Collaboration and Well-being
🔸Flexibility and Adaptability
🔹Acoustical Enhancements
🔸Sustainability Achievements
The completed project successfully transformed the client's workspace into a dynamic, future-ready environment that aligns with their goals for collaboration, sustainability, and growth.
If you're curious to discover more about my approach to Office Model Suites, which centers on creating turnkey solutions for future tenants that minimize upfront build-out costs and maximize potential value, explore my insights here:💡Workplace Insight: Model Suites