“Neighborhooding”: Breaking-Up a Linear Space Using Design and Architectural Elements

Designing a space within an interesting shaped building can be challenging, but sometimes we are faced with an opposing problem that the building is linear with minimal interest. This creates a scenario where the design could end up feeling like long, never-ending hallways of doors and offices (how boring!)

 

While break-out spaces are great to have in any design, most of the time the space calls to maximize the number of desks and workers for functionality and efficiency. In many cases, we are restricted to tight budgets, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t room for simple, yet effective solutions that can create high impacts on a space. One of the best solutions that we at VC utilize is to create a combination of open-work stations sheltered by closed off areas, creating what we like to refer to as “neighborhooding.”

A plan for a current 100,000 sq/ft technology firm floor plan designed by the VC team of Marilyn Shen, Scott Kligerman, and Faegheh Koohestani. The colored areas show the different floor transitions and ceiling elements that break up the space. A combination of circular and rectilinear elements were selected to add contrast and ground the different functions.

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This diagram shows how the team designed the floor plan to have the closed offices face the interior of the space, segmenting the areas into “neighborhoods” that perform similar functions.

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The second diagram demonstrates the play with solids (in red) and voids within a circulation space. Having closed and open areas adjacent to one another in a randomized organization, creates interest. It also provides destinations points as the user travels through the space. The solids become opportunities for way-finding elements, such as a pop of color on a wall, a lowered soffit, or a change in flooring material.

 

The plan above is an example of how within a linear space, you can segment the area to have functional “neighborhoods” in which pods are created with relative functions and conveniences. It is always imperative to remember the efficiencies of use while space planning, so grouping departments with similar needs and functions should always be a top priority.

 

 

With this large industrial-like design for Symmons, home to around 200 employees, it was important to not create a sea of workstations with no sense of scale. Here, our team worked with pops of color to identify the space with interest. We also utilized angular workstations to break-up the space. The closed offices surround the open area to bring back a sense of proportion and optimize imperative adjacencies.

 

 

When you have established this general idea of department adjacencies, it is time to think three-dimensionally. Having a broken-up path of travel helps visually section off the space. A simple solution is to consider what is happening on the floor in relationship to the ceiling. Allowing the user to have a view of a destination along with proper way-finding will result in creating space efficiency.

 

 

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Keurig Green Mountain showcases how every detail counts, even in a 430,000 sq/ft space. Having the ceiling elements mimic not only the floor transitions, but even thinking about the play on furniture shapes or seating arrangements, can really create a dynamic impact. Emphasizing the element with soft, cove lighting, draws users to the space and adds a unique moment at the end of any corridor.

 

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For Cushman & Wakefield’s 35,000 sq/ft space, our team worked with lighting and textures to maintain a calming workspace scheme, while adding interest with branding graphics, centralized collaborative and meeting spaces, and contrasting curvilinear flooring transitions.

 

Breaking-up the spaces’ linear qualities is yet another solution to establish a sense of destination, which can engage the user. Also, easy way finding by color, texture, or graphics, can alleviate frustration and maximize functionality. An important aspect of this is to always think of sightlines of connecting spaces.

 

There are many options when thinking about how to create interest along a hallway. This is a great opportunity for a pop of color or architectural element. By defining spaces through the use of ceiling, wall, or flooring transitions, these aids help the user navigate through the space. Dropping the ceiling with a soffit can be a comforting experience while providing depth and proportion. Hallways are also a prime opportunity to add interesting lighting, either decorative or architectural.

 

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The technology company, Nvidia, utilizes the application of large graphics and pops of color with soffits to segment the corridor spaces. These unique moments are repeated throughout the space to harmonize the design, while keeping the branding elements consistent. The branching soffits create a sense of scale and contrasts the exposed ceiling, as well as aiding the users in easily navigating through the space.

 

The use of repetition in these elements, whether lighting, flooring, or ceiling, creates a harmonious feel throughout the design. A contrast in materials, colors, and textures provides the space with interest while defining the various functions of the workspace. From space planning to finishes, the architectural and design elements can work together to segment long, linear spaces and create functional and efficient working “neighborhoods.”

 

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If you’re ever in “Our Hood,” stop by our office at 500 Boylston Street, we’d love to tell you more!

 

 

 

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