Contract Magazine - July 2020 - 18

FEATURE

Workplace
Mavis Wiggins, IIDA
Managing Executive
TPG Architecture
New York

"We have come to learn that any true design response to COVID-19 has to be a
holistic one, especially when approaching the workplace. Our teams are examining
the importance of signage and graphics to communicate new health and safety
protocols-which begin in the building lobby and extend throughout individual
workplaces-to staff and guests alike. This also helps identify high-traffic areas
and hot spots throughout the building and office and gives another opportunity
to enforce social distancing. Ensuring that all staff are prepared with personal
protective equipment kits and that guests are aware of visitor policies will help
control the possible spread of the virus to static surfaces. Incorporating
sanitization stations and visible office cleaning cycles will reinforce ideas of
cleanliness. De-densification, flexibility in furniture and desk configurations,
and increased open meeting areas are smart planning strategies to consider.
Motion and touchless sensor technology including hands-free retrofits of existing
doors, faucets, waste bins, etc., will become increasingly useful. Additionally,
a greater integration of technology, to bridge employees in the office with
those still working remotely will be critical in streamlining team communication
and reinforcing company culture."

Classic
Knoll: Fence Workstation Spine
"Clients are looking for smart planning solutions
that accommodate flexibility, agility, and adaptability. Knoll Fence is a powered spine that allows
workspaces to leverage furniture with behavioral
solutions. It is a furniture option that liberates
us from a rigid planning module and offers the
workforce some choice in desk arrangement."
knoll.com

New need
Wing Partners: Lucent Desk Enclosure
System
"This product is appealing because of its
streamlined, minimal design. The use of glass
and low-profile framing maximizes sight lines
and visibility yet gives the occupant a sense
of protection against transmission of airborne
droplets entering their personal space. The materials provide ease of cleaning and maintenance.
In future planning, this product could be used for
both former office dwellers as well as open-plan
occupants."
wingpartners.com

Alexis Kaloyanides, IIDA, CID,
LEED Green Associate
Associate, Interior Designer
Huntsman Architectural Group
New York

"The COVID-19 crisis has forced us to reconsider work environments for ourselves
and our clients. Although many of us are able to perform our day-to-day tasks in
a remote environment, in-person collaboration is priceless. Technology has filled
a lot of gaps, but it isn't perfect-and, in many cases, it is less efficient. We learn
so much from eye contact and body language. While current social distancing
guidelines can feel restrictive, I think designers also have a lot of opportunity
to shift our clients' thinking about the way they work. For over a decade, we have
been working toward breaking down physical barriers in the workplace. I don't
think a post-COVID workplace is going to bring back the return of the cubicle
farm-at least I hope not! Instead, I think we're going to see more generous
proportions and less density so that people can still congregate and collaborate,
but also maintain a healthy distance from one another. Instead of boardroom
tables, meetings might become more dynamic, with team members spaced apart
and leaning against perches around a central piece of smart technology. While
we may be several months away from huddling together around the watercooler
or coffeepot, the impromptu social interactions that take place in an office remain
just as important as scheduled sit-down meetings. I think we will start to see more
flexibility in determining when one actually needs to be in the office, but most
of us want to be back in the office."

Classic

New need

Watson Furniture: Bahn Work Island
"One of my current favorite products is the Bahn
Work Island from Watson. It's versatile and
functional as both a storage unit and a place for
impromptu collaboration. Best of all, it's modular
and mobile, so the options are limitless."
watsonfurniture.com

BuzziSpace: BuzziBracks Modular Wall
System
"Since we'll likely need to reconfigure existing
workplaces for the foreseeable future, I think
modularity and flexibility are going to be very
important. With a variety of sizes, different
acoustical options, and various levels of transparency, the BuzziBracks room-within-a-room
system will allow for various workplace functions
from heads-down focus work to small-group
collaboration."
buzzi.space

contractdesign.com

JULY 2020

http://www.watsonfurniture.com http://www.knoll.com http://buzzi.space http://www.wingpartners.com http://www.contractdesign.com

Contract Magazine - July 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract Magazine - July 2020