Working Well

This brief asks you to propose an architectural or interior design solution that supports a change in the way people work or a new way of using or allocating workplace. Your solution should demonstrate a strong understanding of mental health and wellbeing in working environments – and you can focus on any working environment or occupation anywhere in the world: from start-ups to big business, across different industries and sectors, from schools and hospitals to offices, agencies and factories. Whatever you choose to focus on, it is essential that your response is informed by strong human-centred research and insights. The impact of good design on wellbeing and productivity has been well-evidenced. At the same time, social changes and technological advancements are reimagining work and changing the requirements of ‘workplace’ design. For many the workplace now goes beyond a single building, as activity-based working, field-based working, remote working, flexible and freelance working are on the rise. Working Well: Design a vision and an architectural solution for a way to promote greater wellbeing when people are at work, wherever that work takes place, that will contribute to higher productivity and better overall mental health. This should explore the future of workplace by focusing on the design of a particular site (this can be a floor, a small building, or an intervention at urban scale). (plans, sections, elevations, 3D visuals, exploded and axonometric drawings, physical model of the proposed design) Written 250 words concept summary; o Identified user, social context and commercial use; o Schedule of accommodation and diagram; o Physical prototypes – testing of idea; o Developed plans to scale; o Developed sections to scale; o Outline interior and exterior visuals; o Explanatory diagrams of the concept with user scenario; o Defined precedents; o Materials, technology, finishes and construction studies