04.C CORPORATE
Air quality, thermal control, daylight, lighting, acoustics, design layout, biophillic elements and aesthetic appeal are the key factors for consideration.
People are the biggest cost in a building and usually account for 90% of running costs.The health and well- being of employees is significant. The average employee will spend a third of their working life at work. Evidence (World Green Building Council 2016) is growing on how good design impacts positively in the workplace. Research also highlights that companies are able to recuperate initial costs spent improving the workplace by the resultant increase in productivity, reduced sick leave and improved teamwork. Air quality, thermal control, daylight, lighting, acoustics, design layout, biophillic elements and aesthetic appeal are the key factors for consideration.
Furniture Many contemporary offices have ergonomically designed furniture. Swivel chairs with back supports have been a legal requirement for some time, and now there is a big emphasis on using standing desks to counteract the potential negative effects of sitting for long periods of time. Standing rather than sitting burns more calories, can ease back pain, increase energy levels and lower sugar levels. Colour In some respects, an ergonomic approach can be applied to the wall space. White walls can achieve a minimalist look and act as a blank canvas for corporate branding but in some cases white walls with intense blue lighting can appear stark and increase the risk of migraine. Certain colours aremore restful for the eye to gaze upon after staring at a computer for long periods of time.
Midtoned colours can ease the after image effect.
Colour can tell a story and emphasise the values of a company. Darker colours are regarded as serious and offer luxury. Brighter colours are energetic while lighter colours are softer and quieter. In the workplace we can use colour as a tool to change the perception of temperature, create a statement, or not, and offer simplicity instead.
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