A warm, comfortable and industrial looking working space that supports productivity and blends in the existing environment.
FUNCTIONALITY
The space is fully functional for 8 to 11 Electronics Engineers, depending on the desired layout:
•Position of the new double door is kept as proposed, on the central part of the wall, and is directly connected to the existing single door. This way there are two functional wholes with minimal contention during movement in the lab. (Please take a look at Movement and Connectedness Schema of Lab with the Building)
•Currently there are 8 workbenches, with possibility of adding additional workbenches, as well as additional storage. Please take a look at all the various layouts for adding workbenches when number of employees/workstations is increased, as well as when storage is added (Please take a look at Floor Plan and Possibilities of Furniture Placement)
•Long and deep workbenches, size 63" x 34", with integrated shelving for equipment storage are chosen. Chosen benches, as well as shelves, can be adjusted by height. It is also possible to put 3 rows of shelves and maximize the height of the space and organize it in a way that suits the user of the bench. Bench space for setting up typical test equipment and workbench is more than enough for monitor, keyboard and mouse for docking computer when working. (Please take a look at Furniture List)
•Communication between employees is essential criteria that were met by the table layout. There are two parallel rows of workbenches, and the chairs are not in the same line - instead, they are shifted by one place in order to provide a larger movement area (Please take a look at Floor Plan and Possibilities of Furniture Placement)
•In the room at the North end of the space large equipment, such as an environmental chamber and 3D printer, is placed. Access to that room was achieved using sliding door in order to maximize usable space.
•Adequate lighting for working with small components is used: white color of ceiling lights and each workbench has a lamp specialized for work with small components.
•Each workbench has possibility to attach white writable board for taking notes. In the presentation area larger part of the wall is writeable. There is an attached monitor/TV on the wall with a wall mount (it is possible to move the TV around).
•Chairs are ergonomic (Please take a look at Furniture list).
STYLE THAT FITS WITH THE REST OF THE BUILDING
Chosen finishes are similar with existing ones in order to look like the rest of the building:
1)Color of the floor and the existing door is kept as it is already red. It is warm and friendly color and perfectly fits into the new lab furniture, walls and ceiling. Red color encourages socializing and is present on the restaurant wall and doors.
2)All newly built walls are brick walls in order to improve similarity with the existing open office and provide even more friendly and productive environment. They are applied in spaces where the effect of relaxation and accessibility is desired; this is a detail inspired by the open office.
3)Existing white walls are kept as they are.
4)Ceiling is see-through grid type ceiling so you could avoid bringing fire sprinklers into the room and more lights could be easily installed. It is black and substituted on 10’ height in order to avoid "narrow corridor" effect. "Narrow corridor" effect occurs when walls seem “too high” and “too narrow” and can create discomfort because of proportions of the Lab 13’ x 46’. 10’ is the maximal recommended height which corrects proportions, avoids the “narrow corridor” effect and makes the person feel comfortable. Windows that stretch from side to side, high above new double door also help avoid this effect and also provide some additional light. Black color of the substituted ceiling connects this space to the open office space.
5)Workbenches and chairs are same color like tables and chairs in the open office- also inspired by the open office. Neutral colors were chosen so that the workbench, on which many items will usually be placed, won’t look overcrowded.
