The renowned city living advocate Jane Jacobs championed the idea of cities as living ecosystems,
advocating that a community-based approach to city planning and mixed-use neighborhoods are
a way to bring out the vibrancy of communities and enrich the lives of those who live there. Similary, our workplaces can be considered as a mixed-used place inclusive of different use purposes.
Community-based office interior design refers to a design philosophy that fosters a sense of connection, inclusivity, and collaboration among employees. Unlike the traditional office model, which often emphasizes individual workstations and hierarchical layouts, community-based design focuses on creating spaces that encourage interaction, creativity, and collective well-being. It incorporates open spaces, multifunctional areas, and flexible layouts that can easily adapt to the diverse needs of employees.
What are the benefits? We can summarize them in the following:
1. Improved collaboration and innovation
2. Better employee engagement and retention
3. Greater flexibility and resilience
4. Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity
We can implement community-based design in our office design and planning by consisering Urban Planning methodology and create different “zones” in the office:
- City Center
A social hub that is the heart of the community — a centralized connection point that draws people in to help them build bonds and trust. - Neighborhood
A home base for individuals and teams — a place where the heads down work gets done and teams stay connected. - Business District
A diverse range of shared spaces where people come together to meet, share, brainstorm and collaborate — an environment that sparks creativity and innovation. - Urban Parks
Community destinations for people to find refuge and respite — a place to renew and care for their wellbeing. - University Districts
Communal area dedicated to individual and group learning that supports both structured and informal experiences — places to foster a culture of lifelong learning.
Community-based design is about far more than making an office look aesthetically pleasing—it’s about crafting a workspace that fosters a strong sense of belonging, engagement, and purpose. For companies, the benefits of this kind of workspace extend beyond employee satisfaction. Such environments encourage a healthier work culture, increase collaboration, and attract and retain top talent by creating a space where people want to be.
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