With unexpected disruptions to modern life, like the drastic shift to remote work due to COVID-19, it becomes all the more important to create strong connections that close the distance between us. Throughout history, man has created various ways of overcoming separation through trains, cars, planes, and the internet. A city born from railroads, today Atlanta boasts an incredible amount of public and private transportation connecting the bustling city together. These networks bring people together boosting communication and collaboration. Human beings are social creatures; we crave relationships and bonds and seek a feeling of belonging. Inspired by Atlanta’s connections, the NEXT office will facilitate communication, encourage collaboration, and build unity to create an effective and resilient workplace.
Bubble Diagram
Level One Bubble Plan
Circulation Route
Thinking about how each space would be used, I began by grouping and connecting spaces. The circulation of the first floor is inspired by the MARTA public transportation routes used by Atlantans.
Level One Floor Plan
Level One Reflected Ceiling Plan
The first floor provides a quieter place to work with many spaces for group or individual work, while also providing a dramatic entrance.
Reception and Waiting Area
Inspiration Zone and Stairway
Video Conference Room and Forum Space
The color palette creates a welcoming atmosphere, while the connecting patterns emphasis a sense of unity in the company.
Bubble Diagram
Level Two Bubble Plan
Circulation Route
Moving to the second floor, I considered the level of connection and privacy needed for the different spaces. The circulation of this floor is inspired by the highway surrounding Atlanta, appropriately named the Perimeter.
Level Two Floor Plan
Level Two Reflected Ceiling Plan
The second floor promotes collaboration and interaction between employees in various settings and configurations allowing employees to chose where and how they work best.
Work Lounge
Open Office
Work Cafe
Patio
Private Enclave
These open spaces with flexible furniture allow for easy rearranging and collaborating. Open sightlines allow for easy communication and ample opportunities for chance meetings. This floor also provides more private spaces to work like the private enclaves, laptop bar, and private offices.
Level One Floor Plan
Level Two Floor Plan
Additionally, this office space is able to easily accommodate social distancing if necessary. With six feet clearings on all major circulation routes and using every other seat, the space is easily transformed. The space is also ADA compliant with circulation routes greater than five feet and an elevator coming up to the second floor. To ensure all users have a similar experience coming up to the second floor, the stairway and the elevator meet the second floor together at the lounge.
