The Leader - July/August 2008 - (Page 28)

a ccoM M oda tIN g gr oW th: to stay o r No t to s tay, that wa s the q ue s tIoN Enhancing functionality of workflow Improving navigation and orientation within space n Conveying appropriate image for the agency The criteria formed the foundation on which to build a detailed space program and develop conceptual space organization diagrams. n n WrItINg oN the Wall… they would fully understand the needs of each and every group. The interviews revealed that the cornerstones of the agency’s success were built on its unique business approach, culture, and talented and loyal staff. The study provided the opportunity to explore ways in which the workplace could be leveraged to enhance these core values and establish planning criteria to serve as the strategic framework for the programming, design and implementation of a new office environment. If the shoe doesN’t fIt, doN’t Wear It Developing a workplace strategy for AbelsonTaylor included assessing the current physical characteristics of the work environment and understanding the impact it was having on the organization. Circa 1927, the building was not constructed with the standards of contemporary office planning. As such, the floor plates were inefficient due to the relatively small column spacing and restrictive available clear floor area. Tim White, Harley Ellis Devereaux senior designer noted, “The building was better suited to small tenants who didn’t require large open office environments. The small floor plates required the agency to acquire additional floors to accommodate growth, and as a result, visibility, face-to-face communication and informal collaboration were being hindered.” Approximately 80 percent of the staff had a private office. With the exception of a few conference rooms, the exterior perimeter walls were occupied by these offices and consequently opportunities for sharing natural light and the tremendous views of the Chicago River and skyline were limited. The design compartmentalized people and there were fewer opportunities for accidental interaction. The planning team worked with AbelsonTaylor leadership to develop strategic planning and design criteria that would address several organizational objectives including: n Increasing/improving collaboration and face-to-face meetings What the extensive research and planning phase revealed was that AbelsonTaylor was in the wrong building for its needs. To effectively meet the goals of the strategic planning and design criteria the agency needed to relocate to a space that was more flexible, had a modern floorplate, and could accommodate long-range growth. This was no revelation to the folks at AbelsonTaylor. They knew that a change like this was inevitable for the work environment they wanted and needed. After an exhaustive search for potential building candidates, the agency agreed to lease space on three contiguous floors at 33 West Monroe in the Chicago loop. The property offered a central location to mass transit, an interior atrium adjacent to its space, and room to accommodate continued growth within three floors. We saw this move as a fantastic opportunity to support our mission of doing great work and being a fun place to work. Not only was the space completely reconfigured to match the agency’s culture and work, but we also made several fun changes to accompany the move. Center stage at the new office is the “Red Balloon” Café. Located in the interior atrium, the café is visible to all three floors. The café’s focal point the le ade r 28 J u ly / a u g u s t

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - July/August 2008

The Leader - July/August 2008 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Organizational Design Accommodating Growth Responding to the Challenge EMEA's Building Energy Rating TVA's Shortcut to Success ANZ Banking Group’s Jane Hamilton Tractus Asia’s Dennis Messeroll Arizona’s Greg Weiner Workplace Design Workplace Directory The Texas Report Industry Tracker Discovery Forum Findings Career Development Congratulations to 2008 Corenet Global Award Winners! Young Leader Economic Development in the News Connect with Corenet Global A Look Ahead

The Leader - July/August 2008

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