CRITICAL STATEMENT
‘The Secret Life of Buildings’ highlights that, “We spend 85% of our lives inside.” This information inspired us to incorporate natural elements in our HABlab, ‘bringing the outside in’. The documentaries showed that plants significantly improve the wellbeing and productivity of office workers. Changeable work environments increase productivity. This is reflected in our furniture, stored in the walls, but easily assembled when required. Workspaces should have plenty natural light, as a lack of light causes depression and anxiety. Open plan office spaces are unproductive, while cosy spaces can increase concentration and high ceilings reduce stress. HeadSpace is a small, cosy space, with the tilt increasing the ceiling height and directing the large window towards the sky.
Further research indicates classical music boosts productivity, thus inspiring the sound system. HeadSpace is a faraday cage, blocking out phone and internet signals, creating a digital blackout without distractions. The colours used within HeadSpace are the four colours of productivity.
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In forming the initial ideas behind HeadSpace, I felt that my team took quality inspiration from the documentaries, sharing our notes and insights. Along with our additional research, this information on productivity formed a strong basis for developing our ideas, making every element of the design increase productivity.
In building our HABlab prototype, we had access to materials including MDF, cardboard and wood. Everyone in the team contributed towards purchasing the grass, black fabric, paint, etcetera. Whilst the HABlab turned out fantastically, it would have been nice to see the tinfoil as a mirror and the cardboard furniture as a useable prototype.
The final stages of the project found us planning our team presentation within the finished HABlab, using the space we had made for thinking and expanding upon ideas. I felt we had a successful discussion within our HABlab, minimising the noise and distraction from the rest of the studio.
Sticky note board of the team's insights from: 'The Secret Life of Buildings' (pink)
Other research into productivity (yellow)
