Thriving on chaos

By SHAWN RUSH PICKERILL
SPACE

In today's real estate marketplace there are no standardized design answers. Globalization is the driver; chaotic change is the result.

The World Wide Web and the businesses it has spawned now define globalization. Answers to the question "What comes next?" are more difficult to find than ever before.

Cashier's stand in cafeteria.

SPACE's client list includes Amazon.com, Cisco Systems, Go2Net, Microsoft, Netstock Direct, N2H2, ConnexT, Secure Computing, Compaq, Hewlett Packard and Intel.

How do we provide services to this new industry? Extreme flexibility is the answer in everything we do.

Programming, a term developed by the architectural profession, is a vehicle to learn about potential clients' needs. In the traditional sense of the word, it is no longer useful with high growth companies. It is not enough to ask these types of clients what their headcount will be in 2002. In most cases, long-term projection and accounting for staff numbers is a three-month view.

At SPACE we combine professional consulting services like strategic planning and organizational modeling to first define core drivers for Internet-based businesses. We combine the resulting information to identify, analyze and solve complex problems that arise in real estate needs as companies grow rapidly.

One of the more important influences on the design of the workplace is corporate culture, and one of our jobs is to help define it. The physical environment and workplace must be part of keeping it alive. We see icons of culture appearing in all aspects of our design solutions. The affects of branding can be linked with much more than the standard corporate logo.

Words used to define these companies include scrappy, creative, independent, fun, smart and lean and mean. Energy -expressed in color and the use of unconventional materials - is a common theme. Financial confidence and awareness of risk can also be important in design, and simple, rich materials are used to make a statement.

Styles for the 24/7 life

Beyond the front desk and reception area there are typically several work groups and styles. High tech workers today overwhelmingly want flexibility and adaptability in their workspace. For them change is a constant. A single solution doesn't work. Work environments must be efficient and productive. Work zones for individuals and teams support various activities while optimizing space. The solutions must support culture and allow employees to work productively. Mobility and easy reconfiguration of workstations is essential.

A view from the main interactive zone of Amazon.com's headquarters in Pacific Medical Center to the historic building lobby. Photos courtesy SPACE.

With 24-hour, 7-day-a-week access to the Internet, workers can be found far outside the 8-to-5 window, requiring workplace amenities beyond a coffee room. Depending on company size, such services have included full-service cafeterias, TV lounges, espresso bars, sundry shops, shower and locker rooms, and even sleeping accommodations. Security for facilities and systems is an essential part of company philosophy.

In general, the success of the business of high tech companies is directly related to a series of business objectives: to continuously increase the speed and responsiveness of the business, continuously improve the quality of the products and customer service delivery systems, to attract and retain new talent to the business, and to increase the cost effectiveness of delivery via improved use of global resources. Creating the right work environment is a critical component. Building systems which are flexible and easily adapted are essential to meet business needs.

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