Kareena Sankreacha

Rationale and Design Narrative

The pace and connectivity of modern business have created an urgent need for flexible, social workspaces that appeal to employees. Modern small businesses, start-ups, and freelancers are looking for environments that can drive productivity while also providing ample networking opportunities. In addition, burnout and fatigue are being recognized as serious productivity drains. By focusing on natural forms and biophilic design, Pinnacle provides the flexibility of a co-working space within a reassuring and mental health-positive environment.

Design Connection to Research

Beyond providing a flexible and collaborative work environment, Pinnacle implements biophilic and spatial separation design strategies to promote users’ mental health and wellbeing. Biophilic design involves reconnecting users with nature by incorporating biophilic elements, which include access to natural light, greenery, natural ventilation, nature imagery, and materials that mimic natural surfaces. Using biophilic design in an office environment supports workers’ happiness, reduces stress, and improves physical and mental wellbeing. Spatial Separation challenges the open-concept office model by reintroducing forms such as corridors, full walls, half walls, covered walkways, colour blocking, and dropped ceilings into the workplace. Doing so makes the resulting environment better at supporting employee concentration and social interaction.

Character of Space

The interior forms, inspired by topography, create a whimsical and dynamic interior that encourages exploration and cultivates moments of spontaneous conversation. Dispersed rooms create pockets of open and closed space, and define non-linear walkways that coverage at meeting points. The warm wood tones, light finishes, and ample greenery create a light and airy environment that is warm and inviting. Finally, the arced forms used for portals mimic the heritage brickwork of the surrounding architecture. Dividing between core spaces provides a sense of structure that pleasingly contrasts the loose and flexible nature of a co-working environment.

Program Consideration

To develop an efficient and flexible interior environment keyspaces were organized between the three floors based on privacy and acoustic levels. The basement floor features more community-oriented spaces for both members and guests, as well as general facilities. The basement level is primarily open to allow for gatherings or presentations. On the ground floor are the administration office, reception, the main kitchen, and some meeting rooms. Members and guests have access to both floors and can rent out space on each. Finally, the second floor is only accessible to members, and staff, creating a space segregated for privacy and acoustic comfort. Pinnacle supports three types of working spaces based on membership tiers: hot desks, flexible workspaces, and dedicated desks. Adding to that are meeting and lounge areas dispersed throughout the second floor.