Albany, Auckland, New Zealand
JASMAX Limited, in association with Bligh Voller Nield

Photography © Kim Christensen Photographer

An open environment fosters connectivity among staff

Program: The client wished to create an innovative office environment that would respond to the workplace, as well as the recreation and leisure needs, of its employees, while fostering interdepartmental communication, increasing production, breaking down hierarchies, and providing gathering areas to stimulate creativity. The architects worked closely with the client to bring new ideas to a traditional multiuse environment that includes a 24/7 call center, software development operations, and IT infrastructure. Concepts were researched, developed, and tested. The team held charrettes, brainstormed, and critiqued. User focus groups were convened for feedback and ideas.

Solution: The resulting design is based on an open-plan office to engender comfort, good cheer, productivity, and inspiration. The plan organizes teams around a central common area for meeting, work, and social gathering. This central "park" idea and café are the hub for the office community. The solution is fun, captures the spirit of the place, and is being used with considerable enthusiasm. Traditional hierarchies are physically broken down to reflect the new image and culture. Post-occupancy evaluation has shown an increase in verbal communication (less e-mail by 30 percent), staff turnover reduction of 50 percent, and a 10 to 15 percent faster software development delivery.

For more images please see the November 2002 issue or Architectural Record.

The Winners: Abercrombie & Fitch | Allsteel | Cellular Operations | Gateshead Millenium Bridge | Multi-Use Centre | Paul Brown Stadium | Texas Children's Hospital | Toys "R" Us | Trumpf Customer & Technology Center | Univ. of Penn. Dept. of Facilities and Real Estate | Valeo Electrical Systems

The Finalists: Arcs de Seine | Boeing\ Leadership Center | Gasometer B | Hansen Construction Office | ING Direct | KeySpan Park Stadium | Matha Stewart Living

Unbuilt Projects: BMW Event and Delivery Center | Hollister Headquarters

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