Designing Workplace Experiences Through Wellness19 September 2024
The workplace is continually evolving. As businesses adapt to the changing demands of an increasingly mobile workforce, workspaces that are responsive to new ways of working attract significant market attention, offering greater value to both owners and occupiers.
In today’s environment, the workplace must provide exceptional experiences that offer employees compelling alternatives to the allure of working from home. These experiences should be supported by a variety of amenities that foster a productive, collaborative, and adaptable workforce. Rooted in human-centric design and the principles of health, wellness, and environmental excellence, these workplaces should align with the needs of a future-focused workforce and the broader community.
Dockline
As landlords and tenants look to establish core design principles that incorporate measurable metrics promoting human-centric, social, and environmental design experiences, various organisations and accreditations offer tangible roadmaps toward these commendable objectives.
The WELL Building Standard is one such example, providing a design framework centered on human experience, health and well-being, community, and social value.
WELL Building Standard – A Brief Overview
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. The standard covers areas from air and water provision to nourishment, light and movement, thermal comfort, sound and material selection. Access to biophilia and art are also key considerations and in conjunction with core prerequisites drive workplace designs that foster experiences which bridge the divide between home and office.
Delivering Experience Through Wellness
MCA has completed multiple projects incorporating the principles of WELL, securing value for both tenants and building owners.
Iconic Offices – The Lennox Building
At the Lennox Building, completed in collaboration with Iconic Offices, MCA Architects assisted in the delivery of a flexible working environment that feels more boutique hotel than commercial office.
An eclectic palette of natural materials forms the backdrop for works by local artists including KinMx, Ominous Omin and Finbar McHugh, ensuring this adaptable workplace delivers a unique, hospitality experience to its valued members.
Community areas are strategically located in premium spaces and support initiatives that promote healthier choices, active movement, and mindfulness. Meanwhile, highly adaptable offices allow for the reconfiguration of spaces as needed and provide immediate access to focus rooms, phone booths, and meeting facilities.
Founded on the principles of WELL, the Lennox Building attracts a dynamic community of innovative businesses and entrepreneurial individuals. Its high-end hospitality experience providing connection, luxury, comfort, and cool.
The project’s success is demonstrated by the numerous awards and accreditations received by Iconic Offices, including:
- International Property Awards Europe - Best Office Development Ireland
- Fitout Awards - Fit out project of the Year - Office New Build
- WELL V2 Gold Accreditation
Dockline
At Dockline, a comprehensive approach was adopted. The complete refurbishment and retrofit of a five-story commercial office development in Dublin’s IFSC provided an opportunity to revitalise the existing structure and create a campus-wide experience grounded in the principles of sustainability, well-being, community, and social value.
By retaining the existing concrete structure and decorative stone cladding, and incorporating high-performance façades, air conditioning, and lighting systems, this ‘cut and carve’ approach established a foundation for further sustainable interventions and initiatives, ultimately creating a community-focused workspace experience.
Consolidating the various existing entrance receptions into a single central arrival point unifies the building and enhances its identity and brand within the streetscape. This is a critical step in establishing brand recognition and creating an intuitive, memorable experience.
Upon entry, a spacious new working hub offers south-facing views and direct access to a woodland landscaped courtyard. This area features native planting interspersed with quiet seating areas and bespoke sculptures, providing a haven for mindfulness in the city centre location.
A new double height volume adjoining the courtyard further emphasises a direct connection to nature, biophilia, daylight and art, offering a unique experience and an enviable amenity to occupiers.
Achieving LEED Platinum accreditation, the refurbished building was fully leased upon completion. Tenants expressing their commitment to sustainable performance and the health and well-being of their valued workforce.
Oscar Castaneda, Asset Manager at Credit Suisse, remarking:
“We managed to give new life to an older building and put in the best green standards that we possibly could. That was reflected in the successful leasing.”
Dockline has achieved much recognition with industry awards including:
- Building and Architect of the Year Awards - Sustainability Award for a Single Building or Development - Winner
- Net Zero Awards - Towards Net Zero Carbon Award - Highly Commended
- SEAI Energy Awards – Enegry in Buildings – Finalist
- LEED Platinum Accreditation
The influence of health and wellness, combined with a focus on community integration and social value, is clearly shaping the future office experience. ‘In-office’ days are being redefined as opportunities for connection, social interaction, and collaborative engagement. In a challenging market, real estate that can provide adaptable, human-centric workspaces, responsive to social value, is well-positioned to meet future demand as we continue to transition to new work practices.