ThesisFinalDocumentation_Maria Leao
The future of the workplace.
The future of the workplace.
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THE OFFICE OF TOMORROW.
Part 0: Introduction<br />
Part 0: Introduction<br />
WELCOME.<br />
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Part 0: Introduction<br />
Part 0: Introduction<br />
2024 Bachelor of Architecture<br />
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University<br />
Student<br />
<strong>Maria</strong> Fernanda Carvalho <strong>Leao</strong><br />
Thesis Advisor<br />
William Galloway<br />
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Part 0: Introduction<br />
Part 0: Introduction<br />
DEDICATION<br />
This thesis is dedicated to my parents.<br />
Dad - It’s for all the sacrifices you made to facilitate<br />
my studies in the United States and allow me to pursue<br />
my dreams. It’s for your faith in me and your continued<br />
support.<br />
Mom - This is for the look of pride that I always see on<br />
your face when you look at me, and for always believing<br />
in me.<br />
This is for all the tears shed when we had to say<br />
goodbye, but also for the smiles shared when you<br />
witnessed me receive my diploma at graduation.<br />
I owe you everything. Thank you for your enduring<br />
support and belief in me, always. I couldn’t have<br />
accomplished this without you.<br />
THANK YOU.<br />
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Part 0: Introduction<br />
Part 0: Introduction<br />
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS<br />
WITH GRATITUDE<br />
To all of the Virginia Tech faculty for teaching me<br />
how to find my place in the world of architecture and<br />
design.<br />
Above all, to my thesis supervisor William Galloway for<br />
his continued support, for his patience, motivation,<br />
enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. His expert guidance<br />
has been instrumental in writing this thesis.<br />
To all of my previous studio professors - Hunter<br />
Pittman, Mario Cortes, Jim Bassett, Frank Weiner and<br />
Chip Von Weise - for their profound influence in shaping<br />
the architect I aspire to become.<br />
To John Syvertsen from Chicago Studio for his pivotal<br />
role in my architectural education journey and making me<br />
realize that architecture needs me.<br />
To all of my Virginia Tech friends and collegues for<br />
all the feedback, support and for listening to me talk<br />
nonstop about this thesis.<br />
To everyone that believed in me.<br />
THANK YOU.<br />
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Part 0: Introduction<br />
Part 0: Introduction<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
Welcome, and thank you for embarking on this journey<br />
with me.<br />
I am excited to share with you the culmination of a<br />
year-long undergraduate thesis project that merges one<br />
of my passions with a quest for solutions.<br />
Adaptive reuse holds a special place for me, not<br />
only for its sustainable benefits but also for the<br />
preservation of buildings that carry historical<br />
significance. There’s something captivating about<br />
reviving structures from the past, each with its own<br />
unique story. To me, preserving a building is the same<br />
as preserving an art piece. That is why this project<br />
focuses on the renovation of an existing building.<br />
In addition to my passion for adaptive reuse, I’ve<br />
dedicated my attention to exploring the future of the<br />
workplace. With the profound changes brought about<br />
by the 2021 pandemic, I’ve been intrigued to investigate<br />
how we can enhance people’s work lives in the evolving<br />
work environment.<br />
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Part 0: Introduction<br />
Part 0: Introduction<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Post-pandemic Workplace<br />
Proposal 1<br />
Proposal 2<br />
Proposal 3<br />
Concept<br />
16<br />
24<br />
30<br />
36<br />
54<br />
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Context<br />
Renovation<br />
Existing Building<br />
58<br />
60<br />
62<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
Program selection<br />
Architectural Elements<br />
Plaza<br />
Atrium<br />
Bridge<br />
Exterior Envelope<br />
70<br />
72<br />
78<br />
82<br />
88<br />
96<br />
Part 4: Human Experience<br />
Program Diagram<br />
Level 01 - 05<br />
106<br />
108<br />
Part 5: Conclusion<br />
Back to initial question<br />
Beyond workplace<br />
130<br />
134<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
BEGINNINGS.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
After experiencing many office environments, I never<br />
felt compelled to actually work in the office. Working<br />
from home seemed like the ideal arrangement, especially<br />
after the pandemic. However, there was always something<br />
missing at home: personal connections. This thesis<br />
delves into the future of the workplace post-pandemic,<br />
exploring questions such as:<br />
How can workspaces be adjusted to accommodate the needs<br />
of employees in a post-pandemic world?<br />
How can design impact productivity, innovation and<br />
enhance our daily lives?<br />
What is needed to bring people back to the office?<br />
POST-PANDEMIC WORKPLACE<br />
Questions<br />
I welcome you to embark on this investigative journey<br />
with me.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Sea of desks:<br />
- Noise/Bad accoustics<br />
- No privacy<br />
- Distraction at its maximum<br />
- Densification<br />
- No flexibility<br />
- Pressure leading to stress.<br />
Lack of Daylighting:<br />
- Windows only on the<br />
perimeter<br />
- Natural lighting<br />
improves mood, health<br />
and productivity.<br />
Artficial Lighting:<br />
- Harsh lighting<br />
causes glare, stress<br />
anger and headache.<br />
TRADITIONAL OPEN FLOOR PLAN<br />
Pre - COVID<br />
Why are people not going back to the office?<br />
To understand why people have prefered not to come back<br />
to the office, one needs to analyse the traditional<br />
office space, particularly the prevalent open floor plan<br />
in the United States.<br />
Within an open floor plan, a common grievance arises<br />
from the absence of privacy, leading to inflexible<br />
working conditions and a lack of diversity in work<br />
styles. This lack of privacy also leads to increased<br />
pressure and a feeling of being constantly observed.<br />
Additionally, returning to the office also results in<br />
increased distractions, such as noise and interruptions<br />
- which ultimately hinder productivity. The physical<br />
well-being of employees may also suffer due to harsh<br />
artificial lighting and lack of daylighting.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
The Perks of Working from Home<br />
% of respondents saying they’ve experienced the following benefits working from home:<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
<br />
WORK FROM HOME<br />
Post - COVID<br />
Why are people not going back to the office?<br />
Similarly to the traditional open floor plan analysis,<br />
to comprehend the preference for remote work, one must<br />
analyze the conveniences offered by a home environment.<br />
<br />
Firstly, working from the comfort of one’s home is<br />
simply more convenient. Remote work eliminates the need<br />
for commuting, a task popular among many US citizens,<br />
saving both time and money.<br />
<br />
Also, remote work fosters a lower-pressure environment<br />
with fewer distractions, resulting in increased<br />
productivity. This enables individuals to take ownership<br />
of their day and manage tasks more efficiently.<br />
Lastly, remote work promotes a healthier work-life<br />
balance, leading to reduced stress and improved health,<br />
as individuals have more time for activities such as<br />
exercise and cooking.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
What is the future of the<br />
post-pandemic workplace?<br />
With all changes to the work environment after<br />
the COVID 19 pandemic, existing office spaces<br />
need to be reinvented to meet the new needs of<br />
its employees.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
PROPOSAL 1<br />
Informal interaction<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
COLLABORATION<br />
INFORMAL INTERACTION<br />
After analyzing both office spaces and remote work<br />
environments, it’s clear there’s a lack of informal<br />
interactions in both of these scenarios. This issue can<br />
be addressed by implementing strategies that foster<br />
connection, community, and collaboration.<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
INFORMAL<br />
INTERACTION<br />
CONNECTION<br />
Connection: There is a need for real team space - not<br />
just the occasional conference room but the time to get<br />
together as a team, to have the right space together,<br />
and to have the right access to the tools they need to<br />
collaborate.<br />
Community: The office environment should give its<br />
employees something they cannot get at home: shared<br />
workplace experience that gives employees a strong sense<br />
of belonging and community.<br />
Collaboration: To boost collaboration, you need to<br />
increase the right kinds of interactions and decrease<br />
ineffective ones.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Conference Room Work space Meeting Space Lounge<br />
Conference Room Work space Meeting Space Lounge<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8<br />
Essential Spaces<br />
Work space<br />
Conference Essential Spaces Room<br />
Meeting Work space Space<br />
Conference Lounge Room<br />
Meeting Space<br />
Lounge<br />
Work Space + Meeting Space =<br />
Collaborative Space<br />
Work Space Team + meetings Meeting Space =<br />
Colleague Collaborative meetings Space<br />
Informal Team meetings<br />
Quick Colleague adjustment meetings<br />
Informal Smaller groups meetings<br />
Quick adjustment<br />
Smaller groups<br />
Conference Room + Lounge =<br />
Formal Meeting Space<br />
Conference Formal Room meetings + Lounge =<br />
Formal Team Meeting meetingsSpace<br />
Client Formal meetings<br />
Mid-size Team meetings events<br />
Mid-size Client group meetings gathering<br />
Mid-size events<br />
Mid-size group gathering<br />
Lounge + Meeting Space =<br />
Gathering Space<br />
Lounge Colleague + Meeting meetings Space =<br />
Mid-size Gathering gatherings Space<br />
Informal Colleague gatherings meetings<br />
Mid-size Social events gatherings<br />
Informal gatherings<br />
Social events<br />
Conf. Room + Lounge +<br />
Meeting Space =<br />
Conf. Big Event Room + Space Lounge +<br />
Meeting Work privacy Space =<br />
Big Large Event events Space<br />
Large Work size privacy gatherings<br />
Informal Large and events Formal<br />
Large gatherings size gatherings<br />
Informal and Formal<br />
gatherings<br />
Conf. Room + Work Space =<br />
Collab. Space<br />
Conf. Room & + Work Space =<br />
Lounge Collab. + Meeting Space Space =<br />
Gathering & Space<br />
Lounge + Meeting Space =<br />
Gathering Space<br />
Work Space + Meeting Space =<br />
Collab. Space<br />
Work Space + & Meeting Space =<br />
Conf. Collab. Room + Lounge Space =<br />
Formal Meeting & Space<br />
Conf. Room + Lounge =<br />
Formal Meeting Space<br />
Conf. Room + Lounge +<br />
Meeting + Work Space =<br />
Conf. Open Room plan + Lounge +<br />
Meeting One big + open Work space Space =<br />
Extra Open large plan events<br />
One big open space<br />
Extra large events<br />
ADJACENCY STUDY<br />
Multiple Space Configurations<br />
Arranging certain programs adjacent to each other<br />
can significantly foster collaboration. This study<br />
identifies various program adjacencies that optimize<br />
collaboration and enhance interactions between teams.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
PROPOSAL 2<br />
Flexibility & Privacy<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
INTROVERTS<br />
FLEXIBILITY & PRIVACY<br />
Open floor plans lack a proper balance between private<br />
and public spaces, leading to a growing demand for<br />
individual spaces conducive to focused work. This<br />
privacy, commonly found at home, is often lacking in<br />
office environments. Achieving a balance that caters<br />
to all personality types is essential, given that both<br />
introverts and extroverts benefit from having access<br />
to private spaces for concentration, confidential<br />
discussions, or relaxation.<br />
EXTROVERTS<br />
FLEXIBILITY &<br />
PRIVACY<br />
AMBIVERTS<br />
Granting employees freedom and flexibility in their<br />
work arrangements fosters a sense of ownership, akin<br />
to that found at home. Employees are empowered to<br />
choose how they prefer to work, creating a workspace<br />
that feels personalized and comfortable - just like<br />
home. Acknowledging that one size does not fit all,<br />
this approach effectively accommodates a diverse range<br />
of working styles, ensuring that all employees have the<br />
opportunity to thrive.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
PARTITION STUDY<br />
Interior connectors<br />
There are numerous methods to partition a space beyond<br />
traditional walls. Furniture, windows, openings,<br />
and other elements can all serve as effective space<br />
dividers. This study delves into strategies for dividing<br />
interior spaces to achieve both flexibility and privacy<br />
simultaneously.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
LIGHTING<br />
COLOR<br />
PSYCHOLOGY<br />
OF SPACE<br />
PROPOSAL 3<br />
Psychology of Space<br />
When we think about office environments, we think about<br />
interiors. When we enter a space the cells in the<br />
hippocampal region of our brain respond to the geometry<br />
of the place and affect mood and behavior. Therefore,<br />
by including the principles of architectural psychology<br />
into our living and working spaces, we can create spaces<br />
that promote health, happiness, and productivity.<br />
Lighting, colors, configuration, scale, proportions,<br />
accoustics, and materials address the senses of the<br />
individual and generate a spectrum of feelings and<br />
practices.<br />
NATURE<br />
FORM<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPACE<br />
Color<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Cold colors +<br />
Narrow Space<br />
Neutral +<br />
Wide Space<br />
Rich texture +<br />
Warm color<br />
Simple texture +<br />
Neutral colors<br />
COLOR<br />
Colors, as an important design element, have a huge<br />
emotional impact on humans. For example, red walls<br />
activate skills that require accuracy and attention<br />
to detail. Blue affects short term memory tasks but<br />
increases creativity substantially.<br />
This applies to textures as well. Soft texture promotes<br />
relaxation and comfort, while hard textures tend to give<br />
a sense of strength and durability.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPACE<br />
Form<br />
42<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Circular<br />
openings<br />
Curvilinear<br />
walls<br />
3D ceiling panels<br />
Dramatic column<br />
+ High ceiling<br />
FORM<br />
Column<br />
Grid<br />
Form also affects how people behave in a space. The<br />
form of irregular edges will make you feel spacious,<br />
and if the form is in the center, it will make you feel<br />
crowded.<br />
Symmetry<br />
Heightwise, individuals tend to be more creative in<br />
rooms with higher ceiling rather than the ones with<br />
lower ceilings. Congested, low ceilings reflect confined<br />
thought while open spaces allows for more freedom of<br />
thought.<br />
Through exaggeration, implication and blurring,<br />
different characteristics of the building are expressed,<br />
which can create different psychological feelings in<br />
people.<br />
Orthogonal<br />
floor pattern<br />
Repetitive window<br />
placement<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPACE<br />
Nature<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Gathering space<br />
+ Fireplace<br />
Wood Roof<br />
Courtyard<br />
Green wall<br />
Wood slats<br />
Door to the<br />
outside<br />
Indirect<br />
connection to<br />
the outside<br />
Stone floor -<br />
natural materials<br />
NATURE<br />
Balcony<br />
Garden<br />
Humans have this innate connection with nature, just<br />
like how we feel the need to find time to relax and<br />
enjoy nature, be it greenery or the coast. Research<br />
continuously shows the positive effects of spending time<br />
outdoors, in nature.<br />
Windows for views<br />
Incorporating elements of biophilic design, such as<br />
natural light, greenery, and views of nature, can<br />
improve our cognitive function and overall mood, leading<br />
to increased creativity and job satisfaction.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPACE<br />
Light<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
West opening<br />
w/ shades<br />
E<br />
8 am<br />
North Roof<br />
Skylight<br />
Clearstory<br />
Mirror Wall<br />
N<br />
12 pm<br />
S<br />
LIGHT<br />
North Facing<br />
Windows<br />
South Facing<br />
windows w/ Light<br />
Shelves<br />
Getting a healthy dose of sunlight is a mood lifter –<br />
it boosts positive thoughts, creativity, productivity,<br />
better sleep and generally, several other benefits.<br />
Offices may want more natural light to enliven their<br />
spaces and boost productivity, motivation and energy<br />
amongst their employees.<br />
Wall openings<br />
W<br />
6 pm<br />
By incorporating natural light and using soft, warm<br />
lighting in our living and working spaces, we can create<br />
a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere that promotes<br />
health and well-being.<br />
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Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Part 1: Beginnings<br />
Flexibility<br />
Interaction<br />
CONCEPT<br />
Future of the workplace<br />
In summary, in both traditional office settings and<br />
work-from-home environments, there appears to be a<br />
deficiency in collaborative and informal gathering<br />
areas, which requires attention.<br />
Introducing the flexibility and privacy characteristic<br />
of home environments into office spaces could serve as a<br />
compelling strategy to entice people back to the office,<br />
as they would enjoy the comforts of home and additional<br />
amenities - such as collaborative spaces.<br />
Moreover, leveraging the psychology of spatial theory,<br />
interior design can be employed to evoke specific<br />
emotions in employees, enhancing their overall<br />
experience within the workspace.<br />
54<br />
Privacy<br />
FUTURE OF THE<br />
WORKPLACE<br />
55<br />
Psychology of Space
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
SITE SELECTION.<br />
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Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
W Adams St<br />
Chicago River<br />
S Desplaines St<br />
S Jefferson St<br />
S Clinton St<br />
W Jackson Blvd<br />
Chicago<br />
Union<br />
Station<br />
Downtown Chicago<br />
333 S DESPLAINES ST<br />
W Van Buren St<br />
Chicago River<br />
The Old Post<br />
Office<br />
W Tilden St<br />
CONTEXT<br />
M<br />
Congress Pkwy<br />
Service Rd<br />
W Harrison St<br />
Situated in close proximity to downtown Chicago,<br />
this property resides within the vibrant Greektown<br />
neighborhood.<br />
Benefiting from numerous bus stops and metro stations<br />
within a walking distance, this location presents an<br />
ideal opportunity for expansion and development. While<br />
experiencing steady growth, the area currently lacks<br />
sufficient street presence and amenities such as coffee<br />
shops and restaurants.<br />
S Desplaines St<br />
S Jefferson St<br />
S Clinton St<br />
W Polk St<br />
Recognizing this, I envision an opportunity to<br />
revitalize the neighborhood, fostering a dynamic<br />
environment poised for future growth and development.<br />
58<br />
- Located in downtown Chicago<br />
- Bus Stops and Metro Stations nearby<br />
- Not a lot of restaurants/coffee shops nearby<br />
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Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Renovation<br />
Addition<br />
ADAPTIVE REUSE<br />
RENOVATION<br />
Rehabilitation<br />
Transformation<br />
Considering the increasing prevalence of sustainable<br />
practices in the future, I opted to renovate an existing<br />
building rather than pursuing demolition or constructing<br />
a new one.<br />
With promising conditions yet ample room for<br />
improvement, this project provided an opportunity to<br />
delve into innovative renovation approaches. It allowed<br />
for exploration of strategies that seamlessly blend<br />
design, innovation, functionality, and sustainability.<br />
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Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
EXISTING BUILDING<br />
333 S. Desplaines St.<br />
Situated in Chicago, this building boasts a blend of<br />
commercial and residential spaces. Standing tall at<br />
seven stories, the ground floor serves as a commercial<br />
area, while the second to seventh floors are dedicated<br />
to residential units.<br />
Designed by Booth Hansen architects, this structure was<br />
repurposed from a former paper warehouse into a mixeduse<br />
office and condominium building in Chicago’s West<br />
Loop. Notably, the ground floor was transformed into the<br />
firm’s new office space.<br />
Inspired by a visit to this office, I decided to<br />
renovate and adapt the building to accommodate the<br />
evolving needs of post-pandemic office environments.<br />
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Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
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Part 2: Site Selection<br />
Part 2: Site Selection<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
UP<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
DN<br />
UP<br />
EXISTING FLOOR PLANS<br />
This building has already gone through addition in the<br />
past. The northern end (1/3) was originally designed for<br />
office use, while the southern end (2/3) was designated<br />
for the warehouse and production.<br />
Since it was a warehouse in the past, there were heavy<br />
loads for storing paper as well as heavy equipment at<br />
specific locations. These items may have affected the<br />
original column/bay layout and proposed open space<br />
needed for the program. That is also why some of the<br />
structure has concrete beams vs. heavy timber beams.<br />
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Part 3: Design<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
DESIGN.<br />
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Part 3: Design<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
Bedroom<br />
Office<br />
Balcony<br />
Indoor balcony<br />
Dining room<br />
Coffee shop<br />
Play room<br />
Daycare<br />
Kitchen<br />
Kitchen/Breakroom<br />
Garden<br />
Greenhouse<br />
***<br />
Living room<br />
Lounge areas<br />
Study room<br />
Library<br />
PROGRAM SELECTION<br />
Porch/deck<br />
Terrace<br />
Stairs<br />
Bridge<br />
Striving to evoke a homelike sense within the office,<br />
program and design choices mirror prevalent trends<br />
observed in residential settings. These programs not<br />
only influenced the layout of the new “post-pandemic”<br />
office but also guided the design decisions undertaken.<br />
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Part 3: Design<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
Envelope<br />
Plaza<br />
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS<br />
CONSTITUENT<br />
ELEMENTS<br />
Four primary architectural elements were incorporated<br />
during the renovation of this building:<br />
Atrium: an atrium was skillfully carved out to enhance<br />
connectivity and maximize sunlight exposure.<br />
Interior bridge: an interior bridge was introduced to<br />
optimize the atrium space and offer additional resting<br />
areas.<br />
Plaza: a plaza was meticulously designed on the ground<br />
floor to activate the street, foster a sense of<br />
community connection, and provide outdoor space.<br />
Envelope: modifications were made to the building<br />
envelope to augment daylight penetration in targeted<br />
areas and create more open spaces.<br />
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Atrium<br />
73<br />
Interior Bridge
Part 3: Design<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
Exposed<br />
structure<br />
Bridge<br />
Indoor<br />
Balcony<br />
Gathering<br />
Stairs<br />
Atrium<br />
Plaza<br />
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Part 3: Design<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
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Part 3: Design<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
PLAZA<br />
By elevating the building by two floors, a plaza is<br />
formed.<br />
Serving as a communal space, it caters to both<br />
office occupants and the general public, providing a<br />
versatile environment for gathering, contemplation, and<br />
relaxation.<br />
Additionally, the plaza revitalizes the street and<br />
consequently invigorates the neighborhood, fostering<br />
increased pedestrian activity and vitality within the<br />
area.<br />
The plaza comprises multiple seating areas interspersed<br />
with green spaces, stairs, and V-shaped columns, aimed<br />
at optimizing the area and facilitating increased<br />
interaction.<br />
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PLAZA<br />
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1 2 3<br />
ATRIUM<br />
By “excavating” a central portion of the building, an<br />
atrium is created. This architectural intervention<br />
results in an expansive common area conducive to various<br />
forms of interaction. The atrium floods the interior<br />
with natural light, fostering a sense of openness and<br />
connection with the environment.<br />
Existing Building Plaza Atrium<br />
Strategically positioned skylights optimize exposure to<br />
the low winter sun, allowing occupants to gaze upward<br />
and receive daylight throughout the year, while the<br />
presence of surrounding greenery further amplifies the<br />
connection with nature.<br />
During the creation of the atrium, portions of the<br />
original structure were retained to maintain the<br />
building’s aesthetic integrity, repurposed as gathering<br />
spaces with views overlooking the atrium.<br />
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Roof west elevation<br />
Sloping to address rain<br />
water drainage<br />
Optimizing low winter sun<br />
Elevating roof to capture<br />
low winter sun<br />
ATRIUM<br />
Skylight<br />
The design of the skylight was meticulously crafted with<br />
consideration of the solar path. To optimize exposure<br />
to the low winter sun, the skylight’s height diminishes<br />
towards the south, effectively capturing the sun’s rays.<br />
Additionally, the skylight is sloped towards the east to<br />
facilitate rainwater drainage.<br />
Separation of program<br />
Roof<br />
On the left side of the skylight, there is a greenhouse<br />
enclosed, while the middle portion is dedicated to<br />
enclosing the atrium space.<br />
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ATRIUM<br />
Section isometric<br />
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Floor<br />
secondary structure<br />
primary structure<br />
Floor<br />
secondary structure<br />
primary structure<br />
Triangular structure section<br />
BRIDGE<br />
In order to enhance the functionality of the atrium<br />
space, a bridge connecting the interior floors has been<br />
incorporated.<br />
This bridge not only facilitates passage between floors<br />
but also serves as a designated area for various<br />
purposes such as brief respites, small gatherings,<br />
moments of reflection, or simply a change of scenery.<br />
Supported by triangular steel structures on both sides,<br />
the bridge converges at its center. To maintain a sense<br />
of lightness, the secondary structure supporting the<br />
bridge’s floor tapers towards its ends.<br />
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Legend<br />
Sloped & Flat Bridges<br />
Coffee<br />
shop<br />
Office<br />
space<br />
Elevator<br />
lobby<br />
Outdoor<br />
Space<br />
Common<br />
area<br />
Extra<br />
amenities<br />
Flat Bridges<br />
Sloped Bridges<br />
BRIDGE STUDY<br />
Atrium bridge iterations<br />
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Part 3: Design<br />
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EXTERIOR ENVELOPE<br />
West elevation<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
Given the building’s prior renovation and addition, I<br />
opted to significantly alter its facade, particularly<br />
focusing on the older section — the north half.<br />
Consequently, a curtain wall was introduced across this<br />
side, extending to the upper floors. This decision was<br />
not only driven by aesthetic considerations but also by<br />
functional requirements.<br />
With a greenhouse situated on the north side of the<br />
5th floor, informal spaces such as a daycare facility<br />
on the top floor, lounge areas encircling all floors,<br />
and a two-story coffee shop on the first and second<br />
floors - all programs would benefit from ample sunlight<br />
and panoramic views, which explains the curtain wall<br />
decision.<br />
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EXTERIOR ENVELOPE<br />
South elevation<br />
Since the south side of this building, which is the<br />
newer side, the alterations were more subtle.<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
Installing a curtain wall on the 4th and 5th floors<br />
ensures abundant daylight for both the daycare facility<br />
on the 5th floor and the outdoor balcony on the 4th<br />
floor. This provision of natural light is particularly<br />
crucial during the winter months, not only for potential<br />
events but also for the well-being of the children.<br />
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EXTERIOR ENVELOPE<br />
North elevation<br />
The north side of the buidling was modified based on programatic<br />
needs and views.<br />
Part 3: Design<br />
The zigzag facade shape starts wider where there are more public<br />
areas such as the green house and the event space, and becomes<br />
narrower toward the bottom where there are more private areas such as<br />
offices and work stations.<br />
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EXTERIOR ENVELOPE<br />
Aerial perspective<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
HUMAN EXPERIENCE.<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
Exploded program diagram<br />
Exploded Public vs Private diagram<br />
green house/garden<br />
kitchen<br />
back of house<br />
public + private<br />
back of house<br />
kids outdoor space<br />
day care<br />
kids outdoor space<br />
public + private<br />
event space<br />
outdoor space<br />
back of house<br />
public + private<br />
outdoor space<br />
back of house<br />
public + private<br />
work space-extroverts<br />
back of house<br />
back of house<br />
private<br />
coffee shop mezzanine<br />
back of house<br />
public + private<br />
back of house<br />
work space-introverts<br />
private<br />
coffee shop<br />
back of house<br />
public<br />
back of house<br />
library<br />
entrance plaza<br />
public entrance plaza<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
LEVEL 01<br />
Floor plan<br />
The focal point of the first floor is the atrium space,<br />
designed to offer flexibility for both employees and<br />
the public. Featuring steps ideal for gatherings and<br />
relaxation, as well as seating arrangements conducive to<br />
events, it serves as a dynamic hub.<br />
Adjacent to the atrium, a public-facing coffee shop<br />
provides a welcoming environment for both visitors and<br />
employees, complete with designated work areas for those<br />
who prefer to be productive while enjoying a cup of<br />
coffee.<br />
Similarly, a library accessible to the public offers<br />
additional working spaces for those seeking a<br />
quieter ambiance, catering to diverse preferences for<br />
collaborative or individual work settings.<br />
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Level 01 - coffee shop with a variety of seating and working areas adjacent to the atrium<br />
space.<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
LEVEL 02<br />
Floor plan<br />
This floor is tailored to accommodate individuals who<br />
lean towards introversion or ambiversion. It features<br />
a variety of private offices, booths, and semi-private<br />
workstations, offering options with varying degrees<br />
of privacy to suit the preferences of introverts.<br />
Despite this focus on privacy, ample opportunities for<br />
collaboration are still available, thanks to features<br />
like movable partition walls and conference rooms.<br />
Above the coffee shop, an exclusive mezzanine provides<br />
additional private workspaces for employees.<br />
To encourage personal connections and informal<br />
interactions, lounges are strategically located<br />
throughout the floor, fostering a relaxed atmosphere<br />
conducive to both work and social engagement.<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
Level 02 - flexible space with private working areas, private offices, semi-private<br />
booths, and informal lounge areas.<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
LEVEL 03<br />
Floor plan<br />
This floor is specifically designed to suit the needs of<br />
individuals who lean towards extroversion. Employing an<br />
open floor plan concept, it integrates interior dividers<br />
such as furniture, glass walls, and structural elements<br />
to maintain a sense of openness while delineating<br />
different areas.<br />
Long desks are a common feature, catering to the<br />
preference of extroverts to work in close proximity to<br />
others. Additionally, numerous collaboration spaces are<br />
interspersed between workstations, providing flexibility<br />
and convenience for collaborative endeavors. Glass walls<br />
are movable and can function as pin-up walls, separating<br />
spaces without completely enclosing them.<br />
As on level 02, lounge areas are also present,<br />
facilitating personal connections and informal<br />
interactions, further enhancing the vibrant and social<br />
atmosphere of the floor.<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
Level 03 - open plan with working booths, collaboration spaces, long open desks, and<br />
informal lounge areas.<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
LEVEL 04<br />
Floor plan<br />
Level 04 serves as the “public” floor, boasting numerous<br />
features designed to encourage interaction, both formal<br />
and informal.<br />
One prominent feature is the outdoor balcony, which can<br />
be opened up to create a single large event space or<br />
utilized separately as an outdoor area for gatherings<br />
and relaxation.<br />
This floor is the designated venue for events of various<br />
sizes, offering flexibility to accommodate any scale of<br />
gathering. Even during small events, there are dedicated<br />
spaces that can be utilized without interference,<br />
ensuring uninterrupted workflow and productivity.<br />
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Level 04 - outdoor balcony area with gathering spaces, collaboration spaces, and informal<br />
lounge area.<br />
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***<br />
Part 4: Human Experience<br />
Part 4: Human Experience<br />
LEVEL 05<br />
Floor plan<br />
The 5th floor is where all the additional programs are<br />
located.<br />
The green house takes up almost half of the floor and<br />
the other half is the daycare. There is also a kitchen<br />
at the back to allow its employees to cook what they<br />
grow.<br />
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Part 4: Human Experience<br />
Level 05 - greenhouse with seating and relaxation areas, as well as a daycare facility.<br />
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Part 5: Conclusion<br />
Part 5: Conclusion<br />
CONCLUSION.<br />
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Part 5: Conclusion<br />
BACK TO THE INITIAL QUESTION...<br />
What is the future of the workplace?<br />
While this thesis does not aim to provide a definitive<br />
answer to that question, its objective is to present<br />
ideas for adapting existing office spaces to accommodate<br />
the evolving work preferences in a post-pandemic era.<br />
The future of the workplace hinges on two core factors:<br />
informal interaction and flexibility. Offices must<br />
fulfill the need for physical interaction, something<br />
lacking in remote work setups. Maximizing spaces to<br />
facilitate these interactions is essential. However,<br />
they must also provide the flexibility that individuals<br />
enjoy at home. Designing spaces that cater to diverse<br />
working styles is equally crucial.<br />
As such, this thesis does not advocate for specific<br />
architectural changes to be imposed on existing office<br />
spaces. Instead, it seeks to highlight the new concepts<br />
that should be considered when designing future office<br />
environments.<br />
130<br />
Workers and public enjoying a dance performance in the atrium space.<br />
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Part 5: Conclusion<br />
BEFORE<br />
AFTER<br />
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Part 5: Conclusion<br />
Part 5: Conclusion<br />
BEYOND WORKPLACE<br />
The focal point of this thesis is the workplace.<br />
However, the concepts outlined in this study are<br />
applicable to various other programs.<br />
Informal interaction is essential across a spectrum of<br />
programs and holds equal importance. Human connection is<br />
paramount for individuals to thrive in their respective<br />
endeavors. Moreover, flexibility is imperative to<br />
accommodate future changes and preferences.<br />
Therefore, this concept has the potential to be explored<br />
further in diverse settings and communities such as<br />
educational institutions, parks, museums, research<br />
centers, and beyond.<br />
THANK YOU.<br />
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Part 5: Conclusion<br />
Part 5: Conclusion<br />
END.<br />
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137
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“Photos of 333 S. Des Plaines, West Loop, Chicago.” Photos of<br />
333 S. Des Plaines, West Loop, Chicago - Homes by Marco,<br />
www.homesbymarco.com/subdivisions/333_s_des_plaines_<br />
in_chicago_il/photos#92431802-1. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.<br />
Richter, Felix. “Infographic: The Perks of Working from Home.”<br />
Statista Daily Data, 7 June 2021, www.statista.com/<br />
chart/25020/perceived-perks-of-working-from-home/.<br />
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705-Chicago-IL-60661/70449818_zpid/. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.<br />
“333 S Desplaines St Unit 704, Chicago, IL 60661 - Condo for Rent<br />
in Chicago, IL.” Apartments.Com, 28 Apr. 2024,<br />
www.apartments.com/333-s-desplaines-st-chicago-il-unit-<br />
704/3fgye6d/.<br />
“333 S Desplaines St Unit 406, Chicago, IL 60661 - Condo for Rent<br />
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www.loopnet.com/Listing/333-S-Desplaines-St-Chicago-IL/22618071/.<br />
“333 S Desplaines Street, Unit 301, Chicago, IL, 60661:<br />
Fulton Grace.” Chicago Realtors, www.fultongrace.com/homedetails/4749552/333-s-desplaines-street-301-chicago-60661-<br />
il/. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.<br />
“333 S Desplaines St Unit 705, Chicago, IL 60661 - Condo for Rent<br />
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