ThesisFinalDocumentation_Maria Leao

THE OFFICE OF TOMORROW.

Part 0: Introduction 


WELCOME. 

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2024 Bachelor of Architecture 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 

Student 

Maria Fernanda Carvalho Leao 

Thesis Advisor 

William Galloway 

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DEDICATION 

This thesis is dedicated to my parents. 

Dad - It’s for all the sacrifices you made to facilitate 

my studies in the United States and allow me to pursue 

my dreams. It’s for your faith in me and your continued 

support. 

Mom - This is for the look of pride that I always see on 

your face when you look at me, and for always believing 

in me. 

This is for all the tears shed when we had to say 

goodbye, but also for the smiles shared when you 

witnessed me receive my diploma at graduation. 

I owe you everything. Thank you for your enduring 

support and belief in me, always. I couldn’t have 

accomplished this without you. 

THANK YOU. 

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

WITH GRATITUDE 

To all of the Virginia Tech faculty for teaching me 

how to find my place in the world of architecture and 

design. 

Above all, to my thesis supervisor William Galloway for 

his continued support, for his patience, motivation, 

enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. His expert guidance 

has been instrumental in writing this thesis. 

To all of my previous studio professors - Hunter 

Pittman, Mario Cortes, Jim Bassett, Frank Weiner and 

Chip Von Weise - for their profound influence in shaping 

the architect I aspire to become. 

To John Syvertsen from Chicago Studio for his pivotal 

role in my architectural education journey and making me 

realize that architecture needs me. 

To all of my Virginia Tech friends and collegues for 

all the feedback, support and for listening to me talk 

nonstop about this thesis. 

To everyone that believed in me. 

THANK YOU. 

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INTRODUCTION 

Welcome, and thank you for embarking on this journey 

with me. 

I am excited to share with you the culmination of a 

year-long undergraduate thesis project that merges one 

of my passions with a quest for solutions. 

Adaptive reuse holds a special place for me, not 

only for its sustainable benefits but also for the 

preservation of buildings that carry historical 

significance. There’s something captivating about 

reviving structures from the past, each with its own 

unique story. To me, preserving a building is the same 

as preserving an art piece. That is why this project 

focuses on the renovation of an existing building. 

In addition to my passion for adaptive reuse, I’ve 

dedicated my attention to exploring the future of the 

workplace. With the profound changes brought about 

by the 2021 pandemic, I’ve been intrigued to investigate 

how we can enhance people’s work lives in the evolving 

work environment. 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Part 1: Beginnings 

Post-pandemic Workplace 

Proposal 1 

Proposal 2 

Proposal 3 

Concept 

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24 

30 

36 

54 

Part 2: Site Selection 

Context 

Renovation 

Existing Building 

58 

60 

62 

Part 3: Design 

Program selection 

Architectural Elements 

Plaza 

Atrium 

Bridge 

Exterior Envelope 

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82 

88 

96 

Part 4: Human Experience 

Program Diagram 

Level 01 - 05 

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108 

Part 5: Conclusion 

Back to initial question 

Beyond workplace 

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134 

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BEGINNINGS. 

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After experiencing many office environments, I never 

felt compelled to actually work in the office. Working 

from home seemed like the ideal arrangement, especially 

after the pandemic. However, there was always something 

missing at home: personal connections. This thesis 

delves into the future of the workplace post-pandemic, 

exploring questions such as: 

How can workspaces be adjusted to accommodate the needs 

of employees in a post-pandemic world? 

How can design impact productivity, innovation and 

enhance our daily lives? 

What is needed to bring people back to the office? 

POST-PANDEMIC WORKPLACE 

Questions 

I welcome you to embark on this investigative journey 

with me. 

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Sea of desks: 

- Noise/Bad accoustics 

- No privacy 

- Distraction at its maximum 

- Densification 

- No flexibility 

- Pressure leading to stress. 

Lack of Daylighting: 

- Windows only on the 

perimeter 

- Natural lighting 

improves mood, health 

and productivity. 

Artficial Lighting: 

- Harsh lighting 

causes glare, stress 

anger and headache. 

TRADITIONAL OPEN FLOOR PLAN 

Pre - COVID 

Why are people not going back to the office? 

To understand why people have prefered not to come back 

to the office, one needs to analyse the traditional 

office space, particularly the prevalent open floor plan 

in the United States. 

Within an open floor plan, a common grievance arises 

from the absence of privacy, leading to inflexible 

working conditions and a lack of diversity in work 

styles. This lack of privacy also leads to increased 

pressure and a feeling of being constantly observed. 

Additionally, returning to the office also results in 

increased distractions, such as noise and interruptions 

- which ultimately hinder productivity. The physical 

well-being of employees may also suffer due to harsh 

artificial lighting and lack of daylighting. 

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The Perks of Working from Home 

% of respondents saying they’ve experienced the following benefits working from home: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

WORK FROM HOME 

Post - COVID 

Why are people not going back to the office? 

Similarly to the traditional open floor plan analysis, 

to comprehend the preference for remote work, one must 

analyze the conveniences offered by a home environment. 

 

Firstly, working from the comfort of one’s home is 

simply more convenient. Remote work eliminates the need 

for commuting, a task popular among many US citizens, 

saving both time and money. 

 

Also, remote work fosters a lower-pressure environment 

with fewer distractions, resulting in increased 

productivity. This enables individuals to take ownership 

of their day and manage tasks more efficiently. 

Lastly, remote work promotes a healthier work-life 

balance, leading to reduced stress and improved health, 

as individuals have more time for activities such as 

exercise and cooking. 

 

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What is the future of the 

post-pandemic workplace? 

With all changes to the work environment after 

the COVID 19 pandemic, existing office spaces 

need to be reinvented to meet the new needs of 

its employees. 

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PROPOSAL 1 

Informal interaction 

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COLLABORATION 

INFORMAL INTERACTION 

After analyzing both office spaces and remote work 

environments, it’s clear there’s a lack of informal 

interactions in both of these scenarios. This issue can 

be addressed by implementing strategies that foster 

connection, community, and collaboration. 

COMMUNITY 

INFORMAL 

INTERACTION 

CONNECTION 

Connection: There is a need for real team space - not 

just the occasional conference room but the time to get 

together as a team, to have the right space together, 

and to have the right access to the tools they need to 

collaborate. 

Community: The office environment should give its 

employees something they cannot get at home: shared 

workplace experience that gives employees a strong sense 

of belonging and community. 

Collaboration: To boost collaboration, you need to 

increase the right kinds of interactions and decrease 

ineffective ones. 

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Conference Room Work space Meeting Space Lounge 

Conference Room Work space Meeting Space Lounge 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 

Essential Spaces 

Work space 

Conference Essential Spaces Room 

Meeting Work space Space 

Conference Lounge Room 

Meeting Space 

Lounge 

Work Space + Meeting Space = 

Collaborative Space 

Work Space Team + meetings Meeting Space = 

Colleague Collaborative meetings Space 

Informal Team meetings 

Quick Colleague adjustment meetings 

Informal Smaller groups meetings 

Quick adjustment 

Smaller groups 

Conference Room + Lounge = 

Formal Meeting Space 

Conference Formal Room meetings + Lounge = 

Formal Team Meeting meetingsSpace 

Client Formal meetings 

Mid-size Team meetings events 

Mid-size Client group meetings gathering 

Mid-size events 

Mid-size group gathering 

Lounge + Meeting Space = 

Gathering Space 

Lounge Colleague + Meeting meetings Space = 

Mid-size Gathering gatherings Space 

Informal Colleague gatherings meetings 

Mid-size Social events gatherings 

Informal gatherings 

Social events 

Conf. Room + Lounge + 

Meeting Space = 

Conf. Big Event Room + Space Lounge + 

Meeting Work privacy Space = 

Big Large Event events Space 

Large Work size privacy gatherings 

Informal Large and events Formal 

Large gatherings size gatherings 

Informal and Formal 

gatherings 

Conf. Room + Work Space = 

Collab. Space 

Conf. Room & + Work Space = 

Lounge Collab. + Meeting Space Space = 

Gathering & Space 

Lounge + Meeting Space = 

Gathering Space 

Work Space + Meeting Space = 

Collab. Space 

Work Space + & Meeting Space = 

Conf. Collab. Room + Lounge Space = 

Formal Meeting & Space 

Conf. Room + Lounge = 

Formal Meeting Space 

Conf. Room + Lounge + 

Meeting + Work Space = 

Conf. Open Room plan + Lounge + 

Meeting One big + open Work space Space = 

Extra Open large plan events 

One big open space 

Extra large events 

ADJACENCY STUDY 

Multiple Space Configurations 

Arranging certain programs adjacent to each other 

can significantly foster collaboration. This study 

identifies various program adjacencies that optimize 

collaboration and enhance interactions between teams. 

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PROPOSAL 2 

Flexibility & Privacy 

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INTROVERTS 

FLEXIBILITY & PRIVACY 

Open floor plans lack a proper balance between private 

and public spaces, leading to a growing demand for 

individual spaces conducive to focused work. This 

privacy, commonly found at home, is often lacking in 

office environments. Achieving a balance that caters 

to all personality types is essential, given that both 

introverts and extroverts benefit from having access 

to private spaces for concentration, confidential 

discussions, or relaxation. 

EXTROVERTS 

FLEXIBILITY & 

PRIVACY 

AMBIVERTS 

Granting employees freedom and flexibility in their 

work arrangements fosters a sense of ownership, akin 

to that found at home. Employees are empowered to 

choose how they prefer to work, creating a workspace 

that feels personalized and comfortable - just like 

home. Acknowledging that one size does not fit all, 

this approach effectively accommodates a diverse range 

of working styles, ensuring that all employees have the 

opportunity to thrive. 

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PARTITION STUDY 

Interior connectors 

There are numerous methods to partition a space beyond 

traditional walls. Furniture, windows, openings, 

and other elements can all serve as effective space 

dividers. This study delves into strategies for dividing 

interior spaces to achieve both flexibility and privacy 

simultaneously. 

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LIGHTING 

COLOR 

PSYCHOLOGY 

OF SPACE 

PROPOSAL 3 

Psychology of Space 

When we think about office environments, we think about 

interiors. When we enter a space the cells in the 

hippocampal region of our brain respond to the geometry 

of the place and affect mood and behavior. Therefore, 

by including the principles of architectural psychology 

into our living and working spaces, we can create spaces 

that promote health, happiness, and productivity. 

Lighting, colors, configuration, scale, proportions, 

accoustics, and materials address the senses of the 

individual and generate a spectrum of feelings and 

practices. 

NATURE 

FORM 

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PSYCHOLOGY OF SPACE 

Color 

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Cold colors + 

Narrow Space 

Neutral + 

Wide Space 

Rich texture + 

Warm color 

Simple texture + 

Neutral colors 

COLOR 

Colors, as an important design element, have a huge 

emotional impact on humans. For example, red walls 

activate skills that require accuracy and attention 

to detail. Blue affects short term memory tasks but 

increases creativity substantially. 

This applies to textures as well. Soft texture promotes 

relaxation and comfort, while hard textures tend to give 

a sense of strength and durability. 

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Form 

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Circular 

openings 

Curvilinear 

walls 

3D ceiling panels 

Dramatic column 

+ High ceiling 

FORM 

Column 

Grid 

Form also affects how people behave in a space. The 

form of irregular edges will make you feel spacious, 

and if the form is in the center, it will make you feel 

crowded. 

Symmetry 

Heightwise, individuals tend to be more creative in 

rooms with higher ceiling rather than the ones with 

lower ceilings. Congested, low ceilings reflect confined 

thought while open spaces allows for more freedom of 

thought. 

Through exaggeration, implication and blurring, 

different characteristics of the building are expressed, 

which can create different psychological feelings in 

people. 

Orthogonal 

floor pattern 

Repetitive window 

placement 

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Nature 

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Gathering space 

+ Fireplace 

Wood Roof 

Courtyard 

Green wall 

Wood slats 

Door to the 

outside 

Indirect 

connection to 

the outside 

Stone floor - 

natural materials 

NATURE 

Balcony 

Garden 

Humans have this innate connection with nature, just 

like how we feel the need to find time to relax and 

enjoy nature, be it greenery or the coast. Research 

continuously shows the positive effects of spending time 

outdoors, in nature. 

Windows for views 

Incorporating elements of biophilic design, such as 

natural light, greenery, and views of nature, can 

improve our cognitive function and overall mood, leading 

to increased creativity and job satisfaction. 

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Light 

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West opening 

w/ shades 

E 

8 am 

North Roof 

Skylight 

Clearstory 

Mirror Wall 

N 

12 pm 

S 

LIGHT 

North Facing 

Windows 

South Facing 

windows w/ Light 

Shelves 

Getting a healthy dose of sunlight is a mood lifter – 

it boosts positive thoughts, creativity, productivity, 

better sleep and generally, several other benefits. 

Offices may want more natural light to enliven their 

spaces and boost productivity, motivation and energy 

amongst their employees. 

Wall openings 

W 

6 pm 

By incorporating natural light and using soft, warm 

lighting in our living and working spaces, we can create 

a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere that promotes 

health and well-being. 

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Flexibility 

Interaction 

CONCEPT 

Future of the workplace 

In summary, in both traditional office settings and 

work-from-home environments, there appears to be a 

deficiency in collaborative and informal gathering 

areas, which requires attention. 

Introducing the flexibility and privacy characteristic 

of home environments into office spaces could serve as a 

compelling strategy to entice people back to the office, 

as they would enjoy the comforts of home and additional 

amenities - such as collaborative spaces. 

Moreover, leveraging the psychology of spatial theory, 

interior design can be employed to evoke specific 

emotions in employees, enhancing their overall 

experience within the workspace. 

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Privacy 

FUTURE OF THE 

WORKPLACE 

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Psychology of Space



SITE SELECTION. 

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W Adams St 

Chicago River 

S Desplaines St 

S Jefferson St 

S Clinton St 

W Jackson Blvd 

Chicago 

Union 

Station 

Downtown Chicago 

333 S DESPLAINES ST 

W Van Buren St 

Chicago River 

The Old Post 

Office 

W Tilden St 

CONTEXT 

M 

Congress Pkwy 

Service Rd 

W Harrison St 

Situated in close proximity to downtown Chicago, 

this property resides within the vibrant Greektown 

neighborhood. 

Benefiting from numerous bus stops and metro stations 

within a walking distance, this location presents an 

ideal opportunity for expansion and development. While 

experiencing steady growth, the area currently lacks 

sufficient street presence and amenities such as coffee 

shops and restaurants. 

S Desplaines St 

S Jefferson St 

S Clinton St 

W Polk St 

Recognizing this, I envision an opportunity to 

revitalize the neighborhood, fostering a dynamic 

environment poised for future growth and development. 

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- Located in downtown Chicago 

- Bus Stops and Metro Stations nearby 

- Not a lot of restaurants/coffee shops nearby 

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Renovation 

Addition 

ADAPTIVE REUSE 

RENOVATION 

Rehabilitation 

Transformation 

Considering the increasing prevalence of sustainable 

practices in the future, I opted to renovate an existing 

building rather than pursuing demolition or constructing 

a new one. 

With promising conditions yet ample room for 

improvement, this project provided an opportunity to 

delve into innovative renovation approaches. It allowed 

for exploration of strategies that seamlessly blend 

design, innovation, functionality, and sustainability. 

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EXISTING BUILDING 

333 S. Desplaines St. 

Situated in Chicago, this building boasts a blend of 

commercial and residential spaces. Standing tall at 

seven stories, the ground floor serves as a commercial 

area, while the second to seventh floors are dedicated 

to residential units. 

Designed by Booth Hansen architects, this structure was 

repurposed from a former paper warehouse into a mixeduse 

office and condominium building in Chicago’s West 

Loop. Notably, the ground floor was transformed into the 

firm’s new office space. 

Inspired by a visit to this office, I decided to 

renovate and adapt the building to accommodate the 

evolving needs of post-pandemic office environments. 

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DN 

UP 

DN 

UP 

DN 

UP 

DN 

UP 

UP 

DN 

UP 

DN 

UP 

DN 

UP 

DN 

UP 

EXISTING FLOOR PLANS 

This building has already gone through addition in the 

past. The northern end (1/3) was originally designed for 

office use, while the southern end (2/3) was designated 

for the warehouse and production. 

Since it was a warehouse in the past, there were heavy 

loads for storing paper as well as heavy equipment at 

specific locations. These items may have affected the 

original column/bay layout and proposed open space 

needed for the program. That is also why some of the 

structure has concrete beams vs. heavy timber beams. 

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DESIGN. 

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Bedroom 

Office 

Balcony 

Indoor balcony 

Dining room 

Coffee shop 

Play room 

Daycare 

Kitchen 

Kitchen/Breakroom 

Garden 

Greenhouse 

*** 

Living room 

Lounge areas 

Study room 

Library 

PROGRAM SELECTION 

Porch/deck 

Terrace 

Stairs 

Bridge 

Striving to evoke a homelike sense within the office, 

program and design choices mirror prevalent trends 

observed in residential settings. These programs not 

only influenced the layout of the new “post-pandemic” 

office but also guided the design decisions undertaken. 

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Envelope 

Plaza 

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS 

CONSTITUENT 

ELEMENTS 

Four primary architectural elements were incorporated 

during the renovation of this building: 

Atrium: an atrium was skillfully carved out to enhance 

connectivity and maximize sunlight exposure. 

Interior bridge: an interior bridge was introduced to 

optimize the atrium space and offer additional resting 

areas. 

Plaza: a plaza was meticulously designed on the ground 

floor to activate the street, foster a sense of 

community connection, and provide outdoor space. 

Envelope: modifications were made to the building 

envelope to augment daylight penetration in targeted 

areas and create more open spaces. 

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Atrium 

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Interior Bridge



Exposed 

structure 

Bridge 

Indoor 

Balcony 

Gathering 

Stairs 

Atrium 

Plaza 

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PLAZA 

By elevating the building by two floors, a plaza is 

formed. 

Serving as a communal space, it caters to both 

office occupants and the general public, providing a 

versatile environment for gathering, contemplation, and 

relaxation. 

Additionally, the plaza revitalizes the street and 

consequently invigorates the neighborhood, fostering 

increased pedestrian activity and vitality within the 

area. 

The plaza comprises multiple seating areas interspersed 

with green spaces, stairs, and V-shaped columns, aimed 

at optimizing the area and facilitating increased 

interaction. 

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PLAZA 

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1 2 3 

ATRIUM 

By “excavating” a central portion of the building, an 

atrium is created. This architectural intervention 

results in an expansive common area conducive to various 

forms of interaction. The atrium floods the interior 

with natural light, fostering a sense of openness and 

connection with the environment. 

Existing Building Plaza Atrium 

Strategically positioned skylights optimize exposure to 

the low winter sun, allowing occupants to gaze upward 

and receive daylight throughout the year, while the 

presence of surrounding greenery further amplifies the 

connection with nature. 

During the creation of the atrium, portions of the 

original structure were retained to maintain the 

building’s aesthetic integrity, repurposed as gathering 

spaces with views overlooking the atrium. 

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Roof west elevation 

Sloping to address rain 

water drainage 

Optimizing low winter sun 

Elevating roof to capture 

low winter sun 

ATRIUM 

Skylight 

The design of the skylight was meticulously crafted with 

consideration of the solar path. To optimize exposure 

to the low winter sun, the skylight’s height diminishes 

towards the south, effectively capturing the sun’s rays. 

Additionally, the skylight is sloped towards the east to 

facilitate rainwater drainage. 

Separation of program 

Roof 

On the left side of the skylight, there is a greenhouse 

enclosed, while the middle portion is dedicated to 

enclosing the atrium space. 

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ATRIUM 

Section isometric 

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Floor 

secondary structure 

primary structure 

Floor 

secondary structure 

primary structure 

Triangular structure section 

BRIDGE 

In order to enhance the functionality of the atrium 

space, a bridge connecting the interior floors has been 

incorporated. 

This bridge not only facilitates passage between floors 

but also serves as a designated area for various 

purposes such as brief respites, small gatherings, 

moments of reflection, or simply a change of scenery. 

Supported by triangular steel structures on both sides, 

the bridge converges at its center. To maintain a sense 

of lightness, the secondary structure supporting the 

bridge’s floor tapers towards its ends. 

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Legend 

Sloped & Flat Bridges 

Coffee 

shop 

Office 

space 

Elevator 

lobby 

Outdoor 

Space 

Common 

area 

Extra 

amenities 

Flat Bridges 

Sloped Bridges 

BRIDGE STUDY 

Atrium bridge iterations 

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EXTERIOR ENVELOPE 

West elevation 


Given the building’s prior renovation and addition, I 

opted to significantly alter its facade, particularly 

focusing on the older section — the north half. 

Consequently, a curtain wall was introduced across this 

side, extending to the upper floors. This decision was 

not only driven by aesthetic considerations but also by 

functional requirements. 

With a greenhouse situated on the north side of the 

5th floor, informal spaces such as a daycare facility 

on the top floor, lounge areas encircling all floors, 

and a two-story coffee shop on the first and second 

floors - all programs would benefit from ample sunlight 

and panoramic views, which explains the curtain wall 

decision. 

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South elevation 

Since the south side of this building, which is the 

newer side, the alterations were more subtle. 


Installing a curtain wall on the 4th and 5th floors 

ensures abundant daylight for both the daycare facility 

on the 5th floor and the outdoor balcony on the 4th 

floor. This provision of natural light is particularly 

crucial during the winter months, not only for potential 

events but also for the well-being of the children. 

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North elevation 

The north side of the buidling was modified based on programatic 

needs and views. 


The zigzag facade shape starts wider where there are more public 

areas such as the green house and the event space, and becomes 

narrower toward the bottom where there are more private areas such as 

offices and work stations. 

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Aerial perspective 

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HUMAN EXPERIENCE. 

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Exploded program diagram 

Exploded Public vs Private diagram 

green house/garden 

kitchen 

back of house 

public + private 

back of house 

kids outdoor space 

day care 

kids outdoor space 


event space 

outdoor space 

back of house 


outdoor space 

back of house 


work space-extroverts 

back of house 

back of house 

private 

coffee shop mezzanine 

back of house 


back of house 

work space-introverts 

private 

coffee shop 

back of house 

public 

back of house 

library 

entrance plaza 

public entrance plaza 

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LEVEL 01 

Floor plan 

The focal point of the first floor is the atrium space, 

designed to offer flexibility for both employees and 

the public. Featuring steps ideal for gatherings and 

relaxation, as well as seating arrangements conducive to 

events, it serves as a dynamic hub. 

Adjacent to the atrium, a public-facing coffee shop 

provides a welcoming environment for both visitors and 

employees, complete with designated work areas for those 

who prefer to be productive while enjoying a cup of 

coffee. 

Similarly, a library accessible to the public offers 

additional working spaces for those seeking a 

quieter ambiance, catering to diverse preferences for 

collaborative or individual work settings. 

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109



Level 01 - coffee shop with a variety of seating and working areas adjacent to the atrium 

space. 

110 

111



LEVEL 02 

Floor plan 

This floor is tailored to accommodate individuals who 

lean towards introversion or ambiversion. It features 

a variety of private offices, booths, and semi-private 

workstations, offering options with varying degrees 

of privacy to suit the preferences of introverts. 

Despite this focus on privacy, ample opportunities for 

collaboration are still available, thanks to features 

like movable partition walls and conference rooms. 

Above the coffee shop, an exclusive mezzanine provides 

additional private workspaces for employees. 

To encourage personal connections and informal 

interactions, lounges are strategically located 

throughout the floor, fostering a relaxed atmosphere 

conducive to both work and social engagement. 

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113



Level 02 - flexible space with private working areas, private offices, semi-private 

booths, and informal lounge areas. 

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115



LEVEL 03 

Floor plan 

This floor is specifically designed to suit the needs of 

individuals who lean towards extroversion. Employing an 

open floor plan concept, it integrates interior dividers 

such as furniture, glass walls, and structural elements 

to maintain a sense of openness while delineating 

different areas. 

Long desks are a common feature, catering to the 

preference of extroverts to work in close proximity to 

others. Additionally, numerous collaboration spaces are 

interspersed between workstations, providing flexibility 

and convenience for collaborative endeavors. Glass walls 

are movable and can function as pin-up walls, separating 

spaces without completely enclosing them. 

As on level 02, lounge areas are also present, 

facilitating personal connections and informal 

interactions, further enhancing the vibrant and social 

atmosphere of the floor. 

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Level 03 - open plan with working booths, collaboration spaces, long open desks, and 

informal lounge areas. 

118 

119



LEVEL 04 

Floor plan 

Level 04 serves as the “public” floor, boasting numerous 

features designed to encourage interaction, both formal 

and informal. 

One prominent feature is the outdoor balcony, which can 

be opened up to create a single large event space or 

utilized separately as an outdoor area for gatherings 

and relaxation. 

This floor is the designated venue for events of various 

sizes, offering flexibility to accommodate any scale of 

gathering. Even during small events, there are dedicated 

spaces that can be utilized without interference, 

ensuring uninterrupted workflow and productivity. 

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121



Level 04 - outdoor balcony area with gathering spaces, collaboration spaces, and informal 

lounge area. 

122 

123

*** 



LEVEL 05 

Floor plan 

The 5th floor is where all the additional programs are 

located. 

The green house takes up almost half of the floor and 

the other half is the daycare. There is also a kitchen 

at the back to allow its employees to cook what they 

grow. 

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Level 05 - greenhouse with seating and relaxation areas, as well as a daycare facility. 

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CONCLUSION. 

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BACK TO THE INITIAL QUESTION... 

What is the future of the workplace? 

While this thesis does not aim to provide a definitive 

answer to that question, its objective is to present 

ideas for adapting existing office spaces to accommodate 

the evolving work preferences in a post-pandemic era. 

The future of the workplace hinges on two core factors: 

informal interaction and flexibility. Offices must 

fulfill the need for physical interaction, something 

lacking in remote work setups. Maximizing spaces to 

facilitate these interactions is essential. However, 

they must also provide the flexibility that individuals 

enjoy at home. Designing spaces that cater to diverse 

working styles is equally crucial. 

As such, this thesis does not advocate for specific 

architectural changes to be imposed on existing office 

spaces. Instead, it seeks to highlight the new concepts 

that should be considered when designing future office 

environments. 

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Workers and public enjoying a dance performance in the atrium space. 

131



BEFORE 

AFTER 

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BEYOND WORKPLACE 

The focal point of this thesis is the workplace. 

However, the concepts outlined in this study are 

applicable to various other programs. 

Informal interaction is essential across a spectrum of 

programs and holds equal importance. Human connection is 

paramount for individuals to thrive in their respective 

endeavors. Moreover, flexibility is imperative to 

accommodate future changes and preferences. 

Therefore, this concept has the potential to be explored 

further in diverse settings and communities such as 

educational institutions, parks, museums, research 

centers, and beyond. 

THANK YOU. 

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END. 

136 

137

“Booth Hansen Office.” Booth Hansen, 9 Mar. 2023, www.boothhansen. 

com/portfolio/booth-hansen-office/. 

“Photos of 333 S. Des Plaines, West Loop, Chicago.” Photos of 

333 S. Des Plaines, West Loop, Chicago - Homes by Marco, 

www.homesbymarco.com/subdivisions/333_s_des_plaines_ 

in_chicago_il/photos#92431802-1. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024. 

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