Raisbeck, P (2019) Space oddity: Spatial design strategies and work place design. In: Gorse, C and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 35th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2019, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
Spatial considerations are critical to the area of workplace design. However, what are the different spatial logics at play in the negotiation and design of space in new workplaces? If a spatial logics can be discerned in the socio-material practices that shape workplaces what does this logics indicate about productivity and value? These questions are explored via an examination of nine corporate workplace projects in Australia. Through semi-structured interviews with the sponsors, managers and designers the design and planning practices related to these projects are outlined. Alongside these interviews, the strategic, organisational, user demographic, building type, and existing spatial contexts for each project is described.Spatial logics can be defined as a set of socio-material practices, rituals and technologies that shape spatial artefacts. Spatial logics provides a schema for understanding the spatial organising principles of workplaces and is in contrast to the positivist and object orientation of space syntax theory. This contrast emphasises and extends Institutional Logics theory through a consideration of spatial design strategies in workplaces.The spatial logics model accounts for a range of reasoning schemas including the debates that arise over how to design workplaces— for example, open vs. closed— and best measure workplace design outcomes. A model of spatial logics related to workplaces suggests that several co-existing, nested and layered factors are at play in workplace design. Spatial logics in workplace design is governed by concepts of strategy, leadership, corporate metrics, organisational change, emerging technologies, and flexible work patterns. The spatial logics model also addresses issues of precarious employment and the temporal discontinuity in work as a result of the digital transformation of work practices. The spatial logics model of workplace design indicates how different concepts of design value and productivity can either co-exist or cancel each other out.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | offices; workplace design; productivity; institutional logics; spatial logics. |
| Index terms: | productivity, employment, strategy, space syntax, designer, transformation, Australia, reasoning, manager, institutional logic, organizational change, interview, design strategy, negotiation, emerging technology, work practice, artefact, workplace design |
| Subjects: | innovation and technology management, business, data collection methods, profession, practitioner, design methods, cognitive psychology, sociology, conflict resolution, design practice, theoretical framing, management, urban design, Geography |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Human Resources, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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