A coherent work strategy

A nationally recognized regional health system, UW Health was looking to expand their information capabilities by centralizing staff within a single building. Previously scattered across multiple facilities, the overarching vision was an integrated facility that functions as a singular, seamless workplace with transparency and visibility prevalent throughout to support easy connections, open communication, and continuous collaboration.

This partial renovation and fit-out of leased space consolidates 500 employees from three separate facilities into a new, nearly 90,000-square-foot central location spanning three floors. While significant changes to the existing core and shell of the building were deemed unnecessary, Flad designed flexible floor plans to ensure efficient and functional workspaces in an environment that encourages employee engagement and interaction.

Each floor incorporates a neighborhood approach to create zones of collaboration and individual work for the various organizational groups. The "Living Office" concept created a variety of work points where staff could work independently or collaborate in a meeting setting. As a component of these work points, each floor houses a central plaza providing kitchen and prep areas along with lounge and table seating to help facilitate communication and encourage diverse methods of interaction.

Featuring an open floor plan with an organic layout of workspaces, the entire office environment promotes visibility. Workstations are organized in clusters to accommodate typical team sizes of four to six people. The furniture is flexible enough to be reconfigured by the users should the need arise, and each workstation features sit-to-stand technology to support an ergonomic and comfortable work environment.

Utilizing white and light, neutral tones throughout the building provides a highly modern and pleasing aesthetic. The finish palette incorporates an accent color that reflects the carpet tile, accent paint, and furniture fabrics. Saturated accent colors were strategically selected to aid in wayfinding and liven the space.

To maximize a healthy working environment and promote work-life balance, a variety of lounge space is integrated throughout the facility for casual conversation and quiet breaks. Employees can also enjoy a fitness center, locker rooms with showers, and bicycle commuting amenities.

Because of the success of this unassigned workplace model, UW Health has adopted the facility's design as its new standard for non-clinical staff, utilizing the layout at many of its other sites.