Reducing Our Footprint II - Space Planning Decisions Focus on Daylight and Collaboration

The CSHQA space plan is driven by three organizing factors:  (1) The most advantageous entry sequence originates on the corner of 2nd & Broad Streets.  (2) Workstations take first priority in natural and day-lighting considerations.  (3) Everything has to fit within 19,100 sf.

The covered patio doubles as an entry sequence and outdoor space for staff.  Adjacent spaces (lobby, front desk, conference rooms, break room, restrooms, and interior design library) radiate from this corner to take advantage of natural light from south and east.

In a decision made by the full ownership, only corporate officers have private offices – and they’re not aligned along windows as one might expect in outmoded, hierarchical thinking.  The row of three offices and two conference rooms serves to delineate ‘front of house’ public spaces and the main working area.  Skylights, clerestory windows and glass walls ensure these spaces have ample natural light.

The second entry/egress near the windowless west wall [lower left on plan] became the second jumping off point for adjacent spaces.  Non-occupied storage, equipment and restroom spaces hug the west wall.  The plan/archive room totals about half the size of our former copy/storage space in the basement of CW Moore. 

The final part of the space plan, about which everything revolves, is the open work space.  Natural light flows through the entire space.  Openness and stimulating collaboration were high priorities for the design team.  The ownership determined that all workstations would be one size, reducing the space of about 40% of our current cubicles.  This choice enabled the plan to accommodate a build-out of 80 cubicles, five informal meeting tables and a hoteling station that accommodates up to 12.  It was also decided to eliminate the overhead bins to further strengthen the open work concept. –

'2|b' Space Plan Legend

Work Stations—80 work stations, 5 informal meeting spaces (tables for 6), hoteling station (plug & play for 12)

Offices/Conf. Rooms—Offices and conference rooms, interior design library with meeting space

Main Entry—Patio, entry, front desk, lobby

Amenities—Staff break room, secure bike storage, restrooms, lockers, showers, telephone rooms

Support Spaces—Mechanical room, telecom/electrical room, covered trash, storage, print and archive