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BRIEF DESCRIPTION
We were asked to design an office space by keeping indoor environmental comfort in mind.
In today’s world, where people are spending an increasing amount of their time indoors, there is a pressing need for “human-centered” design to prioritize the well-being of individuals. With nearly 90% of our time spent indoors, the quality of our indoor environments directly impacts our overall wellbeing and productivity. While “green” and sustainable building principles are crucial, they alone cannot guarantee optimal interior spaces. It is essential to focus more on designing these spaces with the end-users in mind, taking into account factors such as corporate and brand identity, ergonomics, activity-based learning, and indoor environmental comfort. By emphasizing improved well-being and comfort through thoughtful design, we can enhance health, boost productivity, and create spaces that truly cater to the needs and happiness of the people within them.
The office wanted to include an African theme into their office as it was based in Johannesburg. The client wanted us to keep the same brand colors throughout the design
PRECEDENT STUDY
A healthy workplace is one where employees thrive in their work, feel fulfilled, and maintain good physical and mental health. Such an environment leads to reduced absenteeism, illness, conflicts, and turnover (American Lung Association, 2022).
Design Layouts: It highlights how modern South African businesses are shifting their office design focus from isolation to collaboration. Organizations are creating diverse workspaces tailored to specific tasks, offering employees choices like quiet, enclosed cubicles for focused work and comfortable, open lounges for teamwork. It stresses the importance of aligning the office design with the organization’s goals and culture (Thomas, 2023).
Indoor Environmental Quality Principles: The essay discusses the elements affecting indoor environmental quality, including air quality, lighting, thermal conditions, and ergonomics. It cautions against using carpets in office designs due to their potential to trap pollutants and allergens. It also emphasizes the need to consider ergonomics for furniture design to enhance physical comfort (CHRO South Africa, 2018).
Biophilic Design: The essay explains biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into the workplace.
It suggests allowing natural light, adding water features, and potted plants, and using natural materials like wood (U.S Green Building Council, 2014). It notes that biophilic design can improve employee well-being by mimicking the outdoors, positively affecting mood, and increasing oxygen levels to enhance concentration and reduce mental fatigue (K2 Space).
